Jess Gillam Ensemble at Christmas

Event details

Programme to include:
CPE Bach   Allegro Assai from Flute Concerto in A minor, Wq. 166, arr. Simon Parkin
David Bowie   Life on Mars, arr. Alistair Vennart
Corelli   Variations on La Folia, arr. Poxon/Parkin
James Blake   Retrograde, arr. Benjamin Rimmer
Debussy   Clair de Lune, arr. Simon Parkin/JGE
Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol   Caravan, arr. Harry Backer/JGE
Barbara Strozzi   Che si può fare, arr. Alastair Vennart
Michael Nyman   Chasing Sheep is Best Left to Shepherds, arr. Peter Riley

Experience the saxophone as you have never heard it before. In this festive programme, Jess Gillam celebrates the dynamism, diversity and emotional power of one of the world’s most versatile instruments, throwing in a few Christmasy and wintery delights along the way. While rooted in classical music, the programme offers an expansive and explosive exploration of a vast array of music – from the groove of Michael Nyman and Corelli to barnstorming tunes by the Danish String Quartet and Barbara Thompson, as well as the soaring beauty of festive favourites like Coventry Carol, Silent Night, Ella Fitzgerald’s The Secret of Christmas and some wassailing for good measure.

A saxophonist playing Bach to Bowie and Nyman to Ellington backed up by a string quartet, piano, bass and percussion might sound pretty strange on paper, but with her seven-piece band, treasured pair of saxophones and passion for connecting with audiences, Jess Gillam meticulously crafts a programme that pulls on the common threads found in music from across the centuries to deliver a high-octane, enchanting evening that will leave you ready for the festive season, beaming from ear to ear!

‘A true inspiration … she frankly rocks’ (Huffington Post)