Music

Jess Gillam Ensemble at Christmas

10th Dec 25, 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Location: Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, Heslington, York YO10 5DB
Jess Gillam Ensemble 540x304
About

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 CarolSilent 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!

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