Date: July 8, 2025
Time: 20:00 (8:00 PM)
Title: Jess Gillam Ensemble
Location: Mýtna 1
Organizer: Large Concert Studio of Slovak Radio, Bratislava
July 8, 2025, 8:00 PM – Slovak Radio (Veľké koncertné štúdio)
Jess Gillam Ensemble
Jess Gillam, a saxophone star of the new generation, is one of the most prominent personalities on the contemporary music scene. She was the first saxophonist in history to reach the finals of the prestigious BBC Young Musician competition and became the youngest ever soloist to perform at the BBC Proms closing concert.
In addition to her international concert career, she is also a radio and TV presenter. On BBC Radio 3, she hosts her own show This Classical Life, aimed at making classical music accessible to a wider audience, for which she received the ARIA Award for Best Music Programme.
Jess Gillam is a resident artist at the Royal Albert Hall and the first saxophonist in history to sign an exclusive contract with the renowned Decca Classics label. In 2021, she was awarded the M.B.E. (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her contribution to music.
As an ambassador for BBC Proms, BBC Young Musician, and a patron of several music foundations, she actively supports young musicians. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with leading orchestras such as NDR Radiophilharmonie, Munich Philharmonic, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Iceland Symphony Orchestra, and Minnesota Orchestra.
She is also deeply engaged in chamber music with her own Jess Gillam Ensemble, which offers a fresh and stylistically diverse perspective on classical music, blending it with contemporary and popular genres.
Jess Gillam will introduce this unique ensemble to the Bratislava audience:
“I’m really excited to be visiting Slovakia for the first time and to be performing here. At the exceptional Viva Musica! festival, I will bring my Jess Gillam Ensemble, and together we will present an evening celebrating the saxophone in all its beauty – featuring music from C. P. E. Bach to James Blake, from Nadia Boulanger to Michael Nyman and more. We can’t wait to welcome you to this energetic and musically rich concert.”
– Jess Gillam
Performers:
- Jess Gillam Ensemble
- Jess Gillam – saxophone & artistic direction
- Ellie Consta – violin
- Michael Jones – violin
- Eoin Schmidt-Martin – viola
- Gabriella Swallow – cello
- Elsa Bradley – percussion
- Sam Becker – double bass
- Leif Kaner-Lidström – piano
(Photo © Robin Clewley)
Program and performer changes reserved.
More info: www.vivamusica.sk
Donor Ticket:
We’ve reserved the best seats in the house for you! For four of our concerts at the Large Concert Studio of Slovak Radio, you can purchase a special donor ticket. This ticket supports the festival beyond the standard price and helps us continue our mission of creating and delivering exceptional musical experiences. The price of the standard ticket is increased by a donation of €20. Limited number of seats available. Thank you for your support.
Discounts:
- 50% for persons with disabilities and their assistants
- 20% for seniors 65+, pupils, students, holders of ISIC, ITIC, and Euro<26 cards