Jess Gillam is known for her electrifying performances, vibrant stage presence, and magnetic personality. Described as ‘uniquely mercurial’ (The Times), Jess has been invited to play on the world’s major stages since becoming the youngest ever soloist to perform at the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, London. Equally at home behind the microphone, her award-winning weekly show, This Classical Life, on BBC Radio 3 is now in its seventh season.
She joined the BSO and its Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth at Lighthouse, Poole and Bristol Beacon in Dani Howard’s new Saxophone Concerto. Dani is the BSO’s 2025/26 Celebrated Composer, with the Orchestra performing her music across the year.
The BSO with Jess Gillam and Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth at Bristol Beacon (c) Mark Allan
An advocate for the life-empowering impact of music on young people, Jess visited Poole High School on Wednesday morning, playing music for students and answering lots of questions about her life and career. She was joined by Dani Howard, who was asked about her own musical journey and experience of writing music during the event, which was organised in partnership with SoundStorm Music Education Agency (BCP Council).
Dani wrote her Saxophone Concerto especially for Jess. She shared with the pupils that she usually composes pieces with the individual soloist or orchestra in mind, and this piece was particularly vibrant to reflect Jess’s fabulous character and musical style.
“It has been the most wonderful experience; it’s so aspirational and inspiring for our students. The opportunity to see and hear from a living composer, as well as from the amazing Jess Gillam who is such a huge inspiration and who does so much work and advocacy for young musicians is invaluable.” Belinda Ellicott, Director of Performing Arts, Poole High School
Ahead of a second performance at Bristol Beacon, Jess joined Bristol Drugs Project’s Recovery Orchestra – a weekly group run in partnership with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Sitting in a large circle, with Jess and three BSO musicians among them, the group improvised on themes from the evening’s concert. Led by BSO Associate Musician Dr Jon James, Jess introduced musical phrases, which were then developed by the group. Jess chatted to participants about her life as a musician and spoke of her deep connection to her instrument, which she described as “a friend”. She talked about her early experiences of music-making in street carnivals, and of using music as an outlet – a sentiment that resonated with everyone in the room.
Jess Gillam with members of Bristol Recovery Orchestra (c)Bristol Drugs Project
Members of Bristol Recovery Orchestra returned to watch Jess’s performance alongside the BSO and its Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth that evening.
“What an incredible life affirming experience it was to play alongside Jess Gillam in our workshop yesterday! Jess was so warm and welcoming to all of us, and as a clarinettist myself it was a dream come true to improvise alongside her. Thank you to the BSO and Bristol Beacon for making this happen – BDP Creative Communities is all about opening up access to the arts and this event epitomised this. For some of our members it was their first experience of a symphony orchestra and the day will stay in our collective memory for a long time to come” Sophie Wilsdon, Creative Communities Team Leader, Bristol Drugs Project.
“I loved the creative bravery in the room and was so proud of the three very complete episodes we created together. Jess collaborated and connected so graciously and inspiringly with everyone in the space.” Dr Jon James, BSO Associate Musician
On the Bristol Beacon stage, Jess later revealed to the audience how much her week with the BSO and Mark Wigglesworth had meant. The first classical recording Jess owned was by the BSO, and Mark famously conducted her 2016 performance in the BBC Young Musician Competition final (her first performance with a professional orchestra).
All in all, a very special week of music-making that we’ll remember for a long time.
Jess Gillam and Mark Wigglesworth with the BSO at Bristol Beacon (c)Mark Allan
If you missed Jess Gillam’s performance of Dani Howard’s Saxophone Concerto, catch the Digital Concert recorded at Lighthouse, Poole on 5 November. It’s available to watch online for 30 days here.
To find out more about Bristol Recovery Orchestra and Bristol Drugs Project, visit www.bdp.org.uk – or on socials [Instagram, Facebook]. The group performs its annual Winter Show on Monday 1 December at Bristol’s Trinity Arts Centre, St Judes.
The performances of Dani Howard’s Saxophone Concerto in Poole and Bristol were generously supported by The Marchus Trust.