Saxophonist Jess Gillam will perform at the Last Night of the Proms.
The 19-year-old, who made her Proms début last year, will join Sir Andrew Davis and the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 8 September.
‘I found out about being asked to perform at the Last Night a few months ago and it’s been very difficult to keep it quiet,’ she said. ‘I feel extremely honoured to have been asked to play at such a prestigious event and I can’t wait for the concert! I felt there was such an incredible atmosphere last year – it was electric so I can’t begin to imagine how this will feel!
‘I’m playing Milhaud’s Scaramouche, which is an absolute joy to perform. It consists of three contrasting movements – the first being lively and bright, the second very beautiful and gentle and the third fantastically energetic and reminiscent of a carnival. I first began playing saxophone, aged 7, in the Barracudas carnival band and it will be fantastic to perform music of a similar spirit at a concert like this. The piece was written to be performed at the Théâtre Scaramouche, which specialised in plays and productions specifically for children.’
Jess, who’s in her second year, will also perform as part of the BBC Young Musician 40th Anniversary concert on 19 July, which features alums Andrew Gourlay (conductor) and Adrian Spillett (percussion).
