Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham NG1 5ND
JS Bach Prelude from Partita no. 3 in E major
CPE Bach Allegro Assai from Concerto in A minor
Bartók Dances from Transylvannia
MacMillan Saxophone Concerto
Kate Bush Jig of Life
Sidney Bechet Petite Fleur
Reich Electric Counterpoint (movt. III, Fast)
Gershwin Lullaby
Joni Mitchell Both Sides Now
Donald Grant Bha la eile ann
Trad. Swallowtail Jig
Harle RANT!
after Benny Goodman Sing, Sing, Sing
Fantasia Orchestra makes its debut at the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, with long-time collaborator and friend of the orchestra Jess Gillam (saxophone).
With her electrifying performances and vibrant stage presence, Jess has lit up the world’s biggest stages since becoming the youngest ever soloist to perform at the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall. Equally at home behind the microphone, Jess’s award-winning weekly show, This Classical Life, on BBC Radio 3 is now in its seventh season.
A passionate advocate for her instrument, Jess is the only saxophonist to have signed to Decca Classics. Both her albums have reached No. 1 in the UK Classical Music Charts and her debut album, Rise, was listed in The Times’ Top 100 albums of 2019. She’s been the recipient of a Classic BRIT Award, a The Times Breakthrough Award nominee and was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2021.
Rooted in classical music but taking inspiration from different musical worlds, this programme mixes JS Bach with Kate Bush and Steve Reich with Joni Mitchell in a dazzling display of Jess’s virtuosity and Fantasia’s joyful spirit.
Hailing from Ulverston in Cumbria, Jess is blazing a trail in the music world with her outstanding talent and infectious personality.
Hailing from Ulverston in Cumbria, Jess has been forging her own adventurous path since she shot to fame becoming the first saxophonist to reach the finals of BBC Young Musician and the youngest ever soloist to perform at the Last Night of the Proms.
As well as performing around the world, Jess is a presenter on TV and Radio and was the youngest ever presenter for BBC Radio 3.
Tom is Fantasia's Conductor & Artistic Director.
Tom Fetherstonhaugh is Artistic Director of Fantasia Orchestra, which he founded in 2016.
Alongside Fantasia, in the 25/26 season Tom returns to the BBC Philharmonic, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia, Manchester Camerata, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, and Ulster Orchestra.
Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham NG1 5ND