Jess Gillam Ensemble at Christmas
Wednesday 10th December 2025, 7:30 PM, Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall, University of York, York, YO10 5DD.
Programme
Claude Debussy – Clair de Lune, arr. Simon Parkin/JGE
Duke Ellington – Caravan
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach – Flute Concerto in A minor, H.431: Allegro Assai
David Bowie – Life on Mars
Performers
Jess Gillam – Saxophone
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 Christmassy 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 Carol, Silent 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!
‘A true inspiration … she frankly rocks’ (Huffington Post)