Birth

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May 24, 1998 in Ulverston, Cumbria, England

 

Jess Gillam is a British saxophonist who has made a name for herself in the classical music world. Born on May 26, 1998, in Ulverston, Cumbria, England, Gillam grew up in a musical family. Her father played the guitar, and her mother was a singer. She started playing the saxophone at the age of seven and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Gillam attended Ulverston Victoria High School, where she was a member of the school's jazz band. She also played in the Cumbria Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Wind Orchestra of Great Britain. In 2016, she was awarded the Woodwind Final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition, which helped to launch her career. Since then, Gillam has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican Centre, and the Berlin Philharmonic. She has also collaborated with a range of musicians, from classical pianist Yuja Wang to pop star Ed Sheeran. One of Gillam's most notable performances was at the Last Night of the Proms in 2018. She was the first saxophonist to perform at the event, and her rendition of Milhaud's "Scaramouche" was met with a standing ovation. The performance was broadcast live on BBC television and radio, and it helped to cement Gillam's reputation as one of the most exciting young musicians in the UK. Gillam has also won a number of awards for her performances. In 2018, she was named the Classic BRIT Awards' Sound of Classical poll winner, and she was also awarded the Sky Arts Breakthrough Artist of the Year award. In 2019, she was awarded the ECHO Klassik Award for Best Newcomer of the Year. In addition to her performing career, Gillam is also a passionate advocate for music education. She has worked with a number of organizations to promote music in schools, including the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and the charity Music for Youth. She has also spoken out about the importance of music education in interviews and public appearances. Gillam's repertoire is diverse, ranging from classical works to jazz and pop. She has recorded two albums, "Rise" and "Time," which showcase her versatility as a musician. "Rise" features a mix of classical and contemporary works, including pieces by John Williams and Michael Nyman. "Time" is a more personal album, featuring works that have inspired Gillam throughout her life. Overall, Jess Gillam is a talented and versatile musician who has made a significant impact on the classical music world. Her performances have been praised for their technical skill and emotional depth, and she has become a role model for young musicians around the world. With her passion for music education and her commitment to pushing the boundaries of classical music, Gillam is sure to continue making waves in the years to come.

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