The Jess Gillam Ensemble is a classical music ensemble founded by British saxophonist Jess Gillam in 2019. The ensemble comprises a group of talented young musicians who share a passion for classical music and a desire to push the boundaries of the genre. Jess Gillam, the founder and leader of the ensemble, is a rising star in the classical music world. Born in 1998 in Ulverston, Cumbria, Gillam began playing the saxophone at the age of seven. She quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument and went on to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. Gillam's career took off in 2016 when she became the first saxophonist to reach the final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition. Although she did not win the competition, her performance was widely praised and she was hailed as a rising star in the classical music world. Since then, Gillam has gone on to perform at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican Centre, and the Berlin Philharmonie. She has also collaborated with a number of leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. In 2019, Gillam founded the Jess Gillam Ensemble, bringing together a group of talented young musicians to explore the possibilities of classical music. The ensemble comprises Gillam on saxophone, alongside violinist Elena Urioste, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason, and percussionist David Danzmayr. The ensemble's debut performance took place at the Cheltenham Music Festival in July 2019, where they performed a program of classical and contemporary music. The performance was widely praised, with critics hailing the ensemble's energy, passion, and technical skill. Since then, the Jess Gillam Ensemble has gone on to perform at a number of major festivals and venues, including the BBC Proms, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Royal Festival Hall. They have also collaborated with a number of leading composers, including Mark-Anthony Turnage and John Harle. One of the highlights of the ensemble's career so far was their performance at the BBC Proms in 2019. The ensemble performed a program of classical and contemporary music, including works by Bach, Piazzolla, and Turnage. The performance was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. The Jess Gillam Ensemble has also been recognized with a number of awards and accolades. In 2020, they were awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Young Artists Award, which recognizes outstanding young musicians and ensembles. The award was a testament to the ensemble's talent and dedication to classical music. Overall, the Jess Gillam Ensemble is a dynamic and exciting ensemble that is pushing the boundaries of classical music. With their passion, energy, and technical skill, they are sure to continue to captivate audiences around the world for years to come.

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