You must be living under a saxophone shaped rock in classical music land to not have heard of the incredible talent & rising star that is Jess Gillam. 

Jess, alongside being an impeccable saxophonist, hosts a weekly BBC 3 radio show called This Classical Life (fully recommended!) and is also one of Manchester Camerata’s artistic partners – hooray!

We managed to grab Jess from her extremely busy schedule to ask her 5 quick questions ahead of her concert with us later this month!

What got you first into music? – I started playing saxophone when I was 7 in a Carnival Band (the Barracudas) in Cumbria where I’m from!

What are you listening to right now? I’m loving the new Michael Kiwanuka album (KIWANUKA), a lot of Dusty Springfield, Nyman, Anna Meredith and David Bowie (who is just a constant!)

Who would you most like to collaborate with? It would have been David Bowie but very sadly no more.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to? I saw Henning Kraggerud perform Four Seasons a while ago and that was absolutely incredible, he completely embodies and personifies the music.

Least favourite musical instrument? That’s so tough! Maybe a recorder in the wrong hands

….we couldn’t agree more Jess!

Catch Jess play alongside Callum Smart later this month at our spring celebration of energy in nature – Where the Bee dances.

Thursday 26 March, 7:30pm The Stoller Hall. Tickets from £23 (£5 students) ON SALE NOW