Award-winning saxophonist, Jess Gillam, joins Fantasia Orchestra for two nights at Wells Cathedral.

We are pleased to welcome Jess Gillam and Fantasia Orchestra, with their conductor Tom Fetherstonhaugh, to perform at Wells Cathedral on Friday and Saturday September 17 and 18.

About Jess:

Hailing from Ulverston in Cumbria, Jess Gillam is animating the music world with her outstanding talent and infectious personality, bringing classical music to new audiences through world class live performances, television and radio.

In 2016, Jess became the first saxophonist to reach the final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year.

Since then, she has gone on to play at other world renowned events, including the 2018 Last Night of the Proms, in which her performance was described as "the indisputable highlight" by BBC News.

Jess is the youngest ever presenter for BBC Radio 3, hosting her own weekly show, and is the first saxophonist to be signed to Decca Classics. Her latest album, TIME, can be found here.

"Jess Gillam... lighting up the hall with her seemingly effortless virtuosity and limitless expressiveness. Gillam is all set for stardom: to listen is to love her."

The Arts Desk

About Fantasia Orchestra:

Founded in 2016 by conductor Tom Fetherstonhaugh, Fantasia Orchestra is formed of some of the country's most exciting young musicians.

The orchestra's thrilling and varied concerts showcase classical and contemporary music-making of the highest level.

Formed of talented young musicians at the start of their musical careers, Fantasia Orchestra tackles a broad and eclectic range of repertoire with fresh, youthful, and energetic vigour, breathing new life into old works and celebrating new ones.

Recent highlights during the Covid-19 pandemic include Tasmin Little's final concerto performances and Dvorak's Cello Concerto with 2016 BBC Young Musician winner Sheku Kanneh-Mason at Wells Cathedral.

This performance will be Fantasia's third appearance in Wells Cathedral, and we are very pleased to welcome them back again.

"The most directly emotional music to be experienced live post-lockdown."

The Arts Desk

Proceeds from these concerts support the charitable work of Wells Cathedral.

Please note: Tickets are banded, and seats will be allocated by the cathedral accordingly to allow for households/bubbles to be sufficiently socially distanced from each other. Thank you for patience and understanding.