BBC Young Musician Final for Jess
Yanagisawa Saxophones and Vandoren UK Reeds are delighted to announce that award winning saxophonist endorsee Jess Gillam has won a place in the final of this year’s BBC Young Musician of the Year competition. Seventeen year old Jess gave another outstanding performance of Pequena Czarda (Itturalde), Fujiko (Andy Scott) and Sonata, 1st movt. (Phil Woods) that saw her progress to the final alongside two other young finalists.
With over 450 entries into this year’s competition, Jess’ achievement of reaching the final three demonstrates her remarkable talent and dedication. This talent was recognised early on when Jess became the youngest ever endorsee for Yanagisawa Saxophones at the age of 13.
Jess has played Yanagisawa Custom Engraved AWO20 Alto and S901U Un-lacquered Soprano Saxophones and used Vandoren reeds, ligatures and saxophone slings throughout the competition. She states, “I choose to play Yanagisawa Saxophones for their ability to produce such a warm, rounded and human sound whilst being reliable and easy to play.”
Jess started playing saxophone aged seven. Her impressive list of achievements include performing as a concerto soloist with the Worthing Symphony Orchestra and a guest appearance with Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.
Jess impressed judges Meriug Bowen - Director of the Cheltenham Music Festival, Alpesh Chauhan - Assistant Coordinator at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Huw Humphreys - Head of Music at London’s Barbican Centre. She has recently been studying with saxophonist, composer, conductor and record producer John Harle and will be taught by composer and educator Rob Buckland at the Royal Northern College of Music from September this year.
The BBC Young Musician of the Year Final will be broadcast on BBC Four on Sunday 15th May with performances also broadcast on BBC Radio 3.