Jess Gillam

Jess Gillam is a celebrated British saxophonist and BBC Radio broadcaster known for her infectious enthusiasm and exhilarating performances. As well as performing with some of the world’s leading orchestras, Gillam also tours with her own ensemble demonstrating the dynamism and versatility of the saxophone.

Born in Ulverston, Cumbria on May 24th, 1998, Gillam shot to fame as the first saxophonist to reach the finals of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition (2016) and subsequently as the youngest soloist to perform at the Last Night of the Proms (2018). Her career has since been punctuated by a host of pioneering achievements including being the youngest ever presenter on BBC Radio 3, launching her own weekly show This Classical Life in April 2019, and the first saxophonist to sign with Decca records.

Passionate about the power of music in society, Gillam famously formed the Virtual Scratch Orchestra during the Coronavirus pandemic, inviting musicians of all ages and abilities from all around the world to perform together virtually during lockdown. She is currently Artist in Association at the Royal Albert Hall and in 2021 was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to music.