Jess Gillam, saxophone & Thomas Weaver, piano

The brilliant English saxophonist Jess Gillam will make her International Artist Series debut to close out the 2024-2025 International Artist Series. At just 25 years old, Gillam is already animating the music world with her exceptional talent and infectious personality. A free spirit in style and character, Gillam shot to fame as the first saxophone player to reach the finals of BBC

Young Musician competition, and then the youngest ever soloist to perform at the Last Night of the Proms. Passionate about inspiring and bringing joy to people through music, Gillam invites audiences on journeys of musical discovery through her eclectic programming and captivating performances.

Gillam, who already has an exclusive recording contract with Decca Classics, has become quite the media personality in the U.K. with her weekly show for BBC Radio 3, This Classical Life. Currently the Artist-in-Association with the Royal Albert Hall in London, Gillam also made an impressive Twin Cities debut with the Minnesota Orchestra on New Year’s Eve 2019.

In her  wide-ranging International Artist Series program, Gillam makes a powerful case for the saxophone’s adaptability, performing works by baroque composers alongside masters of the modern era such as Barbara Thompson, John Harle and Philip Woods. Gillam’s infectious stage presence and passion for classical and non-classical music creates a powerful connection with audiences. This is a debut performance you won’t want to miss!