Jess Gillam: The Saxophonist Bridging Bach to Bowie with the Irish Chamber Orchestra
In a dazzling blend of classical and contemporary music, Irish saxophonist Jess Gillam takes the stage with the renowned Irish Chamber Orchestra (ICO) in a thrilling tour across Galway, Balbriggan, and Limerick. Gillam, who reached the finals of BBC Young Musician and has won a Classical BRIT Award, presents a unique program titled Bach to Bowie from February 6th to 8th.
The ‘Bach to Bowie’ Tour
Over three consecutive nights, Gillam will perform a diverse array of pieces, featuring Mendelssohn’s String Symphony No. 2, Bach’s Concerto in A Minor, Lili Boulanger’s Cantique, and David Bowie’s Life on Mars. This concert series caters to a wide range of musical tastes, offering a perfect evening for music aficionados and newcomers alike.
Tour Dates and Venues:
- Thursday, February 6th: Town Hall Theatre, Galway – 8:00 PM
- Friday, February 7th: The Lark Concert Hall, Balbriggan, Dublin – 7:30 PM
- Saturday, February 8th: University Concert Hall, Limerick – 7:30 PM
Tickets cost €30, €25, €10, or €5, providing affordable options for all budget levels.
An Inside Look at Jess Gillam’s Life and Music
During this tour, Gillam shares her personal journey and artistic inspirations in an exclusive interview. Here’s what she had to say:
Three Things About Jess Gillam
Educational Background: Gillam’s passion for music began at age seven when she started playing saxophone in a carnival band. Her father, an indie rock drummer, played a crucial role in nurturing her musical talent.
Lifestyle on Tour: Gillam cherishes the connections formed during tours but acknowledges the separation from friends. Nonetheless, she enjoys the adventure of exploring different cuisines and cities.
Professional Foundations: Growing up, Gillam worked in her parents’ cafe, developing a love for coffee. Now, she eagerly awaits sampling Ireland’s café culture.
Defining Her Musical Style
When asked to describe her music, Gillam admits it’s hard to pin down. Her style encompasses a broad spectrum, from modern classical to jazz and folk, minimalism, baroque, and classical.
Jess Gillam’s Artistic Influences
Gillam draws inspiration from an eclectic array of artists, each contributing a unique flavor to her work. Her list of inspirations includes the following:
- RAYE
- Sidney Bechet
- Donny McCaslin
- Bach
- Doechii
- David Bowie
- John Harle
- Lankum
- Caroline Shaw
- Aretha Franklin
- Nina Simone
The Early Days
Recalling her first experience at a concert, Gillam remembers a saxophone quartet that expanded her horizons. While she couldn’t pinpoint her very first show, she’ll never forget how it changed her perception of the saxophone. Ghosts of the Tweenies soundtrack may have filled her childhood, but today, she treasures the vinyl version of Cool It Down by Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Current Favourites
According to Gillam, the most current favorite song that she can’t stop listening to is Ain’t No Way by Aretha Franklin. While she won’t reveal her favorite memorable lyric, she shared something truly intriguing about her musical preferences. Gillam wouldn’t want to repeat just one song for the rest of her life, but if she had to, she’d choose Sound and Color by Alabama Shakes. She explains, “It sends you to a different realm, and I think you’d need that with one song on repeat!”
How to Connect with Jess Gillam
Follow Jess Gillam’s artistic journey by exploring her social media platforms or visiting her official website. Gillam is active on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about her performances and upcoming projects, visit her website.
Jess Gillam Discusses her Broad and Colorful Musical Journey
In a conversation with Alan Corr, Gillam reflected on her lifelong journey, the artists who inspired her, and her love for the eclectic musical styles she masterfully blends on stage.
We hope this magical musical journey from Bach to Bowie inspires you to attend Jess Gillam’s concert with the Irish Chamber Orchestra!
*Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews and musical insights!
This Magical Concert Awaits You! Do Not Miss Out
Are you ready to witness Jess Gillam perform alongside the Irish Chamber Orchestra in a captivating fusion of Baroque, contemporary, and pop music?
Don’t hesitate—grab your tickets before they’re sold out! Your journey from Concerto in A Minor to Life on Mars awaits you.
We’d love to hear about your experience! Join the conversation in the comments below and let us know your favorite part of Jess Gillam’s performance.
Also, don’t forget to follow Jess Gillam on Instagram and Facebook and the Irish Chamber Orchestra on Instagram and Facebook for more updates and exclusive content.
Subscribe to our newsletters to stay ahead of the latest in music, arts, and culture. Share this article if you enjoyed reading about Jess Gillam’s performance with the Irish Chamber Orchestra!
