She plays his concerto Briggflatts, conceived for her artistry, the title referring to Basil Bunting’s poem steeped in Gilliam’s native Cumbria. Its finale, ‘RANT!’, is an exhilarating romp of toe-tapping Cumbrian folk-tunes guaranteed to bring the house down. As Poska has been called ‘One of the most distinctive and interesting Sibelius interpreters I’ve heard for some time’ (Gramophone), the prospect of her conducting the composer’s First Symphony is tantalising. Virile in spirit and imbued with melodic freshness, the work announced the arrival of one of the all-time great symphonists.

The Hallé in Hanley

Victoria Hall

Estonian Kristiina Poska begins her second visit to the Hallé with Britten’s atmospheric Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes. Also returning is superstar saxophonist Jess Gillam, who’s been described by composer John Harle as a ‘young virtuoso with huge energy, a soaring sound, and an unforgettable presence.’

EPSG:4326

Sibelius Symphony No.1

The Bridgewater Hall

British saxophonist Jess Gillam is one of music’s young firecrackers. At 15, she gave a TEDx talk on her instrument, receiving over 100,000 views on YouTube. Her pioneering approach to concerts includes a desire to see more dancing, cheering and clapping between movements, saying, “an instinctive reaction from the audience only prove[s] the joy of music”.

Recital: Jess Gillam saxophone

Aspen Meadows Resort

Superstar saxophonist Jess Gillam performs John Harle’s Briggflatts, a saxophone concerto with three movements, ‘Flares’, ‘Garsdale’ and ‘Rant!’ and is based on an autobiographical poem by Basil Bunting of the same name.

Mcr:classical – Pictures at an Exhibition

Jess Gillam shot to fame becoming the first saxophonist to reach the finals of BBC Young Musician and the youngest ever soloist to perform at the Last Night of the Proms. She is now an international celebrity and has a regular presence in the UK, including her weekly Saturday afternoon show on BBC Radio 3; This Classical Life.

Jess Gillam Ensemble

Corn Exchange

From the Scottish Isles in Macmillan’s punchy Saxophone Concerto to the pastoral English countryside of Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Greensleeves, the programme showcases the rich variety of folk-influenced classical music. As well as spanning the globe, tonight’s music also traverses time, transporting you from Dowland’s olde lute-inspired Flow My Tears to the contemporary pizzicato in Jessie Montgomery’s Strum.  

John Harle

Events

Upcoming events

May 30, 2025

A Place in Time: Jess Gillam and LMP · London Mozart Players

Past events

Mar 22, 2024

The Hallé in Hanley · The Hallé

20 - 24 Mar, 2024

Sibelius Symphony No.1 · The Hallé

About

John Harle hasn't added a bio