AFTER making a thrilling BBC Proms debut last year sax sensation Jess Gillam has been invited back for the 2018 season.

Jess will be the youngest ever female soloist in the prestigious Last Night of the Proms at London's Royal Albert Hall, on September 8, plus she will also perform in the BBC Young Musician Prom on July 15 to celebrate 40 years of the high profile young musicians competition.

Jess says she was extremely honoured to have been asked to perform at such a prestigious event and can't wait for the concert: "I felt there was such an incredible atmosphere at the Proms last year - the audience were so attentive, the atmosphere was electric so I can’t begin to imagine how the Last Night will feel."

"I found out about being asked to perform at the Last Night a few months ago and it has been very difficult to keep it quiet. I’ll also be performing at the BBC Young Musician Prom to celebrate 40 years of the competition and I’m really looking forward to being a part of that as the competition has been such a brilliant platform for me."

On the Last Night, Jess will perform Scaramouche by Darius Milhaud with the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the baton on Sir Andrew Davis. "It consists of three quite contrasting movements," explains Jess. "The first being lively and bright, the second very beautiful and gentle while the third is fantastically energetic and very reminiscent of a carnival. I first began playing saxophone at the age of seven 7 in the Barracudas carnival band and it will be fantastic to perform music of a similar spirit at a concert like this. The piece was written to be performed at the Théâtre Scaramouche, which is where the name originates from. Theatre Scaramouche specialised in plays and productions specifically for children. The piece is an absolute joy to play and I am very excited to perform it."

Another exciting development for the popular Ulverston saxophonist is a nomination for the Classic Brit Awards' new Sound Of Classical Poll, which champions emerging new artists and ones-to-watch in classical music. Aged 30 or under and tipped for a great future, the winner will be chosen by an expert panel and revealed at the glittering Royal Albert Hall awards ceremony on June 13, broadcast on ITV. Entries are open for the poll until May 20. For further information visit classicbrits.co.uk.

Meanwhile, wearing her concert promoter's hat, Jess brings Snake Davis and his fabulous eight piece soul band the Suspicions back to Ulverston's Coronation Hall for another night of Northern Soul, Atlanta and Motown classics on Friday, June 1 (7.30pm).

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