THE first Lakeland Sinfonia Concert Society's performance of 2019 is already sold out, not surprising really as it stars Ulverston's saxophone Jess Gillam, appearing with the Royal Northern Sinfonia, conducted by Jessica Cottis, on Sunday, January 20 (4pm) at Kendal Leisure Centre's Westmorland Hall.

According to the LSCS website, there is a waiting list, as some tickets may be returned. Those who would like to be added to the waiting list should email to contact@lakelandsinfonia.org.uk.

Last year was phenomenal for Jess.

Jess, who blew the nation's television viewers away with her BBC Proms performances, picked up a Classic Brit Award in the Sound of Classical Poll 2018 at the Royal Albert Hall in June; the award promotes the best emerging artists and ones-to-watch in classical music.

Jess returned to the London venue in September as the youngest ever female soloist to perform at the spectacular Last Night of the Proms.

Performing as part of Radio 2's Proms in the Park before heading across to the Royal Albert Hall to join the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Sir Andrew Davis for Milhaud’s Scaramouche - and a duet with star baritone Gerald Finley - it was Jess’s fourth appearance at the prestigious Proms festival following two performances in 2017 and a cameo at the 2018 BBC Young Musician Prom celebrating 40 years of the competition which propelled her into the national spotlight back in 2016.

The UK charity Awards for Young Musicians (AYM) released a new film starring Jess, who is also the charity’s youngest ever patron and she records exclusively for Decca Classics.

Jess is a great ambassador for the saxophone, and first picked up the instrument at the age of seven at the Barracudas Carnival Arts Centre at Barrow.