Jess Gillam Trio | Artist Change

An important update for this evening’s concert:

We are sorry to advise that Jess Gillam is unable to perform this evening due to illness.

Jess has asked us to pass on her sincere apologies, and we are already working to secure a new date. Your tickets will automatically remain valid for the rescheduled performance, so there is nothing you need to do.

But tonight, the music goes on.

Rather than leave the Spiegeltent dark for the evening, we’ve chosen to celebrate another important part of Harrogate International Festivals’ mission – championing exceptional emerging talent.

While there is no direct replacement for an artist as unique as Jess, we have brought together an outstanding quartet of some of the North’s most exciting young jazz musicians for what promises to be a fantastic, intimate evening of live music.

Your Jess Gillam ticket now gives you two concerts for the price of one – tonight’s special performance, as well as Jess’s rescheduled concert once the new date has been confirmed.

Who’s On Stage Tonight:

Alex Oldknow | Guitar

One of the North’s most in-demand young guitarists and winner of the Leeds Rotary Club Music Prize, Alex draws inspiration from jazz greats including Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass, alongside the contemporary sounds of Bill Frisell and Jonathan Kreisberg.

George Macdonald | Piano

A graduate of Leeds College of Music, George studied under internationally acclaimed pianists Ivo Neame, Les Chisnall and David Newton. Since graduating he has become a key figure in the Leeds jazz scene, touring extensively across the UK and performing alongside Mercury Prize-nominated Shabaka Hutchings and Sons of Kemet.

Elliot Roffe | Double Bass

An outstanding double bassist, Elliot has performed internationally with leading Leeds ensembles including Ancient Infinity Orchestra and Mu Quintet, bringing a distinctive voice shaped by contemporary and avant-garde jazz traditions.

Special guest saxophonist (to be announced).

 **

 Standard tickets for this event have now sold out. VIP booths are still available to purchase. Please call the box office if you would like to be added to the waiting list for standard tickets. 

Jess Gillam is a celebrated saxophonist. With her electrifying performances, vibrant stage presence and magnetic personality, the ‘uniquely mercurial’ (The Times) Jess has been invited to play on the world’s major stages since becoming the youngest ever soloist to perform at the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.

She has been the recipient of a Classic BRIT Award, a Times Breakthrough Award nominee and was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2021 for Services to Music. Her award-winning weekly show, This Classical Life, on BBC Radio 3 is now in its seventh season.

We’re delighted to welcome Jess and her trio to Harrogate with a programme interspersing lesser-known repertoire with fresh takes on some firm favourites.

From jazz influences with music by composers such Phil Woods, Sidney Bechet and Barbara Thompson, to baroque energy from Corelli and Telemann, to some joyous Gershwin and shades of folk, this programme has something for everyone to enjoy and truly shows off the talent of one of the UK’s foremost musicians.

Standard tickets give you access to unreserved seating. Booths include entry for 6 people to the event, includes a bottle of fizz, and guarantees your space for the evening.

Captivating. Vivacious. Inspiring.

Kindly sponsored by Ogden of Harrogate

Programme to include: