Yanagisawa & Vandoren UK artist Jess Gillam wins Classic BRIT award

Yanagisawa Saxophones UK and Vanderoen UK are thrilled to announce that endorsee Jess Gillam has won a Classic BRIT award. Jess was awarded with the ‘Sound of Classical Poll’ award at the Classic BRIT 2018 ceremony held at The Royal Albert Hall on 13th June.

Coming off the back of becoming the first saxophonist in history to sign an exclusive record contract with Decca Classics record label, the Classic BRIT award is the latest achievement in a hugely successful period for Jess.

The first ever ‘Sound of Classical Poll’ award recognises and promotes the best emerging artists and ones-to-watch aged between 13-30 in classical music, with Jess being chosen as the winner by a panel of expert judges.

Upon collecting her award, Jess stated, “With every performance I try to be as honest as I possibly can. The saxophone is an instrument that isn’t as widely performed as others in the classical sphere and I’m really trying to do as much as I can for the instrument and for the music. I’m really proud to have won this award.”

Jess became the first saxophonist to win the Woodwind final and reach the grand final of the BBC Young Musician competition in 2016. July will see Jess become the youngest ever female soloist to perform at the BBC Last Night at The Proms where she will also perform in the BBC Young Musician Prom to celebrate 40 years of the competition.

Jess plays Yanagisawa Custom Engraved AWO20 Alto and SWO2U Un-lacquered Bronze Soprano saxophones and uses Vandoren reeds, ligatures and saxophone slings.

The Classic Brit Awards 2018 ceremony will be broadcast on ITV at 10.30pm on Sunday 17th June.

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