Watch and listen to exciting UK saxophonist Jess Gillam joining the NZSO to show off the vast expressive range of the saxophone, and the world premiere of a new NZ composition.
Live video here from 6:30 pm Thursday 20 November 2025:
Programme
Tabea Squire Conversation of the Light-ship and the Tide (World Premiere)
Glazunov Saxophone Concerto
Milhaud Scaramouche
Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances
Tabea Squire's 'Conversation of the Lightship and the Tide' explores the interplay between stillness and movement.
Exciting British saxophonist Jess Gillam is the youngest soloist to perform at Last Night of the Proms, the first saxophonist ever to reach the finals of BBC Young Musician of the Year and is acclaimed for her “effortless virtuosity and limitless expressiveness” (ArtsDesk), Gilliam has recorded arrangements of Kate Bush, David Bowie, and Björk alongside classical giants. For her NZSO debut Gillam performs one of the most exhilarating works written for saxophone - Alexander Galzunov’s Saxophone Concerto, as well as Milhaud’s Brazilian-influenced Scaramouche.
Finally, Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances is guaranteed to make your toe tap and your heart pound.
Performed by the NZSO, conducted by Gemma New.
Jess Gillam Photo: Copyright: Kaupo Kikkas
