Saxophone Concerto (2025)
Commissioned by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and London Chamber Orchestra
Premiered 19th February 2025 by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Dalia Stasevska, with soloist Jess Gillam
UK premiere with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra 5th November 2025, conducted by Mark Wigglesworth, with soloist Jess Gillam
c. 18 minutes ww: 2122 (fl.2 db picc.), brass: 3221, perc: 2 + timp+hp, strings + solo trombone
*Archival recording available on request
Programme Notes
c. 18 minutes, in three movements
I wrote my Saxophone Concerto specifically for Jess Gillam, a hugely dynamic and vibrant performer. It is an homage to Adolphe Sax, the visionary inventor of the instrument. Structured in three movements, the concerto reflects the pivotal moments in Sax’s life: his ingenuity, his resilience in the face of adversity, and the enduring legacy of his invention.
The first movement captures the inventiveness of Sax as he conceptualises his revolutionary instrument. Spirited exchanges between the soloist and orchestra depict the early stages of the creative process: exploration, playfulness and determination.
The second movement delves into the personal and professional challenges Sax faced. From financial instability to fierce opposition from his competitors. The movement is an extended cadenza featuring a lyrical solo line, interwoven with both lighter and darker orchestral colours.
The final movement ‘claims its space’ and is a celebration of Sax’s legacy. Bursting with rhythmic ideas and playful energy, it highlights the soloist’s versatility. Jess Gillam leads the orchestra in this final movement which brings together all of the ideas from the previous two movements, culminating in an explosive finale.
With huge thanks to the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra for commissioning the work. Its premiere performances took place on the 19th and 20th February 2025, by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Dalia Stasevska.
“Jess Gillam debuts irresistible sax concerto”
Subsequent Performances
20/02/2026 - Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
5/11/2026 - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mark Wigglesworth
6/11/2026 - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mark Wigglesworth
11/03/2026 - Scottish Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Ben Glassberg, with Jess Gillam
12/03/2026 - Scottish Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Ben Glassberg, with Jess Gillam
13/03/2026 - Scottish Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Ben Glassberg, with Jess Gillam
2026-2027 season dates to be announced soon
Reviews
“The finale was an explosion of rhythmic energy, slapped strings, freewheeling virtuosity: an unmistakable and infectious expression of joy. ”
Jess Gillam practicing movement 3 of
”Saxophone Concerto”