A TALENTED saxophonist made history tonight as she finished runner-up in a prestigious music contest.
Seventeen-year-old Jess Gillam was one of three finalists to perform in London's famous Barbican Hall in the final of BBC Young Musician 2016.
The Ulverston musician impressed the audience and judges with her rendition of Michael Nyman's Where The Bees Dance .
The former Ulverston Victoria High School pupil was accompanied by the BBC Symphony Orchestra in the televised final on BBC Four, and just missed out on the trophy which went to cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason.
Jess at full throttle... https://t.co/mdg2R6swUa
— BBC Young Musician (@BBCYoungMus) May 15, 2016
However, Jess, a junior student at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, still managed to grab a piece of history.
Describing her experience, she said: "There's never been a saxophonist in the final before so to be the first is brilliant.
"It was an absolutely incredible experience."
Jess had spent weeks practicing the challenging piece and developing the stamina required to complete the composition.
Wearing a jacket in tribute to David Bowie – a saxophonist himself – and silver sequinned trousers, the hosts and commentators of the show said Jess's fashion and musical ability were equally dazzling.
John Harle, an Ivor Novello Award-winning composer-performer, said: "She played with intelligence. She played with energy and fire.
"She played with great rhythm and groove. She was absolutely beyond words.
"I think she has a place in the saxophone hall of fame already."
BBC Young Musician was established in 1978 and has introduced some of the world's leading performers to the industry.
Amazed by Jess Gillam performance in #BBCYoungMusician !! - feeling inspired/emotional!
— Arely Cruz-Santiago (@arycruzant) May 15, 2016
I don't think it's possible to be any cooler than Jess Gillam. #youngmusician
— Juliette Syon (@JulietteSyon) May 15, 2016
Wow,@jessgillamsax - best thing to come from #Ulverston since Stan Laurel #BBCYoungMusician
— Tim Atkinson (@dotterel) May 15, 2016
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