AN Ulverston teenager has spoken of the "incredible" experience of finishing as runner-up at BBC Young Musician, thanking fans for their support.

Jess Gillam, 17, made history when she became the first saxophonist ever to play in the final of the prestigious competition on Sunday May 15.

Despite missing out to cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason in the grande finale, her performance of Michael Nyman's 'Where The Bees Dance'  at London's famous Barbican Hall impressed critics and audiences all over the country.

Life-changing performance

Describing her emotions a week after the final, Miss Gillam said: "It's the best experience I've ever had.

"To see all those people and to be performing to that many people and to get the reaction I've had is just amazing.

"The response from people in music has been incredible."

The reception to Miss Gillam's performance has been nothing short of amazing, and has come in from across the world.

She said: "The composer Michael Nyman phoned me from Rome the day after.

"He said how much he enjoyed the performance and that I really managed to get across the message of the music.

"It was surreal to be told that I did it justice from a legend of music."

Loyal fan club

Friends, family and customers to the family business, Gillams Tearooms in Market Street, Ulverston, have all been quick to praise the teenager for representing the town on a national level, bringing her cards, bouquets and gifts.

She said: "The support here has been great.

"There was customer here in tears, saying how proud she was of me."

'Good nerves'

The performance of 'Where The Bees Dance' was the most demanding piece Miss Gillam has ever attempted, lasting 17 minutes and containing lots of intricate signatures.

The former Ulverston Victoria High School pupil started rehearsing the classical piece in mid-March, slowly building her stamina to deliver an animated and energetic rendition.

She said: "When I was stood there waiting to go on [stage] I had a peek to see the audience.

"The moment I did I got a bit nervous as there was 2,000 people, all the cameras and the jury.

"As soon as I walked out, I played the first note and then I was just fully committed.

"It was a good nervous. It was just adrenaline."

History maker

Saxophone had never in the competition's 38-year history been represented in the final before so Miss Gillam's success makes her somewhat of a trailblazer for the instrument.

"The saxophone is sometimes perceived just as a jazz instrument because it has a history in jazz," she said.

"Sometimes there's a bit of a barrier, sometimes a misunderstanding, but it can be something classical.

"I see myself as a hybrid. I like to play across genres and I have lots of influences."

Exciting future

Success at BBC Young Musician is just the start for Miss Gillam.

In September, she starts a four-year course at the Royal Northern College of Music and she is now being nurtured by the Young Classical Artists Trust.

She said: "The whole experience of the competition has helped me as a musician and realise what I want to present. 

"I'd love to make a career from music. I'd love to travel the work and collaborate with others.

"One of the best things about playing music is to emotionally move people.

"Whenever someone says that I've done that it feels great - it's why I love doing it."

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Ulverston saxophonist Jess makes history as runner-up in BBC Young Musician