Open Rehearsal in Bedford: Santtu and Jess Gillam

Programme

How does a conductor communicate their interpretation of a piece with an orchestra and the soloist as they prepare for a performance?

Our Open Rehearsals give you access to this creative process and allow you to see the Philharmonia at work. Learn more about the pieces and start to listen to your favourites with a fresh pair of ears.

By the age of 23, British saxophonist Jess Gillam had topped the UK Classical Charts, won a BRIT Award, and debuted at the BBC Proms. Known for her ‘panache and pizzazz’ (Bachtrack), the household name shows us exactly what the saxophone can do, in Glazunov’s 1934 concerto – a staple of the repertoire. Much like its performer, this piece helped put the instrument on the classical music map.

Santtu opens with music by Glazunov’s student, Shostakovich: the suite from his satirical operetta, Moscow, Cheryomushki. Humour, lilting waltzes and fiery dances are packed into its four movements – it’s music that’s well worth discovering.

Finally, Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique Symphony. Entitled “the passionate symphony” by the composer – and passionate it is – this is the work of a composer at the top of his game and remains one of the most popular in the canon.