Today Classic BRIT award-winning saxophonist Jess Gillam launches the Jess Gillam Virtual Scratch Orchestra. She is inviting musicians of any standard to come together and play music virtually with her, giving the first performance online on Friday 17 April.
Jess Gillam said: ‘For me, music is all about people! People uniting, people sharing and people listening. At a very difficult time, when it is not currently possible to be physically together to share and make music, hopefully this is a way in which we can create something together from afar. ‘Where Are We Now?’ is one of my favourite songs by David Bowie. It’s hauntingly beautiful and seems very appropriate as we all reflect on the world and what is happening around us. This is the first song he released after a long period of silence in 2013.’
The Jess Gillam Virtual Scratch Orchestra will come together for the first time to perform David Bowie’s Where Are We Now? from Gillam’s debut album RISE (Decca Classics) which shot to No.1 in the Official UK Classical Chart in April 2019. Taking part is easy:
Take a look at the parts available and download the music from her website. The instruments are not prescriptive, find a part that works for you and participate
Video yourself playing your part either playing along to the click track or the released version. Submissions can be recorded on a smartphone or video recorder but please use headphones so only you can be heard
Send the video to info@jessgillamsax.co.uk with a line saying ‘I give Universal Music Group permission to use this video.’ The deadline is Friday 10 April at 6pm
Sign up to the mailing list to make sure you see the final results
Gillam will then perform the piece live with the combined pre-recorded videos on Friday 17 April at 6pm on her Instagram (@jessgillamsax).
Parts available to download:
Violin 1 & 2
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Oboe 1 & 2
Horn in F 1, 2, 3 & 4
Harp
Piano
Celeste/keyboard
Timpani
Parts & click track available here
Released version of Where We Are Now:
YouTube
Spotify
Apple Music
RDMR are now looking after Jess Gillam’s personal PR, for all interview requests, images and further information please contact:
Rebecca Driver Media Relations
Tel: 07425 151 458
Email: ruth@rdmr.co.uk
Web: www.rdmr.co.uk