Acclaimed saxophonist and broadcaster Jess Gillam will celebrate Earth Day at the Royal Albert Hall on April 22, 2027, bringing together the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Tom Richards, for a unique evening that explores humanity's enduring relationship with nature.
The evening will spotlight compositions spanning classical and contemporary music that pay homage to the ever-present music of the natural world and celerbrate the beauty and power of nature, while drawing attention to the fragility of our planet. The programme includes world premieres by Tan Dun, Rachel Portman and Anoushka Shankar among others, all written especially for the evening.
Jess Gillam said: “Some of the most extraordinary music ever written has been inspired by the natural world. From birdsong and flowing water to vast landscapes and changing seasons, our world is full of music if we take the time to listen. The Royal Albert Hall is a magical place to come together to celebrate our beautiful planet, reflect on what it gives us and be reminded of how precious it is. I’m so excited to hear - and play - the five brand new pieces that will form the heart of the evening with the BBC Concert Orchestra and Tom Richards.”
Matthew Todd, Director of Programming at the Royal Albert Hall, said: “It is such a joy and privilege for us to continue our long-standing relationship with Jess, and this show promises to be another breathtaking evening. We are honoured to be showcasing this one-off performance from Jess to celebrate Earth Day 2027, highlighting new commissions and works by some of the greatest musicians of our time.”
