Saxophone Academy Austin - Masterclass

Gillian gives a masterclass as part of the online saxophone course: Saxophone Academy Austin.

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More details can be found here: www.saxophoneacademyaustin.com

Commonwealth Soloists

Gillian performs music for saxophone, strings and piano with the Commonwealth Soloists Ensemble.

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Royal College of Physicians, London

Polaris Duo LMN

Gillian and Elinor give Live Music Now workshops in schools in Preston

Camp and Furnace Big Band

Gillian performs with the Camp & Furnace Big Ban.

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Camp & Furnace, Liverpool

Piccadilly Symphony Orchestra - Picture at an Exhibition

Gillian performs Mussorsky's 'Pictures at an Exhibition' with the Piccadilly Symphony Orchestra. 

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RNCM Concert Hall, Manchester

Rishworth Young Musician - Adjudicating

Gillian adjudicates for the Rishworth Young Musician competition. 

Polaris Duo - All Together Now

Gillian and Elinor perform at 'All Together Now', an informal music workshop for children with disabilities and their families in conjunction with Live Music Now in Skipton.

Polaris Duo at Christ Church, Southport

Gillian and Elinor return to Christ Church Southport to perform a lunchtime recital. Music by CPE Bach, Esther Swift, Tchaikovsky and Andy Scott.

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Christ Church, Southport

Polaris Duo at Middlewich Music Society

Gillian and Elinor perform an evening recital for the Middlewich and District Concert Society.

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Programme:

Green - Barbara Thompson 

Fantaisie op.124  - Camille Saint-Saëns 

What Is Joy To You? - Esther Swift

Notturno op.45 - Gustav Bumcke 

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INTERVAL

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Sonata in G minor - C.P.E Bach

i. Allegro 

ii. Adagio

iii. Allegro

Lenski’s Aria from Eugene Onegin - Pyotr Tchaikovsky 

Sonata for Saxophone and Harp - Andy Scott 

i. With Energy

ii. Relaxed

iii. With Purpose

Polaris Duo LMN

Gillian and Elinor give a performance in Leeds in conjunction with Live Music Now.

Manchester Concert Orchestra at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

New Years Day Proms at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall with Manchester Concert Orchestra

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Troika - Prokofiev

Manchester Concert Orchestra at Bridgewater Hall

New Years Eve Gala at the Bridgewater Hall with Manchester Concert Orchestra

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Troika - Prokofiev

Recital at Bury Parish Church

Gillian is joined by pianist Lauryna Sableviciute for a lunchtime recital at Bury Parish Church.

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Programme:

Sonata in G minor - CPE Bach

Ballad in Memory of Shirley Horn - Richard Rodney Bennett

Rondo Sonata - Faustas Latenas

Chasing Angels - Jenni Watson

The Singing Fish - Lucy Armstrong

Camp and Furnace Big Band

Gillian performs with the Camp & Furnace Big Band for their inaugural performance. 

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Camp & Furnace, Liverpool

Polaris Duo - Songs and Scones

The Polaris Duo perform a Songs and Scones concert in Winterton in conjunction with Live Music Now. 

RNCM Saxophone Day

Gillian joins the team of RNCM and JRNCM saxophone tutors running workshops for this fantastic annual event. 

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Join us for a day of workshops, concerts, Q&As and everything saxophone! There is also a large trade exhibition running all day with all the major saxophone brands represented.

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Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester

Polaris Duo with the RNCM New Ensemble @ New Music Manchester Festival

Gillian and Elinor perform a new extended and expanded edition of Gavin Wayte's work 'Crossing 2' with students from the RNCM. 

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Carole Nash Recital Room, RNCM

Polaris Duo Recital

Gillian and Elinor perform an afternoon recital for the Knighton and District Concert Society.

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St Edwards Church Hall, Knighton, Wales

Polaris Duo Recital

Gillian and Elinor perform an afternoon recital at the Sunday Serenades.

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Heswall United Reformed Church, Telegraph Road, Heswall, Wirral

Polaris Duo Recital

Gillian and Elinor perform an evening recital in Daisy Hill, Bolton.​

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St James Church, Daisy Hill, BL5 2EH

Polaris Duo - Songs and Scones

The Polaris Duo perform a Songs and Scones concert in Winterton in conjunction with Live Music Now. 

Polaris Duo - LMN Workshops

Gillian and Elinor give workshops in special educational needs schools in Birmingham in conjunction with Live Music Now. 

Borealis Saxophone Quartet - Songs and Scones

The Borealis Saxophone Quartet perform a Songs and Scones concert at Horniman Museum and Gardens in conjunction with Live Music Now. 

Polaris Duo - LMN Workshop

Gillian and Elinor perform as part of the Be Hear Now series at the Bridgewater Hall. These sessions are for young people with special educational needs and their families in conjunction with Live Music Now. 

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Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

Borealis Saxophone Quartet - LMN Concert

The Borealis Saxophone Quartet perform at Bedford Daycare Hospice in conjunction with Live Music Now. 

Harrogate Summer School Tutor Gala Concert

The tutors from the Windstruments' Harrogate Summer Schools present a diverse, exciting programme of music, featuring repertoire from the Baroque era to the 21st Century.

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Rob Buckland, Carl Raven, Sally MacTaggart & Gillian Blair - Saxophone

John Cushing & Juliet Colville - Clarinet

Tom Hancox, Clare Jefferis, Christine Lorriman & Martyn Shaw - Flute

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Harrogate Ladies College Chapel

Tickets £10/£7 on the door

Harrogate Saxophone Summer School

Gillian joins Rob Buckland, Carl Raven and Sally MacTaggart as a tutor on this annual course.

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More info: http://www.windstruments.co.uk/Sax/saxindex.cfm

Polaris Duo Recital in Nantwich

Gillian and Elinor perform at the summer concert series at St Mary's Church, Nantwich. 

Polaris Duo Recital in Blackburn

Gillian and Elinor perform at Mytton Fold, Blackburn

Polaris Duo Songs and Scones Concert

Gillian and Elinor perform at the Songs and Scones series in Nottingham in conjunction with Live Music Now.

Polaris Duo Recital for Uppermill Summer Music Festival

Gillian and Elinor perform an afternoon recital at the Uppermill Summer Music Festival.

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Programme:

Song Without Words - Rob Buckland 

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Sonata in G Minor - C.P.E. Bach

I. Allegro 

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Crossing - Gavin Wayte (World Premiere)

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Notturno op.45 - Gustav Bumcke 

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Sonata for Saxophone and Harp - Andy Scott

i. With Energy

ii. Relaxed

iii. With Purpose

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Polaris Duo Recital for St Helen's Sinfonietta

Gillian and Elinor perform an evening recital for the St Helen's Sinfonietta Concert Series

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Programme:

Song Without Words - Rob Buckland 

Fantaisie op.124  - Camille Saint-Saens 

Narthex - Bernard Andres 

Notturno op.45 - Gustav Bumcke 

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INTERVAL

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Sonata in G minor - C.P.E Bach

Meditation from Thais - Jules Massenet 

Eolienne - Ida Gotkovsky 

Sonata for Saxophone and Harp - Andy Scott 

Recital at Cross Street Chapel, Manchester

Gillian is joined by pianist Lauryna Sableviciute to present a recital of works by female British composers for the lunchtime concert series at Cross Street Chapel

Programme:

In Somnium - Lucy Pankhurst

Chasing Angels - Jenni Watson

Amongst the Cinders - Grace Evangeline Mason

The Singing Fish - Lucy Armstrong

Music in the Heart of Bury

Gillian joins staff and students from Holy Cross College, Bury, for an evening of music which will include a performance of Rob Buckland's 'Closing' for Soprano Saxophone, Piano and Strings. 

Polaris Duo LMN Workshops

The Polaris Duo give workshops in Lancashire Care Homes in conjunction with Live Music Now. 

Polaris Duo LMN Workshops

The Polaris Duo give workshops in Salford Schools in conjunction with Live Music Now. 

Polaris Duo LMN Workshops

The Polaris Duo give workshops in Lancashire schools in conjunction with Live Music Now. 

Borealis Saxophone Quartet Recital in Windsor

The Borealis Saxophone Quartet perform a lunchtime recital at The Old Court, Windsor. 

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Programme:

Trad. arr. G Blair ~ Bulgarian Suite 

J S Bach ~ Fugue in G minor, BWV 578 

Pierre Max Dubois ~ Quatuor pour Saxophone

Leonard Berstein ~ Selections from ‘West Side Story’

Lucy Armstrong ~ After All This Time

George Gershwin ~ Rhapsody in Blue

Ólafur Arnalds (arr.Daniel White) ~ Ágúst

Zack Browning ~ Unrelenting Universe

Jennifer Higdon ~ Bop

Borealis Saxophone Quartet Recital in Clitheroe

The Borealis Saxophone Quartet perform an evening recital at Clitheroe Concerts Society. 

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Debating Chamber, Ribble Valley Borough Council, Church Street, Clitheroe, BB7 2DD

Programme:

Trad. arr. G Blair ~ Bulgarian Suite 

J S Bach ~ Fugue in G minor, BWV 578 

Pierre Max Dubois ~ Quatuor pour Saxophone

Will Gregory ~ Lost Bronze

Leonard Berstein ~ Selections from ‘West Side Story’

Zack Browning ~ Unrelenting Universe

Thierry Escaich ~ Tango Virtuoso

Lucy Armstrong ~ Same, Same but Different

Ólafur Arnalds (arr.Daniel White) ~ Ágúst

David Maslanka ~ Selections from ‘Mountain Roads’

Jennifer Higdon ~ Bop

Polaris Duo LMN Workshops

The Polaris Duo give workshops in Oldham in conjunction with Live Music Now. 

Polaris Duo LMN Workshops

The Polaris Duo give workshops in Birmingham in conjunction with Live Music Now. 

Borealis Saxophone Quartet LMN Workshops

The Borealis Saxophone Quartet give workshops at Bromley Trust Academy in conjunction with Live Music Now. 

Borealis Saxophone Quartet at Dart Music Festival

The Borealis Saxophone Quartet return to perform at this fantastic festival in Dartmouth. 

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St Saviour's Church, Dartmouth

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Programme:

Bulgarian Suite - Trad arr. G Blair

Quatuor pour Saxophones - P.M. Dubois

After All This Time - Lucy Armstrong 

Finale from Mountain Roads - David Maslanka

Rhapsody in Blue - George Gershwin arr. N Wood

Unrelenting Universe - Zack Browning 

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Polaris Duo Recital for the Open University

Gillian and Elinor perform a lunchtime recital at St Michael's Church, Milton Keynes for the Open University.

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Programme:

Sonata in G minor: i. Allegro - C.P.E Bach

Fantaisie op.124  - Camille Saint-Saens 

Narthex - Bernard Andres 

Notturno op.45 - Gustav Bumcke

Sonata for Saxophone and Harp - Andy Scott

Polaris Duo at Songs and Scones

Gillian and Elinor perform at the Songs and Scones series in Malton in conjunction with Live Music Now.

Soloist with the Piccadilly Symphony Orchestra and Salford Choral Society

Gillian performs the solo saxophone part for Dominic Muldowney's 'The Fall of Jerusalem' with Piccadilly Symphony Orchestra, Salford Choral Society and Xavarian College Choir conducted by Tom Newall. 

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Royal Northern College of Music Concert Hall, Manchester

Borealis Saxophone Quartet Recital - Sunbeams Music

The Borealis Saxophone Quartet give an evening recital as part of their Cumbria tour. 

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Sunbeams Music Centre, Penrith

Borealis Saxophone Quartet - Cumbria Tour

The Borealis Saxophone Quartet tour Cumbria and the North Lakes in conjunction with Sunbeams Music Trust and Live Music Now.

Blair/Mertens Duo performance at North American Saxophone Alliance Conference

The Blair/Mertens Duo perform at the North American Saxophone Alliance region 4 Conference in Fayetteville, Arkansas. 

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Programme:

Right At The Dead End - Zack Browning (North American Premiere)

Solstice - Rob Buckland (World Premiere)

Infinites Untold - Andrew Boss (North American Premiere)

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Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall, University of Arkansas

Performance at North American Saxophone Alliance Conference

Gillian presents a recital of music by British Composer Lucy Armstrong at the North American Saxophone Alliance region 4 Conference in Fayetteville, Arkansas. 

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Programme:

The Singing Fish - Lucy Armstrong (North American Premiere)

The Other Dust* - Lucy Armstrong (North American Premiere)

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*with guest Nathan Mertens

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Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall, University of Arkansas

Performance at North American Saxophone Alliance Conference

Gillian appears as a guest in Nathan Mertens' recital of Japanese music for Saxophone at the North American Saxophone Alliance region 4 Conference in Fayetteville, Arkansas. 

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Programme:

Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga - Nobuhito Sato

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Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall, University of Arkansas

Concerto at North American Saxophone Alliance Opening Concert

Gillian and Nathan Mertens perform the North American Premiere of 'Tjuonavagge' by Andy Scott with the University of Arkansas Saxophone Ensemble in the opening concert of the North American Saxophone Alliance region 4 Conference in Fayetteville, Arkansas. 

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Faulkner Performing Arts Center, University of Arkansas

Guest Artist Recital and Masterclass at Oklahoma State University

Gillian and Saxophonist Nathan Mertens present a joint recital and masterclass at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma

Guest Artist Recital and Masterclass at Henderson State University

Gillian and Saxophonist Nathan Mertens present a joint recital and masterclass at Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Performance at Bates Recital Hall, University of Texas

Gillian and Saxophonist Nathan Mertens are joined by pianist Dr Alex Maynegre to perform as guests in Stephen Page's Faculty Recital at the University of Texas.

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Programme:

Infinites Untold, i. Imagine - Andrew Boss

The Other Dust - Lucy Armstrong

Guest Artist Masterclass at The University of Texas

Gillian and Saxophonist Nathan Mertens present a joint masterclass at The University of Texas Butler School of Music, Austin Texas

Guest Artist Recital and Masterclass at Texas Christian University

Gillian and Saxophonist Nathan Mertens present a joint recital and masterclass at Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas

Entrepreneurship Lecture at the University of Texas

Gillian and Saxophonist Nathan Mertens present a lecture on Entrepreneurship In The Arts at the University of Texas in Austin.

Recital at Borough New Music, London

Gillian is joined by pianist Lauryna Sableviciute to present a recital of works by female British composers for Borough New Music. 

Programme:

In Somnium - Lucy Pankhurst

Chasing Angels - Jenni Watson

Amongst the Cinders - Grace Evangeline Mason

The Singing Fish - Lucy Armstrong

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St George the Martyr, London

Polaris Duo Recital at St John's Minster, Preston

Gillian is joined by Harpist Elinor Nicholson for a lunchtime recital for Harris Music Club.

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Programme:

Song Without Words - Rob Buckland

Sonata in G Minor - C.P.E. Bach

Notturno - Gustav Bumcke

Eolienne - Ida Gotkovsky

Meditation and Dance - Gregory Wanamaker (UK Premiere)

Sonata for Saxophone and Harp - Andy Scott

Polaris Duo Live Music Now Workshops

Gillian and Elinor facilitate workshops in Special Educational Needs Schools and Care Homes in the Midlands in conjunction with Live Music Now.  

Polaris Duo Live Music Now Workshops

Gillian and Elinor facilitate workshops in Special Educational Needs Schools in the North West in conjunction with Live Music Now.  

Polaris Duo Live Music Now Workshops

Gillian and Elinor facilitate workshops in Special Educational Needs Schools in the North West in conjunction with Live Music Now.  

Recording at Abbey Road Studios

Gillian records new works with the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios, London.

Polaris Duo Recital

Gillian and Elinor perform as part of the lunchtime concert series at Alderley Edge Methodist Church.

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Programme:

Song Without Words - Rob Buckland

Sonata in G Minor - CPE Bach

Notturno - Gustav Bumcke

Sonata - Andy Scott

Composition Workshop with the Royal Northern Sinfonia

Gillian joins a string quartet from the Royal Northern Sinfonia and composer Michael Betteridge for a day of workshopping new compositions from students in Darlington.

L'enfant et les sortileges

Gillian joins the orchestra of Holy Cross College for their production of Ravel's 'L'enfant et les sortileges' and a performance of Faure's Requiem.

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Holy Cross College, Bury. BL9 9BB

Polaris Duo at Songs and Scones

Gillian and Elinor perform at the Songs and Scones series in Malton in conjunction with Live Music Now.

Polaris Duo Live Music Now Workshop

Gillian and Elinor run a series of workshops at the Mahdlo Youth Zone, Oldham in conjunction with Live Music Now

Polaris Duo with the Commonwealth Chldren's Choir

Gillian and Elinor give a festive performance with the Commonwealth Children's Choir at the Australian High Commission in London.

Glazunov Concerto

Gillian performs the Glazunov Saxophone Concerto with the Wirral Symphony Orchestra. 

Conductor: Jonathan Small

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Hoylake Chapel, Wirral

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www.wirralsymphony.co.uk

Polaris Duo Workshop

Workshop with the Commonwealth Children's Choir ahead of a festive performance in December. 

Borealis Saxophone Quartet Recital

The Borealis Saxophone Quartet perform an evening recital for Sittingbourne Music Society, Kent.

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Programme:

Bulgarian Suite - Trad, arr. G Blair

Fugue in G Minor - J.S. Bach 

Quatuor - P.M. Dubois 

Lost Bronze - Will Gregory

Selections from West Side Story - Leonard Bernstein

Unrelenting Universe - Zack Browning 

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Tango Virtuoso - Thierry Escaich

Same, Same, But Different - Lucy Armstrong

Agust - Olafur Arnalds arr. D White

Selections from Mountain Roads - David Maslanka

Bop - Jennifer Higdon

Borealis Saxophone Quartet Live Music Now Workshop

The quartet run an interactive workshop at Mapledown School, Brent Cross in conjunction with Live Music Now

RNCM Saxophone Day

Gillian joins the team of RNCM and JRNCM saxophone tutors running workshops for this fantastic annual event. 

This year's guest artists are Eric Marienthal and the Delta Saxophone Quartet.

Join us for a day of workshops, concerts, Q&As and everything saxophone! There is also a large trade exhibition running all day with all the major saxophone brands represented...Hope to see you there!

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Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester

https://www.rncm.ac.uk/festivals/rncm-saxophone-day

Polaris Duo Live Music Now Workshop

Gillian and Elinor run a series of workshops at the Mahdlo Youth Zone, Oldham in conjunction with Live Music Now

Polaris Duo Live Music Now Workshop

Gillian and Elinor run a series of workshops at the Mahdlo Youth Zone, Oldham in conjunction with Live Music Now

Polaris Duo Recital

Gillian and Elinor perform as part of the lunchtime concert series at Christ Church, Southport.

Polaris Duo Live Music Now Workshop

Gillian and Elinor run a series of workshops at the Mahdlo Youth Zone, Oldham in conjunction with Live Music Now

Commonwealth Orchestra Concert

Gillian performs with the Commonwealth Orchestra conducted by Major Simon Haw MBE. 

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Christ's College, Cambridge

CASSGB Single Reed Day

Gillian will give a presentation on behalf of ABRSM as well as performing in the evening gala concert at the Clarinet and Saxophone Society of Great Britain's Single Reed Day. 

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Lakeside Arts Centre and Music Department, Nottingham University, NG7 2RD

Polaris Duo on BBC Radio 3's 'In Tune'

Gillian and Elinor perform and are interviewed live on BBC Radio 3's 'In Tune' programme. 

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BBC Broadcasting House, London

Polaris Duo Recital

Gillian and Elinor perform as part of the summer concert series for Music in Lanark.

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Programme:

Song Without Words - Rob Buckland

Sonata in G Minor - CPE Bach

Polaris - Paul Mitchell-Davidson (UK Premiere)

Notturno - Gustav Bumcke

Sonata for Saxophone and Harp - Andy Scott

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The Institute, New Lanark, Scotland

Borealis Saxophone Quartet at the BBC Proms

The Borealis Saxophone Quartet perform at the BBC Proms Plus event at Imperial College London as part of the BBC Introducing Showcase. This performance will also be broadcast on BBC Radio 3. 

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Programme:

Bulgarian Suite - Trad. arr G Blair

Unrelenting Universe - Zack Browning 

Three Preludes - George Gershwin

Harrogate Summer Schools Tutors' Gala Concert

Windstruments and Music House present an amazing opportunity to hear ten of the UK’s greatest musicians perform a diverse, exciting programme of music, featuring repertoire from the Baroque era to the 21st Century.

Harrogate Ladies College Chapel

Harrogate Saxophone Summer School

Gillian joins Rob Buckland, Carl Raven and Sally MacTaggart as a tutor on this annual course.

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More info: http://www.windstruments.co.uk/Sax/saxindex.cfm

Recital in Northern Ireland

Gillian is joined by pianist David Gibson for a recital in Coleraine, Northern Ireland.

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Music by Messiaen, Maurice, Decruck, Lucy Armstrong and Gershwin.

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St Patrick's Church, Church Street, Coleraine

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www.stpats.co.uk

Manchester Single Reed Summer School

Gillian joins Rob Buckland and Ruth Bourn as a tutor on this annual course.

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More info: http://www.singlereed.org

Tenor Saxophone Collective at the World Saxophone Congress, Croatia

Gillian joins forces with 11 other tenor saxophone players from around the world to present a recital with the Tenor Saxophone Collective at the World Saxophone Congress in Zagreb, Croatia. 

Programme:

New Work - Maltida Grieve (World Premiere)
Less but not Last - Lino Guerreiro (World Premiere)
7 hours - Erin Royer and Jennifer Watson (World Premiere)
Westland - Andy Scott (Croatian Premiere)
Dort in den Weiden steht ein Haus: after Brahms - Nathan James Dearden (World Premiere)
The Shaman - Matt London (Croatian Premiere)
Tenacity - Rob Buckland (Croatian Premiere)

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Big Hall, University of Zagreb

Blair/Mertens Duo at the World Saxophone Congress, Croatia

Gillian Blair and Nathan Mertens are joined by pianist Rie Yokota to present a recital at the World Saxophone Congress in Zagreb, Croatia. 

Programme:

Right at the Dead End - Zack Browning (Croatian Premiere)

New Work - Andrew Boss (World Premiere)

Tjuonavagge - Andy Scott (World Premiere)

The Other Dust - Lucy Armstrong (Croatian Premiere)

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Stančić Hall, Academy of Music, Zagreb

Polaris Duo at the World Saxophone Congress, Croatia

The Polaris Duo present a recital at the World Saxophone Congress in Zagreb, Croatia.

Programme:

Spheres - Melissa Douglas (Croatian Premiere)

Notturno - Gustav Bumcke

Polaris - Paul Mitchell-Davidson (World Premiere)

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Huml Hall, Academy of Music, Zagreb

Blair/Mertens Duo Recital

Gillian is joined by American Saxophonist Nathan Mertens to perform works for two saxophones and piano including new works by Zack Browning, Lucy Armstrong and Andy Scott.

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St Helen Stonegate, York

Blair/Mertens Duo Recital

Gillian is joined by American Saxophonist Nathan Mertens to perform works for two saxophones and piano including new works by Zack Browning, Lucy Armstrong and Andy Scott.

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St Olave's, Hart Street, London

Performance at Poulton Hall

Private event at Poulton Hall, Wirral

Polaris Duo Recital

The Polaris duo return to Bury Parish Church to perform as part of the friday lunchtime concert series. This concert will include works from their debut album which was released in April.

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Programme:

Song Without Words - Rob Buckland 

Sonata in G Minor - C.P.E Bach 

Spheres - Melissa Douglas 

Aquarelle - Andy Scott (with special guest Nathan Mertens [saxophone])

Notturno op 45 - Gustav Bumcke 

Sonata for Saxophone and Harp - Andy Scott 

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Bury Parish Church, Bury

https://www.buryparishchurch.com/concerts/

Polaris Duo LMN performances

Gillian and Elinor perform workshops around the North East in conjunction with Live Music Now.

Polaris Duo LMN performances

Gillian and Elinor perform workshops around the North East in conjunction with Live Music Now.

Borealis Saxophone Quartet LMN performances

The Borealis Saxophone Quartet perform at the Bridgewater Hall for children with Special Educational Needs in conjunction with Live Music Now.

Polaris Duo LMN performaces

Gillian and Elinor perform workshops at New Bridge School in conjunction with Live Music Now.

Polaris Duo LMN Performances

Gillian and Elinor perform workshops around the North East in conjunction with Live Music Now.

Polaris Duo Recital - Songs and Scones

Gillian and Elinor perform at Trinity Methodist Church in Barton on Humber in conjunction with Live Music Now.

Polaris Duo at the Bridgewater Hall

Gillian presents a workshop with Elinor Nicholson at the Bridgewater Hall's Be Hear Now series in conjunction with Live Music Now

Borealis Saxophone Quartet Recital at St John's Smith Square

The Borealis Saxophone Quartet perform as part of the year-long 'Americana' festival at SJSS. 

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Programme:

Jennifer Higdon - Bop

William Albright - Selections from 'Fantasy Etudes'

George Gershwin arr. Schlei Wolfgang - Three Preludes

Zack Browning - Unrelenting Universe (world premiere)

David Maslanka - Selections from 'Mountain Roads'

Zack Browning - Howler Back

Polaris Duo Recital at Chorlton Arts Festival

Gillian is joined by Harpist Elinor Nicholson to perform as part of the Chorlton Arts Festival Proms.

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Programme:

Song Without Words - Rob Buckland

Notturno - Gustav Bumcke 

Sonata for Saxophone and Harp - Andy Scott

Polaris Duo Performances for Live Music Now

Gillian and Elinor perform workshops around the North East in conjunction with Live Music Now.

Polaris Duo Performances for Live Music Now

Gillian and Elinor perform workshops around the North East in conjunction with Live Music Now.

Borealis Saxophone Quartet Recital at Dart Music Festival

The Borealis Saxophone Quartet perform an afternoon recital at the Dart Music Festival, Dartmouth.

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St Saviour's Church, Anzac St, Dartmouth

Borealis Saxophone Quartet LMN Performance

The Borealis Saxophone Quartet perform at Totnes Caring Musical Memory Cafe in conjunction with Live Music Now SW.

BBC Philharmonic at Salford Cathedral

Gillian performs with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra at the Sound From The Other City festival in Salford. They will perform a new work by composer Laura Bowler and visual artist Rachel Goodyear which is inspired by the Centenary of Women's Suffrage.

Polaris Duo Workshops at Hippings Primary School

Gillian and Elinor run workshops for the students of Hippings Primary School, Blackburn, in association with the Piccadilly Symphony Orchestra.

Recording with Cash Crisis

Gillian records for the band's sixth studio album.

Polaris Duo Recital at Heswall Concert Series

Gillian is joined by Harpist Elinor Nicholson to perform as part of Heswall Concert Series. This concert will feature works from their debut album which is released in April 2018.

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Church of the Good Shepherd, Heswall, Wirral

Polaris Duo Album Launch

Gillian is joined by Harpist Elinor Nicholson to launch their debut album 'illuminate'.

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International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Manchester

Polaris Duo LMN performance at Kingfisher School

Gillian and Elinor perform as part of a special event at the Kingfisher School, Oldham

Soloist with the Commonwealth String Orchestra

Gillian performs as a soloist with the Commonwealth String Orchestra conducted by Major Simon Haw MBE.

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Princess Alexandra Hall, Royal Over-Seas House, London

Solo Recital at Ripon Cathedral

Solo Recital accompanied by David Gibson (piano)

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Programme:

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Tableaux De Provence - Paule Maurice

Three Romances - Robert Schumann

The Singing Fish - Lucy Armstrong (UK Premiere)

Three Preludes - George Gershwin

Soloist with the Commonwealth String Orchestra

Gillian performs as a soloist with the Commonwealth String Orchestra conducted by Laura Stead.

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May Fair Hotel, London

Recital in Tokyo, Japan

Gillian joins American Saxophonist Nathan Mertens to perform works for two saxophones and piano including the premieres of new works by Zack Browning, Lucy Armstrong and Andy Scott.

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Gillian Blair - Soprano and Alto Saxophones

Nathan Mertens - Alto and Tenor Saxophones

Rie Yokota - Piano

Polaris Duo - Live Music Now workshops

Gillian presents workshops with Elinor Nicholson at schools in Burnely in conjunction with Live Music Now

Polaris Duo - Live Music Now workshops

Gillian presents workshops with Elinor Nicholson at Heaton School and Cromwell High School in conjunction with Live Music Now

Polaris Duo - Live Music Now workshops

Gillian presents workshops with Elinor Nicholson in Burnley in conjunction with Live Music Now

Polaris Duo - Live Music Now workshops

Gillian presents workshops with Elinor Nicholson at Rodney House School in conjunction with Live Music Now

Polaris Duo - Live Music Now workshops

Gillian presents workshops with Elinor Nicholson at Hawthorns Community School in conjunction with Live Music Now

Concerto with Bolton Chamber Orchestra

Gillian performs Concertino da Camera by Jacques Ibert with the Bolton Chamber Orchestra.

Conductor: Cherry Vann

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St Bartholomew's Church, Church Street, Westhoughton, Bolton. BL5 2BG

Soloist with the Commonwealth String Orchestra

Gillian appears as soloist with the Commonwealth String Orchestra for a special performance for International Women's Day conducted by Laura Stead.

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Canada House, Trafalgar Square, London

Recording with the Band of the Coldstream Guards and the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra

Gillian records various new works as a soloist with the Commonwealth String Orchestra and the Band of the Coldstream Guards. 

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The Guards' Chapel, London

Solo Recital at Boston Spa Methodist Church

Solo Recital accompanied by David Gibson (piano)

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Programme:

Vocalise-Etude - Olivier Messiaen

Sonata - Fernande Decruck

Three Romances - Robert Schumann

Three Preludes - George Gershwin

Workshop with the Commonwealth Children's Choir

Gillian joins musicians from the Coldstream Guards Band, conducted by Major Simon Haw MBE to accompany the Commonwealth Children's Choir for their latest project.

Manor Park, London

Polaris Duo Recital and Workshop

Gillian and Harpist Elinor Nicholson perform a lunchtime recital as part of the International Artists Concert Series at Holy Cross College, Bury. 

Programme:

Fantasie op 124 - Camille Saint-Saens

Narthex - Bernard Andres

Sonata for Saxophone and Harp - Andy Scott

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This is followed by a workshop on writing for saxophone and harp for the music students. 

Workshop with the Commonwealth Children's Choir

Gillian joins musicians from the Coldstream Guards Band, conducted by Major Simon Haw MBE to accompany the Commonwealth Children's Choir for their latest project.

Manor Park, London

Polaris Duo Recital in Southport

Gillian is joined by Harpist Elinor Nicholson for a lunchtime recital.

Programme to include works by Bach, Saint-Saens, Andy Scott and Gustav Bumcke

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The Atkinson Centre, Southport

Polaris Duo Album Recording

Gillian Blair (saxophone) and Elinor Nicholson (harp) record their debut album as the Polaris Duo. Due for release in Spring 2018. More details to follow. 

Concerto with Oldham Symphony Orchestra

Gillian performs the Glazunov Saxophone Concerto with the Oldham Symphony Orchestra. 

Conductor: Marco Bellasi

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St Paul's Church, Royton, OL2 5JS

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http://oldhamsymphonyorchestra.org.uk/concert/140/

RNCM Saxophone Day

Gillian joins the team of RNCM and JRNCM saxophone tutors running workshops for this fantastic annual event. 

This year's guest artists are Timothy McAllister and Andy Scott's Group S.

Join us for a day of workshops, concerts, Q&As and everything saxophone! There is also a large trade exhibition running all day with all the major saxophone brands represented...Hope to see you there!

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Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester

https://www.rncm.ac.uk/festivals/rncm-saxophone-day

Borealis Saxophone Quartet Live Music Now Workshops

Performances with the Borealis Saxophone Quartet at Charnley Fold Day Centre and the Melland Centre in conjunction with Live Music Now. 

Borealis Saxophone Quartet Live Music Now Workshops

Performances with the Borealis Saxophone Quartet at Delemere School and Heathlands Village Care Home in conjunction with Live Music Now. 

Concerto with City of Peterborough Symphony Orchestra

Gillian performs the Glazunov Saxophone Concerto with the City of Peterborough Symphony Orchestra. 

Conductor: Steve Bingham

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The Voyager Concert Hall, Mountsteven Avenue, Peterborough

www.cpso.org.uk

Borealis Saxophone Quartet Performance

The Borealis Saxophone Quartet perform at a private event at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London.

Borealis Saxophone Quartet on BBC Radio 3's 'In Tune'

The Borealis Saxophone Quartet will perform several pieces and chat live on BBC Radio 3 as part of a special edition of 'In Tune'. The programme will showcase several 'BBC Introducing' Artists as the BBC celebrate 10 years of the scheme.

Polaris Duo Recital

Gillian is joined by Harpist Elinor Nicholson to perform as part of the lunchtime concert series in Rochdale. Music by Gershwin, Piazzolla, Bach, Bumcke and Scott.

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St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale

Harrogate Saxophone Summer School

Gillian joins Rob Buckland, Carl Raven and Sally MacTaggart as a tutor on this annual course.

Manchester Single Reed Summer School

Gillian joins Rob Buckland, Ruth Bourn, Tom Verity and Matt Dunn as a tutor on this annual course for young saxophonists and clarinettists. 

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www.singlereed.org

Tenor Saxophone Collective at EurSax17, Porto

Gillian performs with the Tenor Saxophone Collective alongside tenor saxophonists from around the world at EurSax in Porto, Portugal

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Solo Recital at EurSax17, Porto

Gillian performs a recital with pianist David Gibson at the European Saxophone Congress (EurSax) in Portugal, which features the world premieres of two new commissions. 

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Programme:

Amongst The Cinders - Grace Evangeline Mason

The Singing Fish - Lucy Armstrong

Polaris Duo Recital at St Mary's, Nantwich

Gillian is joined by harpist Elinor Nicholson for a recital of music by George Gershwin, J.S. Bach, Gustav Bumcke and Andy Scott.

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Workshop with the Commonwealth Children's Choir

Gillian joins other musicians from the Commonwealth Orchestra to accompany the Commonwealth Children's Choir for their latest project.

Manor Park, London

Toot Sweet: A Pairing of Music and Cake - Didsbury Arts Festival

Gillian and pianist Lauryna Sableviciute present a recital with a difference as part of Didsbury Arts Festival. For each work in the programme, audience members will sample a different baked delight which has been created to compliment the varied musical programme. 

Programme: Music by Bach, Yoshimatsu, Schumann, Maurice and Gershwin

Borealis Saxophone Quartet Live Music Now Workshops

Participatory concerts in conjunction with Live Music Now for pupils at Piper Hill School.

Borealis Saxophone Quartet at The Bridgewater Hall

Participatory concert in conjunction with Live Music Now for pupils from local SEND Schools.

Workshop with the Commonwealth Children's Choir

Gillian joins other musicians from the Commonwealth Orchestra to accompany the Commonwealth Children's Choir for their latest project.

Manor Park, London

Piccadilly Symphony Orchestra

Performance of Leonard Bernstein's 'Symphonic Dances from West Side Story' with the Piccadilly Symphony Orchestra.

RNCM Concert Hall, Manchester

Borealis Saxophone Quartet - Live Music Now Concerts

Performances in conjunction with Live Music Now.

10:30: Participatory workshop for children from local primary schools

14:30: Concert open to the public - SOLD OUT

Oldham Library

Solo Recital

Accompanied by David Gibson (piano)

Music by J.S. Bach, Paule Maurice, Robert Schumann, Roger Boutry and George Gershwin

Borealis Saxophone Quartet - Live Music Now Concerts

Performances in conjunction with Live Music Now.

New Bridge School, Oldham

St Helen's Sinfonietta

A concert of Wind Orchestra repertoire with the St Helen's Sinfonietta.

World of Glass, St Helen's

Solo Recital at Heswall Concert Series

Accompanied by David Gibson (piano)

Music by Saint-Saens, Bach, Bozza, Turnage, Gershwin, Bartok, Messiaen, Maurice, Schumann and Boutry.

Recording for The Wombats

Recording at Elevator Studios in Liverpool for The Wombat's upcoming tour.