Join us to celebrate the launch of 19 for 19, WQXR’s inaugural annual list celebrating some of the most exciting classical artists on the planet. This one-off event brings together members of the new group for what promises to be a unique and spectacular concert.
Featuring acclaimed violinist Anne Akiko Meyers, beloved pianist Inon Barnatan, visionary chamber ensemble The Knights, and two young artists who are set for international stardom: 20-year-old classical saxophone sensation Jess Gillam, and Wei Luo, the astonishing 19-year-old pianist who has been dubbed “the next Lang Lang.” Program details to be announced, but will range from Haydn to John Williams; Mendelssohn to Arvo Pärt.
Hosted by WQXR’s Creative Director Clemency Burton-Hill.
WQXR and the artists of “19 for 19” are committed to make the world’s greatest classical music accessible to all; tickets for this very special event are priced at just $19.
“Nobody who watched The Last Night of the Proms in 2018 could miss the star turn by young classical saxophonist Jess Gillam — one critic described her, correctly, as “stealing the show.” Indeed, this coolest of cats looked as though she had been born to play the Royal Albert Hall in front of 6,000 people (and millions more on TV) before her 20th birthday. Gillam’s onstage charisma and virtuosity is matched offstage by her entrepreneurial zeal, making her the perfect ambassador for her instrument. No wonder she was quickly snapped up by Decca, becoming — at just 19 — the first-ever saxophonist to sign with the label. The spirited young trailblazer, who already has a Classical Brit award under her belt, also runs her own festival and cites David Bowie as a hero. In 2019, Gillam will release her hotly-anticipated first album and has concert engagements all over Europe, from Barcelona to Finland to Lucerne. “