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Jess Gillam with... Olivia Belli

Jess Gillam is joined by Italian contemporary classical pianist and composer Olivia Belli for a listening party, including music by Arvo Pärt, Gino Paoli, Vivaldi and The Beatles.

Jess Gillam swaps favourite tracks with Italian contemporary classical pianist and composer Olivia Belli. After studying classical piano at an Italian conservatory, Olivia gravitated towards performing the works of contemporary composers such as Philip Glass and Max Richter. Her own compositions are inspired by nature, art, and spirituality, and have been streamed millions of times online. She has performed everywhere from the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam to Montréal International Jazz Festival and was commissioned by the BBC Proms in 2023 to write a piece for the organist Anna Lapwood. Her latest album, 'Daimon', is out now via Sony Classical. Olivia chooses music from Arvo Pärt, Gino Paoli, Philip Glass and Bach reinvented by the Jacques Loussier Trio, whilst Jess's choices include music by Vivaldi and The Beatles.

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24 days left to listen

1 hour

Last on

Last Saturday17:00
BBC Radio 3

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Music Played

  • Antonín Dvořák

    String Quartet No 12 in F major 'American', Op 96 (4th mvt)

    Ensemble: Emerson String Quartet.
    • Deutsche Grammophon.

  • Olivia Belli

    Ithaca Suite: V. Eurycleia

    Performer: Jess Gillam. Performer: Olivia Belli.
    • Sony Classical.

  • Arvo Pärt

    Da Pacem Domine

    Ensemble: The Hilliard Ensemble.
    • ECM.

  • Richard Strauss

    Ein Heldenleben Op 40: I. Der Held

    Orchestra: Berlin Philharmonic. Conductor: Sir Simon Rattle.
    • Warner Classics.

  • Gino Paoli

    Il cielo in una stanza

    Performer: Gino Paoli.
    • Ricordi.

  • Antonio Vivaldi

    Concerto for 2 violins and cello in G minor, RV 578 from L'estro armonico

    Performer: Simon Standage. Performer: Micaela Comberti. Performer: Jaap ter Linden. Orchestra: The English Concert. Director: Trevor Pinnock.
    • Archiv.

  • Olivia Belli

    Concerto for piano and string orchestra "Daimon": I. The Departure

    Performer: Olivia Belli.
    • Sony Classical.

  • Philip Glass

    String Quartet No 4 'Buczak' (2nd mvt)

    Ensemble: Kronos Quartet.
    • Nonesuch.

  • The Beatles

    She's Leaving Home

    • Parlophone.

  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Air on the G string (Suite No 3 in D major, BWV 1068)

    Ensemble: Jacques Loussier Trio.
    • London Globe.

  • Edvard Grieg

    Holberg Suite Op 40: Praeludium

    Orchestra: Academy of St Martin in the Fields. Conductor: Neville Marriner.
    • Hanssler.

  • John Cage

    In a Landscape (version for harp)

    Performer: Floraleda Sacchi.
    • Decca.

Broadcast

  • Last Saturday17:00
    BBC Radio 3

Why are more young people listening to classical music?

Why are more young people listening to classical music?

20yo classical musician and presenter Jess Gillam is here to improve your playlist game.

Podcast

  • This Classical Life

    Jess Gillam hosts the music show for people who like classical and other stuff too.