Awards for Young Musicians selected for BBC Radio 4 Appeal

Hattie Fisk
Monday, August 15, 2022

Supporting young musicians from low-income families, Awards for Young Musicians has been chosen to feature on BBC Radio 4 Appeal, represented by acclaimed saxophonist Jess Gillam.

Jess Gillam, AYM alumna
Jess Gillam, AYM alumna

Supporting talented young musicians from low-income backgrounds, AYM alumna and patron Jess Gillam will be hosting a BBC Radio 4 Appeal for Awards for Young Musicians next week.

As part of the appeal, Gillam will discuss how Awards for Young Musicians (AYM) supported her musical journey, and the story of current AYM musician, Aaliyah. 

The appeal will be shared at various times throughout the week, including for the first time on Sunday 21 August at 07.54am. 

Jess Gillam said: ‘I am very proud to be supporting AYM and presenting this appeal on BBC Radio 4. Music has the potential to be a force for good and can offer life changing opportunities for young people. 

‘Musical potential is everywhere but opportunity isn’t and AYM work hard to give thousands of young people the chance to learn from the magic of music. I am very grateful to AYM for the support they gave me when I was younger and am keen to help make sure as many other young people as possible have the same chances.’

Gillam will also be presenting and performing in a concert at Hallé St Peter's in Manchester on 6 September in aid of AYM. 

AYM CEO Hester Cockcroft comments:‘We’re thrilled that Jess will present our BBC Radio 4 appeal. Her amazing musicality was clear to everyone from the first time we heard her play as a 14 year old, and it’s wonderful that she’s now such a fantastic ambassador for AYM’s work.’

www.a-y-m.org.uk/