Saturday, October 26th at 7.30pm

Polaris Duo (saxophone & harp)

Gillian Blair (saxophone) and Elinor Nicholson (harp) formed the Polaris Duo in 2011 whilst studying at the Royal Northern College of Music. They have since been exploring a range of repertoire and possibilities for this unusual pairing of instruments. Their programme will be a fascinating evening of eclectic music from classical and modern composers, and will be a rare opportunity for music lovers to experience this combination of instruments to create a memorable evening of relaxing and atmospheric music

Tickets £12 non members £10 society members, students over 16 half price, children free. Unreserved seating but please respect Covid prevention advice -Tickets on the door.

Click here for programme details

Gillian Blair – Saxophone

Gillian holds Bachelors and Masters degrees from the Royal Northern College of Music. During her studies she was a finalist in the RNCM’s prestigious Concerto and Gold Medal competitions and received scholarships from the Oglesby Charitable Trust, the Helen Mackaness Award and the Countess of Munster Trust. Upon graduating, Gillian was awarded the Timothy Reynish Award for outstanding contribution to the RNCM.

As a soloist, she has performed around Europe, North America and Asia at festivals and concert series’ including the BBC Proms, World Saxophone Congress, and several broadcasts on BBC Radio 3. She has appeared as a guest soloist with ensembles including the Band of the Coldstream Guards, Piccadilly Symphony Orchestra, University of Arkansas Saxophone Ensemble and City of Peterborough Symphony Orchestra.

Elinor Nicholson – Harp

Award-winning Scottish harpist Elinor Nicholson graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music with a first class honours degree in 2014. She then went on to complete a Masters in Music with distinction in 2016. During her studies, Elinor won the prestigious RNCM Concerto Competition and was twice a finalist in the RNCM Gold Medal competition- the highest accolade for performance that the college offers.

Elinor regularly performs with ensembles such as the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Northern Ballet Sinfonia. She has also performed alongside well known names including Nicola Benedetti, Katherine Jenkins, Russel Watson and the rock band Evanescence. This has led her to perform in some of the country’s most notable concert halls, including; Royal Albert Hall, Birmingham’s Symphony Hall,  Royal Glasgow Concert Hall and the Bridgewater Hall.