Near You
World Class Musicians performing for schools in venues across Essex
Saffron Music Live is delighted to present concerts for schools in venues across Essex.
We believe that all children should have the opportunity to experience live music in their local venue. This year we are delighted to present schools concerts from the amazing Jess Gillam ensemble, and YolanDa Brown in venues across Essex. All concerts will be highly interactive and participatory and will be supported with resources for teachers, including curriculum links, preparatory and follow up activities to enable you and your students to get the most out of the experience.
BOOKING NOW OPEN! Scroll down to book ⬇️
Keep in touch - teachers! - we would love to hear your thoughts on Saffron Music Live, and how you would like to see the programme develop in the future. We are are particularly interested in hearing about anything which might prevent your school from engaging with Saffron Music Live.- Click here to let us know.
Information and booking details for saffron Music Live’s 2026/7 programme will be available in July.
JUST ANNOUNCED:
Aurora Orchestra - Symphonic Sounds (suitable for key stage 3, 4 and 5)
2nd July 2026
Experience an orchestra from the inside in a special performance by one of the world’s most exciting orchestras.
Aurora Orchestra’s Symphonic Sounds concert places students at the centre of the action. With musicians performing from memory and positioned all around the space, Mozart’s powerful Jupiter Symphony is brought to life in an immersive, high-impact way.
Through live performance and moments of audience participation, students sharpen their listening skills and gain a deeper understanding of how orchestral music works — thrilling, inspiring, and unforgettable.
Thursday 2nd July, Saffron Hall (performances at 10.30am and 1pm) - Please fill in this form to book your school into this free concert.
Please note completing this form does not automatically guarantee your tickets, we will be in touch after you complete this form to let you know if you were successful.
This is a free concert subject to terms laid out in the booking form.
"It was so dramatic and exciting. I really enjoyed seeing the way all the different instruments work together and layer together." – Secondary school pupil, November 2025
"Many were absolutely gobsmacked by the performance, as the level of immersion was quite breathtaking.” Teacher feedback, November 2025
Please find below a link to our social story, Our social story is a visual guide designed for individuals who may benefit from understanding what to expect before visiting Saffron Hall. It is intended to help visitors prepare for a new experience and become familiar with the environment in advance.
Past Concerts
YolanDa's Band Jam (suitable for EYFS and Key Stage 1)
February/ March 2026
Join YolanDa and her band in a live version of the critically acclaimed children's TV show dubbed “Jools Holland for kids!" With the aim of encouraging children to discover the joys of music through dancing, singing and playing, YolanDa’s Band Jam will expand children’s knowledge about music and instruments, attune children’s understanding of different musical sounds and styles, and inspire them to discover the wonders of music making.
YolanDa is a double MOBO Award winning artist and her music is a delicious fusion of reggae, jazz, and soul. She has toured with The Temptations, Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, Billy Ocean and collaborated with artists such as Dave Stewart from Eurythmics and Rick Astley. She is currently composing music for the iconic Sesame Street as well as the Netflix Series CocoMelon Lane.
The Jess Gillam Ensemble (suitable for Key Stage 2)
April 2026
Following previous schools concerts at Saffron Hall and Harlow Playhouse we are delighted to bring saxophonist Jess Gillam and her ensemble back to Essex with a new performance for primary schools. This series of concerts will take us on a journey from the time of King Henry VIII through to the modern day – via pieces by Mozart, Duke Ellington and others – on the way exploring the Interrelated Dimensions of Music, and featuring lots of opportunities for participation.
Jess Gillam is a Brit Award-winning saxophonist whose first two albums both reached No. 1 in the UK Classical Music Charts. With The Jess Gillam Ensemble she has formed a band which includes Strings, piano and percussion and performs music ranging from Bach to Bjork and Bowie. Jess is passionate about music education and the role of music in society.
