Watch: Sheku, Jess and Ben Reunited!
10 Sept 2026
A decade on from their unforgettable first encounter, three of the UK’s biggest classical music stars joined us for a memorable conversation, which you can watch here.
Ten years ago, three extraordinary young musicians stepped onto the stage of the BBC Young Musician televised final: cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, saxophonist Jess Gillam and horn player Ben Goldscheider. All three unleashed thrilling musical fireworks, rousing such pride and excitement in the future of music-making.
Since that moment, all three have progressed to international stardom, becoming much-loved role-models, champions for their respective instruments, and advocates for music-making generally. In Summer 2026, they were all set to reunite onstage in a newly-commissioned Triple Concerto by composer Gwilym Simcock at the BBC Proms (televised on BBC Four at 8.00pm on Friday 11 September and available consequently on BBC iPlayer).
As they embarked on rehearsals, Sheku, Jess and Ben joined us at the RPS for an evening of joyful and insightful conversation, reflecting on that remarkable night a decade ago, and their respective journeys since. With RPS Chief Executive James Murphy, they talked about how the musical landscape has dramatically changed since, and shared their passions and perspectives on the future of classical music in the UK. We welcome you to watch the filmed conversation linked above.
This event was supported by RPS Corporate Supporter, ABRSM, the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
If you’d like access to more conversational films like this, made by the RPS with inspirational musicians like Roderick Williams, Nicola Benedetti, John Wilson, Tasmin Little and Nicky Spence, we invite you to become an RPS Member, opening doors to lots more musical discovery and helping our charitable cause. Read on for more information…
LOVE CLASSICAL MUSIC?
Classical music is a force for good. It speaks to our emotions. It continually leads us to new treasures. You can help us protect and nurture the music and musicians you love – by joining the Royal Philharmonic Society.
As a registered charity, we help performers and composers when they can often struggle – with grants, commissions, mentoring and performance opportunities. We help young musicians with insufficient means to acquire the instruments they need to progress. We raise the profile of musical endeavours nationwide through the RPS Awards, and our filmed talks and events, cultivating pride and support for artists and initiatives worth discovering. RPS Membership is an opportunity for you to make a charitable gesture and show your support for the music and musicians and to fuel your musical passions, make fresh discoveries, and get closer to what’s happening in classical music today.
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