Relaxed Saturday Live: William Jack, cello

St James’s is expanding its Saturday Live programme to offer a new Relaxed Saturday Live series of free live concerts. The programme will showcase music genres such as jazz and world music, among others. These concerts are designed to be even more accessible to all. Don’t worry if your kids are prone to sing along and no need to think you need to sit bolt upright throughout when trying out this new live music experience — you’re free to wander in and out as the mood takes you.

Free admission | Donations welcome

Whether £5 or any amount you’re able to give. Donations can be made in cash in the basket on your way out, or by tap donation at the machines at our exits. Your generosity helps support our cultural events and charitable services. Thank you.

Programme

Eleanor Rigby – The Beatles
Prelude – Suite No.1 in G major, BWV 1007 – Bach
Lady Madonna – The Beatles
Allemande
Penny Lane – The Beatles
Courante
In My Life – The Beatles
Sarabande
Here, There and Everywhere – The Beatles
Minuet I / II
Norwegian Wood – The Beatles
Gigue

Artist Bio

William Jack is an Australian multi-style cellist and songwriter, based in London. He is best known for incorporating his jazz guitar background into an unconventional style of cello playing, with a passion for breaking boundaries between genres and cultures. His music transitions seamlessly from virtuosic folk & bluegrass compositions, to non-Western sound worlds.

Since his classical studies in Vienna, William has forged his own cello pathway, touring Europe, Australia and the UK extensively. He has recently performed his solo compositions from his album collection ‘This Old Cello Box’ live on BBC Radio 3 at the Edinburgh Fringe and was selected to perform as a ‘New Folk’ songwriter at the Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas. William received the best music award at the 2025 Adelaide Fringe. He has been fortunate to work with numerous world-renowned artists, both as a session musician and collaborator. William is passionate about redefining the cello possibilities, bringing the instrument into exciting new territories.

Her numerous performances in the UK feature solo, concerto and chamber music recitals in Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room, St Martin-in-the-Fields, St John’s Smith Square, Glasgow City Halls, Manchester Bridgewater Hall, Birmingham Symphony and Town Halls.

Among various competition prizes and awards, Nafis is a prize winner of the International BRANT Piano Competition and a recipient of the Myre Hess award by Help Musicians UK.

In 2019 Nafis released her debut album “Darkness illuminated” featuring the music of Alexander Scriabin and Alexei Stanchinsky. In addition to her performance career Nafis regularly dedicates time to sharing her experience with the young generation. She is currently a member of the piano department at the Purcell School for Young Musicians.

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