Polaris Duo
Award-winning saxophone and harp duo

Polaris Duo is an award- winning saxophone and harp Duo that enjoys exploring an eclectic range of soundworlds and repertoire.

“What a joy it was to hear this unusual pairing of instruments…the sax was beautifully controlled and the harp rich in sound, resulting in a beautiful colour to the music. With their musicality and engaging stage presence they are already well accomplished. They are destined to be rising stars of the future.” Peter Ruddock (Ribfest)

Gillian Blair (saxophone) and Elinor Nicholson (harp) formed Polaris Duo in 2011 whilst studying at the Royal Northern College of Music. They have since been exploring an eclectic range of repertoire and possibilities for this unusual instrumentation.

The duo have performed at venues including the Bridgewater Hall, Buxton Opera House, Zagreb Academy of Music and the International Anthony Burgess Foundation. They are artists for Live Music Now and enjoy bringing live music to those who may not normally have the opportunity to hear it. Polaris Duo’s debut album ‘illuminate’ was released in 2018, following which, the duo were named as BBC Introducing Artists and appeared live on BBC Radio 3’s ‘In Tune’ programme.

Polaris Duo is dedicated to presenting new music and expanding the repertoire for this uncommon pairing of instruments. Their most recent commissions include compositions by Esther Swift, Paul Mitchell-Davidson and Gavin Wayte.