Internationally celebrated singer-songwriter Emily Saunders is set to light up Leicester’s historic Y-Theatre this summer—an especially meaningful venue for the acclaimed artist.
Hailed as the Queen of Jazz Fusion, Saunders will perform on 13 June, debuting tracks from her highly anticipated new album, Moon Shifts Oceans—a release she describes as her “most powerful to date.”
Picture: Emily Saunders
Moon Shifts Oceans remains partly under wraps, but is already being billed as a deeply personal, genre-blending collection that reflects Saunders’ rich emotional and musical journey. The title, she explains, was chosen to reflect the idea that “small things can create great change.”
A chart-topping artist with international acclaim, Emily’s music has reached the Top 10 on iTunes and Amazon across the UK, USA, Germany, France, and Indonesia. Her work has also earned four-star reviews from leading publications including The Evening Standard, The Guardian, The Independent, and The Daily Telegraph.
Originally from Brixton, South London, Saunders says she is especially excited to return to the Y Theatre—a venue she calls both “beautiful” and “iconic.” This marks her second performance at the venue following a warmly received appearance last year.
Picture: Emily Saunders
But beyond its acoustics and ambiance, the Y Theatre holds a much deeper significance for Saunders. As a teenager, she faced homelessness and found refuge through a local hostel. Leaving home at 16, she navigated turbulent early years—experiences that would later fuel her creative path.
“Music became my safe space,” she tells The Leicester Times. “I transformed the adversity from teenage chaos into a deeper understanding of how sound can reflect and heal those experiences. That journey has been my creative driving force ever since.”
Performing at the Y Theatre is especially poignant, she adds: “It means a great deal to perform in such a special venue. The Y Theatre isn’t just a stunning stage with fantastic sound—it’s a place tied to the kind of support that helped shape my life. Support structures for young people, especially those facing homelessness, are incredibly important. I know first-hand how life-changing they can be.”
Speaking about her new album, Saunders describes it as “a creation of beauty, strength, and soul.”
“It’s my most powerful work to date because it’s a celebration of how we can all get through tough times in our lives and emerge stronger.”
Known for her vibrant performances and genre-defying sound, Saunders thrives on stage, where she connects freely and deeply with her audience.
When asked what fans can expect from her Leicester show, she smiles: “My music appeals to a wide audience. It’s about uplifting people and making sure they have a great time. That’s what live music should be all about.”
Tickets for Emily Saunders’ performance on 13 June are available now.
To book, visit: https://ytheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173658304
