Alison is a Classical Brit
FROM playing the trumpet at a school in Royston to being crowned the Best Young British Classical Performer, Alison Balsom has come a long way. The 27-year-old trumpeter, who grew up in Newmarket Road, Royston, is celebrating after winning the prestigious
FROM playing the trumpet at a school in Royston to being crowned the Best Young British Classical Performer, Alison Balsom has come a long way.
The 27-year-old trumpeter, who grew up in Newmarket Road, Royston, is celebrating after winning the prestigious Classical Brit Award accolade.
Alison, who was just about to step onto a plane to Athens, told The Crow: "It was an amazing feeling.
"It was also terrifying though as I was performing on the night and I had to play some really difficult pieces which I was thinking of more."
Alison started playing the trumpet at Tannery Drift School when she was eight, attended The Meridian School, Royston, and went on to study at the Guildhall School of Music and the Paris Conservatoire.
She won the brass final in the BBC Young Musician of the Year in 1999 which led to her debut at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast, with the Ulster Orchestra.
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Alison has also performed with the London Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the English Ballet and the Berlin Contemporary Opera.
She has recently signed a three-disc contract with EMI Classics, and plans to bring out her second album later in the year.
"The first album was a massive project, but really rewarding. I've listened to it so many times that when it's in the shops I just don't want to listen to it anymore."
Alison is currently playing all over the world with different orchestras.
"It has its ups and downs, but it's really good. You get to see some incredible places and play with some amazing orchestras."
Alison's parents still live in
Royston - and she says they have encouraged her all the way.
