Royston’s Alison Balsom wins at Classical Brits

ROYSTON trumpeter Alison Balsom triumphed at the Classical Brit Awards at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Thursday night.

The former Tannery Drift, Greneway and Meridian pupil scooped the Best Female Artist prize for the second time, following on from 2009’s success.

When collecting her award from TV presenter Laurence Llewelyn Bowen she told the audience: “It’s an amazing thing to be able to play music every day, and if it wasn’t for you listening to my records and coming to my concerts, it wouldn’t be possible.”

The ex-resident of Newmarket Road was given her prize on the strength of her Italian Concertos release, which is her sixth solo recording. She treated the audience to a performance from the album at the ceremony.

Fellow British artists Mitsuko Uchida and Nicola Benedetti to take the gong were also nominated.

It completes a memorable week for the 31-year-old, who was named this week as one of the figures to be immortalised with a statue as part of the Coombes hole underpass project.