Alison Balsom: ‘This is the most important piece written for the trumpet in 200 years’
From elephant blasts to spiritual jazz, Wynton Marsalis’s concerto is a history of the world in trumpet form. As she prepares to give the UK premiere, Balsom describes the thrill of playing it
March 2024
On my radar
On my radar: Alison Balsom’s cultural highlights
The classical trumpeter on a complex marital drama, an uncompromising violinist and a garden that feels like stepping back in time
October 2022
‘I threw my arms around Beckett!’ – electrifying first nights, by Ciarán Hinds, Eileen Atkins and more
The author of a new book about the greatest openings in theatre history asks stars of stage to recall their most thrilling first nights – and the occasional disasters that befell them
August 2022
Home listening
Classical home listening: Sarah Willis: Mozart y Mambo: Cuban Dances; Alison Balsom: Quiet City
Horn player Sarah Willis returns to Cuba for more sizzling collaborations, while trumpet virtuoso Alison Balsom captivates in Copland, Bernstein and more
October 2019
Alison Balsom in Gabriel review – trumpets get lost in translation
As actor, singer, compere and musician, Balsom drives this reimagining of Samuel Adamson’s celebration of Purcell, but the venue impedes its drama
May 2016
Facing the music
Facing the music: Alison Balsom
From Queen to Quincy Jones and Stravinsky to Spamalot, the trumpeter on the music and musicians that inspire her on and off stage
September 2015
BBCCO/Lockhart/Balsom review – dexterous playing and deft writing
Guy Barker’s ambitious new trumpet concerto was superbly played by Alison Balsom; outstanding soloists made the case for Orff’s controversial Carmina Burana
December 2014
Listen up
Alison Balsom's Christmas playlist
Our Christmas playlists kick off with trumpeter Alison Balsom’s festive selection, featuring Bach to Drake to Disney.
January 2012
Alison Balsom: 'You can't hide behind a trumpet'
Award-winning classical trumpeter Alison Balsom talks to Kate Kellaway about the Proms, motherhood – and blowing into her hometown to a hero's welcome
September 2011
Scottish Ensemble/Alison Balsom – review
The main event of this concert was the Scottish premiere of James MacMillan's Seraph, which scooted along but showed too many nuts and bolts, writes Kate Molleson
October 2010
Alison Balsom: The top brass
Too many ballgowns, and not enough Beethoven. Alison Balsom talks to Erica Jeal about life as a classical trumpeter
