Alison Balsom

Alison Balsom serves as Professor in the Department of Music at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, where she contributes to the institution's prestigious performance training program. Her international stature as a trumpet virtuoso brings significant artistic leadership to the school's academic community.

Balsom's artistic practice centers on trumpet performance across historical and contemporary repertoire, with particular emphasis on expanding the instrument's solo literature through new commissions. Her work bridges baroque traditions and modern performance practices, exploring the trumpet's expressive capabilities in orchestral, chamber, and theatrical contexts. This interdisciplinary approach has positioned her at the forefront of classical music innovation.

Her exceptional contributions to music have been recognized with multiple Classical Brit Awards:

• Young British Classical Performer (2006)
• Female Artist of the Year (2009)
• Female Artist of the Year (2011)

Balsom maintains an active international performance schedule with leading ensembles including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, and Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Her festival appearances span the Prague Spring Festival, Chicago's Ravinia Festival, and the BBC Proms. The 2013 US/Asia tour with Scottish Ensemble and theatrical work in Samuel Adamson's 'Gabriel' at Shakespeare's Globe demonstrate her commitment to cross-disciplinary artistic exploration. Her discography of 12 EMI recordings showcases remarkable versatility across musical eras, featuring significant commissioned works like James MacMillan's 'Seraph'.