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Behind the Scenes: Alison Balsom

Alison Balsom

BBC Radio 4 - Behind the Scenes, Alison Balsom

A glimpse into the life of the virtuoso trumpeter taking charge of the Cheltenham Festival

The so-called Diva of the Trumpet is revealed not only as a world class musician, but also as an artist now in charge of the Cheltenham Festival who wants to reach new audiences.

Alison Balsom's career would be astonishing even if she had simply been content to reign as one of the world's best classical trumpeters. But the so-called Diva of the Trumpet has ambitions which go beyond performance on the concert platform. She is a passionate ambassador for the trumpet and for broadening its repertoire. And now, as the newly appointed artistic director of the Cheltenham Music Festival, she relishes the opportunity to open up the best classical music to new audiences in creative ways.
 
The programme has access to Alison, providing a glimpse at her life, as she takes the reins of the music festival, conducts masterclasses,  rehearses with Guy Barker for a new concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on the Southbank, and works at home in her "room of inspiration". 

Contributors include counter tenor Iestyn Davies, theatre director Dominic Dromgoole, and Huw Humphreys who is in charge of music at the Barbican.


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