Bristol Proms: An interview with Alison Balsom

Fresh from stunning commuters at Paddington Station as she launched this year's Bristol Proms, renowned trumpeter ALISON BALSOM will play on Bristol Old Vic's stage for the first time during the festival.

Why have you chosen this particular repertoire for Bristol Proms?

Because it feels like an 'anything is possible' type festival.

Have you performed any of these pieces before?

The very first concert I played in my first year at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama was this Britten Fanfare in St Paul's Cathedral with my two fellow first year friends. When we were first asked we thought it was a joke! St Paul's has a seven second echo.

Which moments within the music are you most looking forward to performing?

I can't deny that I'm very much looking forward to doing my first ever concert with a looper - and playing along with several versions of myself to hopefully inspire people to get up and dance...

What music do you most like to listen to?

I love listening to Bach - but it has to be great performers - stylish, and historically informed, as so much of the responsibility for the magic is given to the player in each new performance of his works.

On a more personal note, what do you do to relax?

Renovate my house. I'm a bit obsessed. I look at interior design websites almost every night before I go to sleep.

Photo by Maker.

Late Night Trumpet with Alison Balsom will play as part of Bristol Proms in Bristol Old Vic Theatre on Wednesday 29 July at 9.45pm. Snap up your tickets here.