It's all in the Mind of... Alison Balsom and Sarah Connolly

Trumpeter Alison Balsom became the first ever Briton to be crowned 'Female Artist of the Year' at the Classical BRITs this year,  beating out Russian soprano superstar Anna Netrebko and Australian-born singer Danielle de Niese.  A former BBC New Generation Artist, Alison studied trumpet at the Guildhall School of Music and is currently a Visiting Professor of Trumpet there.  Read on to find out more about Alison Balsom.

Alison Balsom: Prom 76 Last Night of the Proms 7:30pm

Q.  What are you currently reading?
A.  Sovereign by C.J. Sansom.

Q.  Who inspires you musically?
A.  Actually my duo partners pianist Tom Poster, and organist David Goode always inspire me in performances. (Read David Goode's Q&A from Tuesday)

Q.  What's your favourite city, and why?
A.  San Fransisco. So fresh, artistic and sunny in both weather and feel.

Q.  What young artist are you keeping an eye on?
A.  Nico Muhly.

Q.  Who would you like to get stuck in an elevator with?
A.  Samuel L Jackson.

Q.  Where is the strangest place you've ever performed?
A.  On top of a swimming pool on the roof of a ridiculously luxurious hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Q.  What piece of music can you not live without?
A.  The St. Matthew Passion by J.S. Bach

Q.  What food can you not live without?
A.  White bloomer and cheddar.

Q.  Where is your favourite spot in London?
A.  It's got to be on the stage in the Albert Hall.

Q.  If you were invisible for a day, what would be the first thing you'd do?
A.  Run around in Harrods food hall, helping myself!!!

Learn more about Alison Balsom on her website >>

Find out more about War Child on their website >>

Sarah Connolly: Prom 76 Last Night of the Proms 7.30pm

Mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly studied piano and singing at the Royal College of Music, where she is now a Fellow. She has appeared in recital in London and new York and her many concert enagements include performances with conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Mark Elder and Sir Colin Davis. She is also a major recording artist and was nominated for a Grammy award last year in the solo vocal category.  Sarah lives in Cotswolds, UK, with her husband and daughter.

Q.  What are you currently reading?
A.  Dear Fatty by Dawn French.

Q.  Who inspires you musically?
A.  Anja Kampe's Isolde.

Q.  What's your favourite city, and why?
A.  London. Its diversity and surprises.

Q.  What young artist are you keeping an eye on?  
A.  Lucy Crowe.

Q.  Who would you like to get stuck in an elevator with?  
A.  Ralph Fiennes.

Q.  Where is the strangest place you've ever performed?  
A.  In a nuclear power plant lecture hall with a hospital for the criminally insane next door in Belgium.

Q.  What piece of music can you not live without?  
A.  Bach's St Matthew Passion.

Q.  What food can you not live without?
A.  A nutty, crumbly vintage cheddar cheese.

Q.  Where is your favourite spot in London?  
A.  Westminster Abbey.

Q.  If you were invisible for a day, what would be the first thing you'd do?
A.  Spend a day with Stephen Fry.

Find out more about Sarah Connolly on her official website >>

Learn more about Bach on Dilettante >>