Richard Morrison, The Times
September 2008

"Blonde, soft-spoken, slim and 29, Alison Balsom is as far removed from the traditional beer-bellied image of a brass player as it's possible to get. Yet a brass player she is, and a fabulous one, too. Her new EMI recording of classic trumpet concertos is mesmerising. In her hands that tangle of tubing seems as subtle and dextrous as a violin. It's not that she invests this most macho of instruments with "feminine" qualities, as some critics have suggested. It's more that she makes the trumpet sing with an irresistible exuberance and eloquence."

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Michael Church, The Independent
September 2008

Female trumpet virtuosos being rare, and Alison Balsom being young and beautiful, EMI is doing what comes naturally with their décolleté visuals, but the disc doesn't need that. Her playing is both immaculate and exciting, and her chosen works make a fascinating package. Everyone knows Haydn's concerto, many know Hummel's but the Torelli work accompanying them is a gem.

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Tully Potter, Daily Mail
September 2008

"Those heavenly twins, the Haydn and Hummel Trumpet Concertos, are brilliantly played by our own Alison Balsom. Directing the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie of Bremen herself, Balsom displays awesome breath control, exceptional flexibility of phrasing and a hairtrigger technique. This fine disc should set the seal on her star status."

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Rick Jones, Times Knowledge
September 2008

"Balsom plays the Haydn Trumpet Concerto with cheerful virtuosity on her third EMI disc. The andante is a contemplative withdrawal, Balsom's legato soothing the ear in extreme contrast to her dazzling tongue-feats of the euphoric finale. She's hugely impressive with Hummel's rapid-fire Rondo earlier on the disc."