A packed Royal Albert Hall in London was treated to the last performance of Alison’s career this evening. She’s made the decision to step away from the life of a concert soloist so as to more freely explore other creative avenues and experiences.
A warm introduction from Katie Derham on the BBC’s live coverage described Alison as “one of the crown jewels of the British music scene for nearly thirty years”, reflecting on the inspirational effect she has had on the next generation of musicians, and the transformational impact she has had on the repertoire for the trumpet and its image.
“One of the crown jewels of the British music scene”
Alison treated the audience in the hall, and the other 3.5 million watching the broadcast around the world, to a defining rendition of the Hummel Trumpet concerto in E Flat. It’s a piece which she describes as having been on a long journey with.
As an impressionable youngster, Alison saw Håkan Hardenberger perform the concerto; he later became her teacher in Paris. She has played it with numerous orchestras and recorded it in 2008. She says she felt there was no other choice of piece for her grand finale.
“It’s been very personal to me.”
In the second half of the concert, she gave a sparkling rendition of one of Leonard Bernstein’s Riffs from Preludes, Fugue and Riffs, accompanied by a jazz band embedded within the orchestra.
Alison is leaving the stage at the peak of her powers. Showered with flowers at the end of her performance, this was another memorable moment in a radiant career. Ever the consummate professional, she has left her audience wanting more.
In the UK you can watch and listen to the performance by following these links…
BBC iPLAYER: Hummel Trumpet concerto in E Flat
BBC iPLAYER: Leonard Bernstein’s Riffs from Preludes, Fugue and Riffs
BBC SOUNDS: Full Concert