Cultural Life: Alison Balsom, trumpeter

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Books

I am currently reading 'Sovereign' by C J Samson. It is set in the 1540s and is a crime novel, with brilliantly written depictions of London. It is gruesome but gripping to have the sights and smells of that time recreated so well.

Theatre

I saw 'Enron' – a play about the infamous financial scandal directed by Rupert Goold – at the Royal Court Theatre. I am delighted it's coming to the West End. It is a totally masterful and original modern-age topic to bring to the theatre. Sam West is incredible as usual in the main role, and it has the really powerful effect of staying in your mind well after the evening is finished.

Television

I just absolutely love 'Strictly Come Dancing'. How incredible to see the whole nation gripped by something that is really wholesome and feels good for people of every age!

Music

It sounds egocentric, but this is one of the few times I listen to myself a lot! I'm at the editing stage of a new CD being rushed through to the production line, so every hour is taken with listening to it.

Alison Balsom's Haydn and Hummel: Trumpet Concertos is out now on EMI Classics