Alison Balsom to retire after final performance at Last Night of the Proms Trumpeter Alison Balsom has announced that she will retire from the stage following a farewell performance at the Last Night of the Proms on September 13, 2025. The 46-year-old musician, who has spent decades at the forefront of her instrument, revealed the decision in an interview with John Wilson for BBC Radio 4’s This Cultural Life. Her performance of Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto in E-flat major will mark what she has called her “last night on stage.” Balancing art and family Balsom, who is married to filmmaker Sir Sam Mendes, said the choice reflects the difficulty of balancing an international career with family life. Years of constant travel and preparation, she explained, had taken a toll. “You have to be on the road all year round,” she said. “What I’ve been doing the last couple of years is like doing the Wimbledon final and then no tennis, and then the French Open final, and then no tennis. It’s not sustainable at that level.” The trumpet, she emphasized, is an unforgiving instrument that cannot be approached halfway. Even short breaks can erode standards. “It’s not something you can half do,” she said. Leaving at the height of her powers Known for her radiant tone and dazzling virtuosity, Balsom has long been regarded as one of the most charismatic brass soloists in the world. She made her name not only as a performer but also as an advocate for the trumpet’s versatility, championing its role far beyond the back row of the orchestra. “The trumpet is just the best thing ever,” she said. “I would always champion the trumpet, but I personally have been playing the trumpet for 40 years. I’ve followed my particular path very honestly and with authenticity, and I feel that I’ve come to the end of that path.” For Balsom, ending her career on her own terms is essential. Rather than adjusting to a lighter schedule, she has chosen to step away entirely, preserving her legacy at its strongest. A career in recordings and collaborations Over the course of her career, Balsom has recorded 17 albums, showcasing both the trumpet’s standard repertoire and innovative projects that pushed boundaries. From Baroque concertos to contemporary works and crossover collaborations, her recordings have earned international acclaim and helped introduce new audiences to classical brass. Her artistry has been recognized with numerous awards, including three Classic BRIT Awards and a Gramophone Award, along with appointments to the Order of the British Empire for her services to music. She has also worked with leading orchestras worldwide, from the Los Angeles Philharmonic to the New York Philharmonic, and appeared at major festivals including Salzburg, Lucerne, and, of course, the BBC Proms. A fitting finale That her final appearance will come at the Proms—a festival she has performed at many times—is particularly meaningful. “The light hits it in a new way every time, and it feels different,” she reflected. “But this chance to play the Hummel at the Last Night of the Proms—it feels very final for me. I know what I want to say about this piece, but I don’t think I’m going to have anything more to say after this.” Balsom’s decision marks the close of an era for brass performance. Few solo trumpeters have reached her level of international recognition, and even fewer have managed to connect so directly with audiences. As she prepares to step away from performing, Balsom leaves a legacy not only of exceptional recordings and unforgettable live moments but also of an instrument forever changed by her presence.