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Formal biography  <  back Alison Nicholls thrives on a busy performing schedule as soloist, chamber musician and frequent guest with major orchestras at home and abroad. Widely regarded as one of the finest players of her generation, she has won many national and international awards. These include First Prize at the 1994 World Harp Festival Competition, where she was unanimously awarded the Zabaleta Prize and Special Salvi Award. As a soloist, she has performed for the UK Harp Association, the American Harp Society, the World Harp Congress, at International Festivals throughout North America and Europe, and as far afield as India, Sri Lanka and the Far East. Born in Britain, Alison studied at London University and the Juilliard School, New York where she won a prestigious Juilliard scholarship. Alison is committed to making music accessible, leading and participating in community outreach projects. Broadcasting credits include both television and radio appearances for the BBC, Classic fM, and American networks. Alison has made several recordings, both solo and with her chamber ensemble “mobius” of which she is a founding member and co-artistic director. Other ongoing projects include duo collaborations with James Gilchrist (tenor) and Philippe Honoré (violin). Alison's debut solo album, Solo Harp, a collection of French Romantic works met with widespread praise: "a jewel box of ...treasures" "evanescently magical...performance" - BBC Music Magazine, October 2001 (Performance***** Sound*****)