Alison Nicholls - B.Mus(Lond) ARCM(Hons)

Honours

• Invited to perform at the World Harp Congress, Seattle and Prague 1996 and 1999
  
• Portobello '95 Series Winner, London 1995
  
• Winner of the 1994 World Harp Festival
  
• Unanimously awarded the Nicanor Zabaleta Prize and Salvi Special Award in the Senior Competition, Cardiff, UK 1994
  
• Recipient of Juilliard Scholarship and Fulbright award for Postgraduate study 1994
  
• UK representative at the Fifth World Harp Congress, Copenhagen 'Focus on Youth' performance showcase 1993
  
• First harpist to win English Speaking Union Robert Mayer/Aspen Scholarship to Aspen Music School, USA 1999

Performance

• Recitals for UK Harp Association, American Harp Society and World Harp Congress 1996 - 99
  
• Freelance orchestral work inc. English Chamber Orchestra & Royal Philharmonic 1995 - 99
  
• Founding member of mobius chamber ensemble 1995 - 99

Recordings

• EMI debut label (rel. Feb 99): inc. Ravel Introduction & Allegro, Debussy Trio Sonata
  Naxos: Arnold Bax - Chamber Music with Harp inc.Viola Sonata, Flute Sonata, Trio & Quintet
  
• Principal, New Juilliard Ensemble 1993 - 95
  
• Principal, Juilliard Orchestra and Symphony
  
• North American premiere of Donatoni's 1990 Harp Concerto, Marches II 1994
  
• Chamber and solo appearances at Newbury, Presteigne & Oundle International Festivals, UK.
  
• Fellow at Bowdoin Summer Music Festival, Maine, USA 1994
  
• Participant in Sir Yehudi Menuhin's 'Live Music Now!' (community outreach work) 1993 - 98
  
• Principal, Goldsmiths' Contemporary Ensemble and Sinfonia 1989 - 92

QUALIFICATIONS

• Postgraduate Advanced Certificate - The Juilliard School, New York 1993 - 95
  
• Associate of The Royal College of Music, London - with Honours 1993
  
• Bachelor of Music - Goldsmiths' College, University of London 1989 - 92
  
• Principal teachers: Nancy Allen (USA) 1993 - 95, Susan Drake (UK) 1985 - 93

TEACHING

• Small private studio in Cambridge
  
• Orchestral coaching, including National Youth Orchestra of Breat Britain, Cambridgeshire County Youth Orchestra and London Schools Symphony Orchestra
  
• Masterclasses, Consultations & Festival Adjudication