About
“It’s not easy to write about music, but you’ve found a way to do it meaningfully and honestly. Your enthusiasm and creativity will take you far.” – Cindy McTee, Composer
Alex Burns MA (Musicology); BMus (hons) founded Classicalexburns in 2015, as a side project to her music studies at The University of Sheffield. Alex has worked as a freelance classical music marketing specialist, music journalist, trumpeter and arts administrator for a number of years, but now she works full time as Digital Manager and Photographer at the Hallé Orchestra.
In 2017/18/19/20, Classicalexburns was ranked as the Number 1 ‘Best Classical Music Blog’ by ScoreBig. The ultimate goal of this blog is to create accessible and engaging blog posts that appeal to beginners and novices of Classical music. From baroque to film music, there’ll be something for you here.
“Alex engages deeply with both musical content and historical relevance in equal measure as well as with modern day concerns on representation in the classical music industry. The blog posts she has provided for Illuminate Women’s Music have been invaluable in promoting this cause and reaching and educating our audiences.” – Angela Slater, Artistic Director of Illuminate Women’s Music
A sought after trumpet and cornet player, Alex currently holds a trumpet residency with the Sheffield Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as playing solo cornet at the Yorkshire Championship Section Stannington Brass Band. Alex has performed with a multitude of different theatre companies, orchestras, big bands, and chamber ensembles, and she is always on the lookout for more playing opportunities. With over fifteen years of performance experience, she often uses the music she plays as inspiration for blogs and articles.
Alex’s work covers a broad range of styles, but focuses largely on the classical genre. Alex is available to write programme notes for ensembles, give pre-concert talks, and do concert reviews. Her areas of specialism include: The life and music of Gustav Mahler, Music and Religion, Music and Gender, brass band repertoire and solo trumpet music.
Alex is a confident public speaker and has taken much enjoyment from giving talks on chamber music, brass band music, digital marketing and the works of Gustav Mahler. If you have an event coming up and need a speaker, feel free to use the email below to contact Alex.
Alex is also available for commission as a freelance writer and trumpet/cornet player. She is able to write articles, blogs, programme notes, CD reviews, concert reviews, and interviews.
For commissions and any other related business please email: classicalexburns@gmail.com
“Thank you for doing what you do – it is essential to to the survival of the classical music industry.” – BD Music
Photo credit: Matt Giles Photography & Maria Ellmore Photography