Performing music from baroque to new commissions on both modern and period instruments, Alina Ibragimova has established a reputation as one of the most accomplished and intriguing
violinists of the younger generation. This was illustrated in her prominent presence at the 2015 BBC Proms, which included a concerto with a symphony orchestra, a concerto with a baroque
ensemble and two Royal Albert Hall late-night recitals featuring the complete Bach partitas and sonatas, which commanded capacity audiences, and for which The Guardian commented “The immediacy and honesty of Ibragimova’s playing has the curious ability to collapse any sense of distance between performer and listener”.
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At her second Bach recital Alina had been greeted, as she
stepped onto the stage, with a 45 second ovation. Sara
Mohr Pietsch, the BBC announcer, commented afterwards
that she had never heard the Albert Hall audience so silent
during a performance.

Russian by birth Alina has lived in England since the age
of 11. Now 31 she is married to Tom Service of the BBC.
Her extraordinary performances during the 2015 Proms
earned her an MBE in the New Years honours.

Alina plays for us in Kelso four of the most thrilling pieces
of music written for solo violin, two from the 18th century
and two from the 20th. We are extraordinarily privileged.