Alison Stephens was just seven years old when she first asked to play the mandolin. The instrument was deeply unfashionable in this country and it was no easy task to find her a teacher. But Alison persisted, she became the first graduate of mandolin from Trinity College of Music, London and is now one of the leading exponents of classical mandolin in this country. Alison joins Jane to talk about the history and the cultural eclecticism of the mandolin, her work with Louis de Bernières and she'll play live in the studio.
She's playing at St John's College, Cambridge on 2nd October at 7.30pm in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support
Her new CD Souvenirs for Mandolin and guitar Alison Stephens and Craig Ogden Chandos digital CHAN 10563
Alison Stephens Disclaimer The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.
