User:Geraldine allen

born in Kensington in April 1969, she soon showed musical promise age 4 and composed and conducted her first piece at the age of 6.

she won a scholarship too Frances holland school, Baker Street London and went on to attend St Paul's girls school. she was suspended from St Pauls for smoking cannabis and finished her A levels in 6 months with tutors in order to make up all that she had missed in the lower sixth. she attended UCL from 1988 to 1992 graduating with a BA Hons in Italian language and literature as well as English. she wrote a 10,000 word thesis comparing sexual love in Milton's Paradise Lost to TS Eliot's The Wasteland for she which she earnt 70% ie a first.

she began composing again moving between Italy and London. Her period spent living in Italy was very formative in developing a wider understanding of cultural norms and an objective view of British culture and ways.