Alexander Bălănescu (born in 1954 in Bucharest, Romania) is a violinist and founder of the Bălănescu Quartet. He is a performer of modern music and can be heard playing an arrangement of the University Challenge TV quiz programme intro and outro theme. Several short animated films by Phil Mulloy use his music.

He founded and leads the Balanescu Quartet.

He is a founding member of the Michael Nyman Band and has performed on most of their albums, save for a hiatus between 1994 and 1998, as well as other ensembles playing Michael Nyman's music.He left the band during the recording of Facing Goya, and his concertmaster seat was assumed by Gabrielle Lester.