The National Schools Symphony Orchestra and Young NSSO

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 6th FEBRAURY 2012

The National Schools Symphony Orchestra is one of the finest youth orchestras in the United Kingdom.  With members aged 13 to 19, NSSO aims to bridge the difficult waters between our excellent county youth orchestras or leading school orchestras and the hallowed ranks of the National Youth Orchestra or, indeed, professional orchestras.

Founded in 1994, NSSO gives outstanding young musicians a very real taste of life in a professional orchestra under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductors such as former ENO musical director Mark Shanahan and Bath Philharmonia principal conductor Jason Thornton.  Over the years, the orchestra has also had the opportunity to work with some of the nation’s finest soloists including Peter Donohoe, Ronan O’Hara and Tim Hugh.

Hard work on the musical side is balanced with a full programme of social activities organised by an experienced and passionate pastoral team.  The more light-hearted aspects of the course combine with astonishing musical achievements to create an experience which leave many of  our young musicians with friends for life and with revitalised musical inspiration.

Young NSSO, which made its highly successful debut in 2011, is the new wing of this vibrant and fun organisation. Like NSSO, it aims to provide the opportunity to play real orchestral repertoire but for children up to the age of 13. Adopting a similar mixture of full orchestra, full sectional and individual instrumental sectional coaching, Young NSSO members have unrivaled support, gain confidence and enjoy the opportunities of playing together both on and off the concert platform.  Young NSSO lays the best possible foundations for the enjoyment of orchestral music and is a musical and social must for those who loves their music.

“I am writing to thank you and all those involved with the NSSO summer course. Our son really enjoyed the whole experience. The music was obviously of a high standard, with excellent coaching throughout the week, as well as a superb and inspiring conductor. From what our son tells us, the pastoral care was of a similarly high standard, and activities outside rehearsals most enjoyable! He can’t wait until next year!! The dates are in our diary.” NSSO Parent, 2010