National Schools Symphony Orchestra (NSSO)

The National Schools Symphony Orchestra has been an important part of youth music in Britain for over twenty years. Founded in 1993 by David Evans, the annual courses have provided, for countless young musicians, the opportunity to take part in first rate music-making, working with expert instrumental coaches, performing some of the world’s greatest music under the batons of inspirational conductors; enjoying too the fun, friendship and camaraderie of a residential course supported by experienced and committed pastoral staff. It is a registered charity with limited company status, governed by a Board of Trustees. NSSO appoints experienced and internationally acclaimed professional conductors, skilled at relating to young people and able to make appropriate demands on them. In recent years these have included former ENO musical director Mark Shanahan, Bath Philharmonia principal conductor Jason Thornton and Peter Bridle MBE. In 2014 Richard Dickins was appointed Principal Conductor. He is Director of Music at Imperial College, London, and was for many years Principal Conductor of the Royal College of Music Junior Department. Richard is well known for his work with young musicians as well as his award winning TV and radio appearances and recordings. The orchestra has also worked with leading soloists including Susan Bullock, Peter Donohoe, Ronan O’Hara and Tim Hugh. In 2013 it marked the Britten centenary with a wonderful account of his Violin Concerto with Tamsin Waley-Cohen. In 2014 Catherine Young (ENO) sang Elgar’s Sea Pictures with the orchestra at the Malvern Theatre.