NSSO Announce 2018 Courses

The National Schools Symphony Orchestra (NSSO) celebrates its 25th anniversary with its annual course for young musicians at Malvern College next July. The week-long residential course for talented young instrumentalists aged 9-19 offers intensive musical training alongside a fun social programme.

Auditions are held at the applicant’s school and, once accepted, NSSO membership is assured until the age of 19 without the need to re-audition. Applications for the four courses on offer are now open for next year’s course from 8-15 July.

• The NSSO Main Orchestra is open to secondary school aged children of ABRSM grade 8 and beyond
• The NSSO Sinfonia is for grade 6-7 standard and aged 12 and above
• Young NSSO is aimed at primary/prep school children with grades of 3-5 standard and aged 9-13
• Finally, there is also a Conductors’ Course – a unique opportunity for aspiring conductors aged 16+

NSSO was born in Suffolk in 1994 and gave its first concert at Snape Maltings Concert Hall, home of the The Aldeburgh Festival. As their website says: “Musical talent is the only real test for joining one of the NSSO orchestras.” Means-tested bursaries are available up to a maximum of 50% of the course fee and the team promise to do their best to help and take into account exceptional circumstances when it comes to supporting able children.

You will find lots more information about NSSO, its courses, funding and how to apply at www.nsso.org

CSA is very grateful to Artistic Director John Madden’s offer to waive the audition fee to all applicants from CSA schools for the 2018 courses in recognition of CSA’s Centenary. Thank you NSSO!