Hailed by Sir Simon Rattle as “an incomparable ambassador for the dynamism and excellence of British youth” for the last 70 years, the London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO) has been celebrated as a potent symbol of the talents and achievements of London’s finest young musicians. Managed by London’s Centre for Young Musicians, a division of the Guildhall School, the orchestra aims to give its members a complete experience of the orchestral repertoire, from Bach through to Beethoven, Bartok and beyond.
Playing in the LSSO is an opportunity to get to know great music from the inside out; to work with distinguished conductors; to accompany some of the world’s most illustrious soloists; and to form long-lasting friendships through the shared joy and excitement of making music together. Sponsored by the City of London Corporation, and part of the Guildhall School’s Centre for Orchestra Programme, the LSSO presents three Barbican concerts plus a summer tour every year. Courses run during the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays, comprising intensive rehearsals and coaching by London’s top orchestral musicians. Participation in all courses is encouraged, but not mandatory. In the case of genuine need, financial assistance is available for courses and tour fees. Previous guest conductors have included Sir Colin Davis, Sir Charles Mackerras, Sir Simon Rattle, Sir Richard Armstrong, Tamás Vásáry, and Leif Segerstam. The summer tour has taken the young talent of London as far as Turkey, Japan, Poland, Argentina, Italy and the USA.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE LSSO ARE NOW CLOSED.
For more information please contact Elaine Lewis elewis@cym.org.uk
LSSO ALIVE! BROADCAST SERIES
During the COVID-19 crisis, the LSSO made use of a golden resource, the LSSO’s archive of filmed performances and successfully broadcast an online concert series sponsored by The London Grid for Learning Trust. This series of broadcasts, known as LSSO Alive! was an opportunity to relive past performances by the LSSO over the years, and to connect with LSSO members past and present.