A brief introduction to NSSO

For over a quarter of a century, NSSO has provided residential orchestral courses of the highest quality for talented young players.

NSSO was originally established to provide a bridge between school or county youth orchestras and the NYO. It has grown into a leading national provider of orchestral courses, with multiple orchestras and ensembles offering progression across the age and ability range.

The cornerstone of our success is certainly the unique experience we create. Our courses include dedicated section coaching by leading professionals and performances led by nationally acclaimed conductors. Our pastoral team creates a safe and family-like atmosphere on the beautiful Malvern College campus whilst a comprehensive social and sporting programme complements the musical schedule and the final concerts. Above all, we want our members to feel that they are part of the NSSO family, so once you’ve gained a place on one of our courses, you will not have to audition again. The faculty members will help you develop as an orchestral musician and you can proceed up through the NSSO orchestras as you gain experience and confidence.

A spectacular location

Malvern College has been the permanent home for NSSO since 2016 and the continued collaboration assures the future and guarantees the continued quality of experience, both musically and socially, for all participants. The College is one of England’s great independent schools, located in a glorious setting on the slopes of the Malvern Hills. It has a rich and distinguished history yet looks to the future in seeking to develop outstanding young people with the skills, resilience and initiative to flourish in a rapidly changing global market-place. Easily accessed by rail and road, yet safely tucked away from the hustle and bustle of major cities our participants can enjoy over 250 acres of grounds, accommodation in traditional boarding houses, excellent rehearsal and performance spaces, nutritious onsite catering and the use of first-class sports and leisure facilities – making the NSSO experience a truly unique and enriching one.

The Concerts

All the NSSO ensembles will perform for friends and family at the end of the week’s residential course at Malvern College. You are welcome to join us to hear all the ensembles play throughout the day in a magnificent culmination of the hard work the young people have put in during the week.

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If you have an enquiry about any aspect of NSSO please feel free to get in touch:

NSSO, Malvern College, College Road, Malvern, WR14 3DF

T: 01684 581695

E: hello@nsso.org

Latest News

Welcome from NSSO’s new Artistic Director Nicole Wilson March 20, 2022

When Malvern College approached me to take over from the wonderful John Madden as artistic director for NSSO, I was thrilled to bits! Music courses were the highlight of my childhood. I lived from course to course with an actual count down on my wall to see how many sleeps until the next time I […]

A warm welcome from Leandro Silvera for NSSO Sinfonia members 2021 June 11, 2021

Dear NSSO Sinfonia 2021. I’m absolutely delighted that we will finally be able to meet in person this summer at Malvern College. It will be an amazing course! We have all missed playing together in orchestras (one thing that Zoom can never offer us!) so it will be a pleasure to see you all again […]

A warm welcome from Richard Dickins for NSSO Philharmonic members 2021 June 11, 2021

Hello NSSO Philharmonic members 2021. I’m thrilled that this year we can, after all, meet in person to make music at Malvern College. It will be a pleasure to see again those of you who have been on the course in previous years, and it will also be a great pleasure meeting the many new […]