Along with the chance to practise with wider instrumentalists of similar ages and abilities, NSSO 2021 attendees have the exclusive opportunity to work and play with a number of leading conductors and tutors. This year we’re excited to welcome the following leading musicians back to Malvern College for several weeks of enchanting music making!
NSSO Principal Conductor, RICHARD DICKINS, has a life-time’s experience of working with talented young musicians, at both Imperial College, London and the Royal College of Music. This summer he will conduct NSSO Philharmonic (grade 8+ players) in a programme which includes Tchaikovsky Romeo & Juliet and Stravinsky Berceuse & Finale from The Firebird.
LEANDRO SILVERA, conductor of NSSO Sinfonia (grade 6-8 players) is Head of Strings at Eton College and regularly guest conducts various youth orchestras as well as coaching chamber music at The Royal College of Music. He directs the Hannah Roberts Summer Cello Masterclasses, which also take place at Malvern College.
STEPHEN MCDADE, conductor of NSSO Academy (grade 3-5 players) is Head of Strings for NSSO and Assistant Director of Music at Malvern College. He also conducted the NCO Encore orchestra for many years and brings his extensive experience to bear on a programme of music featuring Saint-Saens’ Carnival of Animals, this being the composer’s centenary year.
The NSSO Big Band (grade 8+) is directed by DAVID SMITH, who has worked with NSSO for a decade. He performs regularly on radio and TV and works as a saxophone and clarinet consultant and is the featured soloist on Christopher Norton’s Clarinet and Saxophone Collections. He has worked with youngsters all of his life and is currently Head of instrumental Music at The Dragon School, Oxford.
BJORN BANTOCK directs the unique NSSO Conducting Course which offers teenage musicians the chance to develop their skills and interest in conducting through daily technical sessions, workshops and the chance to work with the main NSSO ensembles in rehearsal. He regularly leads international masterclasses on the continent and is also currently Head of Strings at Bedford School.
Remember, some sections of the orchestras are already full so if you haven’t already applied, now is the time to do so! See more on how you can join NSSO 2021 here.