The history of the National Symphony Orchestra........ began in the 1940s, when it was making an average of 10 records a year for DECCA with famous conductors and soloists such as Dr.Malcolm Sargent, Fistoulari, Boyd Neel, Moura Lympany, Clifford Curzon and Ida Haendel. This fine orchestra also recorded the music for many films, notably "Caesar and Cleopatra", the cult film, "Brief Encounter", "The Magic Bow", "Love Story" (which contained the famous "Cornish Rhapsody") and "Men of Two Worlds", with music by Arthur Bliss and under the direction of Muir Mathieson. Many of these film scores were recorded at Abbey Road Studios.

One of the main things which distinguished the NSO from the other orchestras during the war years was that almost all the musicians were serving in the forces, and therefore unlike the LSO and LPO of the day (who relied on those who were too old or unfit for military service) were composed of young men such as Gareth Morris, Dennis Brain and Norman del Mar.  The records made between '44 and ‘46 are considered by experts to be outstanding, especially when compared with pre-war orchestras.

During this time the Leader of the Orchestra was David MacCallum, (father of the star of "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.")  and there were many other great names in its ranks, such as Douglas Cameron, Alec Whittaker and James Blades, who describes in his autobiography a notable tour of Switzerland in 1946, culminating in the entire Orchestra being presented (after the performance) to a very impressed Richard Strauss!

During the 1980s the orchestra owed much of its increasing reputation and high standards to its Artistic Directors Anne Collis and Justin Pearson. Since that time the orchestra has been performing all over the Great Britain, abroad and in the major London concert halls. The NSO is regularly making records again as well as film and TV work. They have been recording more than 40 major classic musicals over the past five years for THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT RECORDS. These recordings are now being released and are attracting seriously good reviews from the music press, as well as winning a Gramophone Award in 1997 for their recording of MY FAIR LADY and two nominations in 1998. The NSO have also performed a number of spectacular televised and recorded concerts, featuring the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of distinguished composer/conductors from the worlds of TV and Film, such as Barrington Pheloung, Anne Dudley, the late great Ron Goodwin and Debbie Wiseman.

Among the many stars with whom  the National Symphony Orchestra has appeared are Reba McEntire and Sir Cliff Richard, who was backed by the ladies of the NSO string section at the Royal Albert Hall. The NSO has shared the stage in Hyde Park with Sir Elton John and STEPS and have completed many very successful tours of Europe with a programme entitled “THE NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PLAYS ABBA CLASSICS”. They also backed the group Morcheeba for the launch of their latest album, appear in Stephen Fry’s new film: BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS and have just completed filming the life of Cole Porter for MGM with Kevin Kline and Robbie Williams, Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall and many more luminaries from the world of popular music.

The National Symphony Orchestra chooses its players not only for their musical talent and technical ability, but also for their desire to give of their best at all times and to enjoy doing it!  This enthusiasm conveys itself very clearly to audiences, who always respond positively.

Manager/Artistic Director: Anne Collis.                          177 John Ruskin Street

Co-Artistic Director: Justin Pearson                               London

Principal Conductor: Martin Yates                                 SE5 0PQ

Principal Guest Conductor: Anthony Inglis                    Tel: (0) 207 703 3148. Fax: (0) 207 703 5334

Musical Director: Callum McLeod                                  Emails: enquiries@nso.co.uk  Web: www/nso/co/uk

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