London's premier youth orchestra and ambassador abroad Participation in all courses is encouraged, but not mandatory.
Hailed by Sir Simon Rattle as "an incomparable ambassador for the dynamism and excellence of British youth" the London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO) has for over sixty years been celebrated as a potent symbol of the talents and achievements of London's finest young musicians. Managed by the 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 to Beethoven, Bartòk 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 Young Artists 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. In the case of genuine need, financial assistance is available for course 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. In 2014, the LSSO’s other performances included concerts at Milton Court, in Aberystwyth (Musicfest) and in Birmingham.
