The National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra started in 1976 and has met annually all over the United Kingdom ever since.
The NSGSO brings together about 70 young people every year for a seven day course which normally ends with two public concerts. The music played is varied and challenging and has in the past included - Holst's Suite "The Planets", Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No.2, Shostakovich's Symphony No.5 Op 47, Grieg's "Peer Gynt", Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" and much more.
The Orchestra also embarks on a tour abroad approximately every four / five years. Past tours have taken the Orchestra to USA, Greece, Germany, The Czech Republic and Estonia. The Orchestra has also been found performing in such prestigious venues as Westminster Abbey, St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle and The Royal Albert Hall as well as performances for Royalty.
All members of the Orchestra are active members of the Scout Association or GirlGuiding UK, are aged between 13 and 30 and are proficient players of at least one orchestral instrument.
The course is led by an experience orchestral conductor and supported by a team of professional musicians as section tutors. Intensive rehearsals are interspersed with an active programme of varied sports, crafts, Scouting and Guiding activities. Through the National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra, members gain not only orchestral skills to develop their creative talent, but also the fun and friendship which are integral parts of Scouting and Guiding.
