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The National Symphony Orchestra (UK)
For the National Symphony Orchestras of other countries, see National Symphony Orchestra (disambiguation).

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), dating from the 1940s, is a British freelance symphony orchestra that performs across the UK and internationally.

History
The NSO was founded 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.

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 Great Britain, in the major London concert halls and abroad. The NSO has recorded more than 40 major classic musicals for THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT RECORDS. The NSO has also performed a number of spectacular televised and recorded concerts 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.

Activities
Among the many stars with whom the NSO has appeared are Reba McEntire and Sir Cliff Richard. The NSO has shared the stage in Hyde Park with Sir Elton John and tours Europe twice a year with a hugely successful programme entitled “THE SHOW – A Tribute to ABBA”, in which they work with members of the original ABBA backing group. They also appeared in Stephen Fry’s “BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS” and “DE-LUVELY” - the film of the life of Cole Porter for MGM with Kevin Kline. The NSO has performed with Robbie Williams, Sheryl Crow, Elvis Costello, Diana Krall and many more luminaries from the world of popular music. Other films in which members of the NSO feature are “MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS”, “VANITY FAIR”, “ALEXANDER”, “THE WOLF MAN”, “ALICE IN WONDERLAND”, “YOUNG VICTORIA”, “THE DUCHESS” and “CLASH OF THE TITANS” to name but a few.

Under the Leadership of it’s Chief Conductor and Music Director, Anthony Inglis, the NSO is proud to be Katherine Jenkins’ orchestra of choice for her summer concerts. It has also accompanied artists such as Dame Kiri Ta Kanawa, Russell Watson, Lesley Garret, Alfie Boe, Hayley Westenra, Goldfrapp, Kanye West and Vanessa Mae and many other top ‘cross-over’ artists. Anthony and the NSO have recently returned from performing on an annual, and invariably sold-out, Proms Cruise aboard Cunard’s RMS Queen Mary 2 and are confirmed for a cruise in the Summer of 2014.

Key Figures

 * Anne Collis
 * Anthony Inglis
 * Justin Pearson
 * Matthew Scrivener