The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) is one of the longest‑established and most resourceful professional freelance orchestras active in Britain today. Formed during the turbulent years of the Second World War, the NSO’s musicians were young, creative, indomitable and enthusiastic. They needed to be; throughout this period, the orchestra regularly traversed the country, visiting blitzed towns and cities to give morale‑boosting concerts, despite the many obstacles this entailed. That dynamic performing tradition has stood the test of time, and today, the NSO boasts a hugely impressive recorded legacy and continues its busy schedule of live concert performances. The orchestra is widely admired for its versatility and its ability to communicate, connecting with audiences, both new and old, with consistent commitment and passion. In 2022, the NSO was chosen to perform for Queen Elizabeth II in one of her final public appearances at the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations at Windsor Castle, watched by an audience of millions. 

The orchestra has recently found renewed energy and direction under the leadership of its Managing Director, Justin Pearson, who is also its principal cellist. Under its Principal Associate Conductor, Rimma Sushanskaya, the NSO performed and recorded a complete cycle of the Beethoven Symphonies, the first ever to be undertaken by a female conductor. A unique highlight of this series was an acclaimed performance of Beethoven’s Choral Symphony, given at London’s Cadogan Hall on May 7, 2024, marking two hundred years, to the very day, since the work was premiered in Vienna under the composer’s direction. A series of concerts entitled Sounds Symphonic will be performed at Cadogan Hall in 2026.