Lancashire Schools' Symphony Orchestra

Musical Director : John Doyle

Entry requirements : By audition - working at grade 3/4/5 level

The LSSO was formerly known the 'Lancashire Student Training Orchestra' and was set up in 1974. The orchestra acted as a preparatory ensemble for the LYSO. Since its inception however, it has grown to become an independent orchestra in its own right with vacation courses and a concert schedule which takes it throughout the county.

The LSSO at the RNCM 2009
The LSSO at the RNCM, Manchester 2009

The LSSO play a mix of modern classics from films and musicals as well as more traditional pieces.
Recent pieces include: Pirates of the Caribbean, Pink Panther, Dambusters, Pomp and Circumstance March No.4 (Elgar), Finlandia (Sibelius), the Great Gate of Kiev (Mussorgsky), Capriccio Espagnol (Rimsky-Korsakov), Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Tchaikovsky), Pines of Rome (Respighi), music from Gladiator (Hans Zimmer) and a James Bond medley .

lssoreheasal1 (93K)
The LSSO Rehearsing at Lostock Hall

Rehearsals are from 10am to 4pm on various Sundays (see diary page for dates). In the morning the students practise in sections (1st violins, 2nd violins, woodwind, brass etc.) with a tutor for that section. In the afternoon both LSSO and LYSO practise as full orchestras. Students bring a packed lunch but there is a tuckshop run by the 'Friends' which provides snacks and drinks at breaks and lunchtime.

For lots more information read the Lancashire Music Services' information sheet.