In Conversation with Anna (age 18) and Caspar (age 17), members of the London Schools Symphony Orchestra

In addition to weekly classes every Saturday, Centre for Young Musicians (CYM) organises a range of holiday courses which are open to all young musicians regardless of whether they attend CYM on Saturdays. The London Schools Symphony Orchestra (LSSO) is one of these holiday courses, and gives young musicians the opportunity to work with distinguished conductors and illustrious soloists, take part in tours, and perform in public concerts. The orchestra, which offers three courses a year, is for musicians ages 14–19 who have reached at least Grade 7 on their instrument.

We caught up with bassoonist Anna (age 18) and horn player Caspar (age 17) to find out about their experiences of being a part of the LSSO.

Anna, age 18

Hi Anna! How long have you been a member of LSSO and what do you play?

I’ve played bassoon with the LSSO for two years.

Why did you decide to join the LSSO?

I was inspired by my mum to join as she herself participated from 1984 – 86 and told me what an amazing experience it was. 

What are three words you would use to describe your time with the LSSO?

Exciting, welcoming and inspiring!

What is your favourite memory of being part of the LSSO?

It’s difficult to pick just one memory to choose! From the most recent tour to Belgium, one of my favourite memories was playing Nimrod in Dinant. I’d just started to warm up following a hilarious and intense thunderstorm that left us all soaked, and during that movement in the concert I remember thinking: wow, I can hear this warm and emotional sound – our sound – reach every part of this cathedral, and every member of the audience, and isn’t that so strange and wonderful?

What would you say to someone interested in joining the LSSO, who might be feeling a bit nervous?

The LSSO is unique in that it really is one lovely, welcoming community. Don’t ever worry that because you went to a state school, identify outside the binary, or feel otherwise that you’re not “good enough” or won’t be welcomed, because the LSSO is truly the most wonderful, inclusive and downright fun orchestra out there. You’ll be certain to find your people!

Any advice or tips for the audition?

Auditions can be scary, it’s true. The first piece of advice I’d give is just to take a few deep breaths, and remember: you’ve got this! At the end of the day what they want to see is you. Play a piece you know well, and that you really like. It doesn’t have to be the hardest piece of repertoire out there! The best audition will always be one where you put your whole self into what you play, even if there’s the odd wrong note. So trust in yourself and the work you’ve put in!

What has been your favourite piece of music that you have played with the LSSO?

Elgar’s Enigma variations has been and will always be a favourite of mine. I was overjoyed to play it on tour! But Pictures At An Exhibition will also always be special to me. What bassoonist wouldn’t enjoy playing The Old Castle and Baba Yaga?

What do you like most about playing as part of an orchestra like this, alongside lots of other young musicians?

I’ve met some lifelong friends in the LSSO. I’ve loved constantly meeting new people and having fun playing music together – be that commiserating over endless semiquavers or celebrating finally mastering them!

What are your ambitions for the future?

I will be reading English Literature with Creative Writing at university, while also getting involved with the music department as a music scholar. I’m excited to continue playing and using my time with the LSSO to inspire my writing. (But if the LSSO ever needs a spare player, I’m ready!)

Caspar, age 17

Hello Caspar! How long have you been a member of LSSO and what do you play?

I started playing the horn in the LSSO in September 2021 for the 2021 – 2022 programme, and so have been in the LSSO for 3 years.

Why did you decide to join the LSSO?

I decided to join the LSSO because it was suggested by my teachers that it would be a good opportunity to follow my passion and take part in an unforgettable and memory-making experience – and how true that was!

What are three words you would use to describe your time with the LSSO?

Three words to describe my time with the LSSO would be: enjoyable, challenging, but also fulfilling.

What is your favourite memory of being part of the LSSO?

My favourite memory of being part of the LSSO is playing in the Barbican for the first time, and when the horns stood up, there was rapturous applause and cheering – a significant portion of those people my friends and family!!

What would you say to someone interested in joining the LSSO, who might be feeling a bit nervous?

To those who are joining the LSSO and feeling a bit nervous, that’s completely normal – I assure you that I was as well, but you will be bound to make friends, since everyone is so kind, and you are in a place where everyone is interested in the same thing: music.

Any advice or tips for the audition?

A very important piece of advice for the audition is to be yourself and have fun – I know it may sound cliché, but being authentic and showing your true musical interest and talent is vital, and will make you comfortable in your own skin and in front of the panel. There is no need to worry about the panel, since they are very kind. Everyone wants the best for you, and it’s a youth orchestra – no-one is expecting you to play everything absolutely perfectly, you are still developing on your musical journey, which will continue through your entire life. In terms of being technical, make sure you focus on the quality sound you create, since that could set you apart from other aspiring musicians. Do not tire yourself out – perhaps try to practice often but for short periods of time to allow your body and mind to rest. 

The audition, and any audition for that matter is a learning process, not a competition. Treat it as such.

What has been your favourite piece of music that you have played with the LSSO?

This is very difficult for me to answer, since I love so many of them, but I would have to say that one of my favourite pieces is the Four Last Songs by Richard Strauss, specifically because of the horn solo in the second song of 'September', but I also love Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.4.

What do you like most about playing as part of an orchestra like this, alongside lots of other young musicians?

I really like playing the repertoire, especially if they feature the horns regularly. I also like learning from the conductors, and playing in the LSSO gives me some insight in how one would play in a professional orchestra.

What are your ambitions for the future?

For the future, my ambitions are to get involved in the world of music, specifically playing French horn in an orchestra, among other musical avenues such as big bands, films and composing. 

Applications for the London Schools Symphony Orchestra are now open, and will close on 2 October 2024.

The LSSO will perform at the Barbican Concert Hall on Monday 16 September. Find out more and get your tickets here.

Photo Credit: Photos of Anna and Caspar playing with the LSSO in Belgium in August 2024. All photos by Zoé Simon.