Genesis of the National Symphony Orchestra

If you love the flute, violin, horns, clarinets and other musical instruments, then you would not hesitate to listen to the best of classical music by the National Symphony Orchestra-Ghana (NSO-Ghana).

Classical music is a genre that is mostly cherished by those who understand the real sweetness of music.

NSO Ghana, comprising of 46 musicians, was founded in 1959 by Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah and established by Philip Gbeho who composed the Ghanaian national anthem in 1957.

The Orchestra, based in Accra, is a government organization under the administration of the National Commission on Culture.

The group is currently under the leadership of Isaac Annor, assisted by Ato Quayson. Mrs. Theresa Tetteh is the Director.

Lahnor Adjartey Adjei is the Conductor, who had served as the Orchestra's Music Director from 2002 – 2004. Former conductors include Emmanuel Gyimah Larbi, Akosua Obuo Addo, George Dor, Kenn Kafui, Dinah Reindorf, Oscar Sulley and Kweku Acquaah-Harrison.

The Orchestra's instruments currently include 3 flutes, 1 oboe, 2 clarinets, 1 bassoon, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, 2 horns, 1 tuba, 5 percussion instruments (inc1uding traditional African drums, bells and rattles), 8 violins, 5 violas, 5 cellos and 3 double basses.

The National Symphony Orchestra has performed at state functions such as the Emancipation Day and during the visit of foreign dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II, Thabo Mbeki, President of South Africa and the Sultan of Brunei.

The Orchestra has performed also at the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFAC), PANAFEST, Septemberfest, as well as various fundraising programs. Additionally, it performs at schools, hotels, weddings and funerals as well as at Easter and Christmas concerts.

Since 1996 the orchestra has been presenting an African Composer's Series, in which it performs the works of composers from Ghana and other African nations.

By Linda Tenyah