NYOS

THERE were some fabulous things in Tuesday's concert by the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, not least the rare opportunity to hear Richard Strauss's Macbeth, an extremely dramatic and, I suspect, underrated symphonic poem, plus the dazzling, breath-taking interpretation of John McLeod's Piano Concerto, which received a performance by pianist James Willshire, playing entirely from memory, that was a tour de force of musicianship and virtuosity. Five Stars.

Michael Tumelty, The Herald, April 2015

In small town Scotland, a Mum gave her ten year old son a drum-kit. Nine years later Brodie McCash is a percussionist with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland, and crucial to the successful performance of a John McLeod work, conducted by the composer himself.

Jane Robinson, The Scotsman, April 2015

Saturday's Usher Hall Concert by the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland was a taste of things to come. One was the bright and exciting future for some extremely talented Scottish musicians, the other a preview of the orchestral splendour we can expect when the Edinburgh Festival kicks off on Friday.

Garry Fraser, Perth Courier, August 2014

IF there was such a species, I would award four and a half stars to the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland's performance of Richard Strauss's Alpine Symphony on Saturday, with the half point deducted from conductor Michael Francis for running at a hill.

Michael Tumelty, Herald Scotland, August 2014

IN PULLING off Strauss’s mighty Alpine Symphony with an assurance that kept the audience riveted from beginning to end, the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland yet again proved itself to be an orchestra capable of reaching the highest peaks of musical excellence.

Carol Main, The Scotsman, August 2014