Stories and facts

The National Symphony Orchestra of Ghana (NSO Ghana) was established in 1959 under the directive of President Kwame Nkrumah, who envisioned an orchestra as a vital institution in the country’s cultural modernisation.

Philip Gbeho, best known for composing the national anthem, spearheaded its formation alongside Israeli musician Ami Elroy, who was invited to assist in organising the ensemble.

The orchestra became a resident company of the National Theatre in Accra, joining dance and drama as core components of the artistic scene under the National Commission on Culture.

In its early years, the repertoire mostly featured European classics, including works by Haydn, Mozart and their contemporaries. Over time, however, a desire for cultural relevance led to the inclusion of Ghanaian music highlife tunes, traditional percussion instruments, and native rhythms gradually found their place within the orchestra’s performances.

A significant moment in the orchestra’s history came in 2015 with the release of its debut album, The National Symphony Orchestra of Ghana Plays Ghanaian Classics.

This recording, made in collaboration with highlife legends such as Gyedu-Blay Ambolley and Agya Koo Nimo, helped shift the orchestra’s image from one of exclusivity to a true emblem of Ghanaian musical heritage.

Currently, the ensemble consists of forty-six musicians; thirty-two full-time and fourteen on contract, and has been led by conductor Isaac Annoh since 2005.

While based at the National Theatre, the orchestra performs across the country, aiming to hold over fifty concerts annually. These include appearances at official state events, festivals, schools, and community gatherings.

Since 1996, the orchestra has hosted the annual African Composer’s Series, which shines a spotlight on Ghanaian and wider African orchestral works.

Beyond public performances, it nurtures a youth orchestra and runs workshops aimed at sustaining orchestral music within everyday Ghanaian culture.

Through these efforts, the National Symphony Orchestra remains a key custodian of Ghana’s musical traditions, bridging the gap between classical forms and indigenous sounds while engaging diverse audiences nationwide.

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