Established in 2002, the National Saxophone Choir is a pioneering ensemble of talented saxophonists from all over the UK. Their aim is to create and promote new music, introducing audiences to a sound that is rich, resonant and awesome.

Central to this strategy is the NSC’s family of eight saxophones, ranging from the majestic contrabass to the tiny soprillo, which is the chosen solo instrument of the Choir's founder and musical director, Nigel Wood.

Armed with this impressive array of hardware and fuelled by the creative energy of Nigel and his co-players who generate much of its repertoire, the NSC has already made considerable progress towards its goals. It has presented many premieres, given workshops, family concerts and critically acclaimed appearances at the 2005 and 2006 Edinburgh Fringe. The Choir has made its mark on fellow musicians domestically (having attracted many of the UK's leading saxophonists as guest conductors and soloists) and internationally, with triumphant performances at the 2006 and 2009 World Saxophone Congress in Slovenia and Thailand respectively.

Following the completion of the its second album, Sax to the Max!, which features many of the highlights of the 2006/7 season, the Choir embarked on a two week tour of China and Hong Kong, giving performances in schools, concert halls, jazz bars and community centres. The NSC was also featured in BBC1's Play It Again series with celebrity sax student Lord Robert Winston. This contributed to the increased demand for performances in 2008 at various venues and festivals across Britain and appearances at the Prague Fringe Festival.

2009 proved to be one of the NSC's busiest years, with an ambitious project, 7 Wonders, featuring 7 movements, 7 composers, and 7 different types of saxophone. This unique commission highlighted the variety and quality that became the NSC's calling card.

After the performance of their 7 Wonders Suite at the World Saxophone Congress in Thailand, and a concert at Wavendon with the late legendary Sir John Dankworth, the choir completed the summer season with performances at Klassiek op Locatie festival, Holland and Birmingham Artsfest.

In 2010, the NSC organised and hosted its first national sax ensemble course, Summer Saxophone Spectacular! in Bournville. Other highlights during the year were a collaborative concert with Dutch carillonneur, Boudewijn Zwart and the launch of a new CD Sax Circus which is also the title track by their 'Composer in Residence', Roger May.

The NSC is currently 'Artists in Residence' at Haileybury College.