The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) invited more than 130 youngsters from three Big Noise programmes around the country to perform in a series of special side-by-side concerts which took place on some of the country's biggest stages in Dundee, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
At Big Noise in Dundee, young musicians from Big Noise Douglas’ Emperor Penguin Orchestra, performed side-by-side with the RSNO at the city's famous Caird Hall.
The joint orchestra, led by the RSNO’s Music Director Thomas Søndergård, performed ‘Ah! Vous dirai-je, Maman' by Mozart, arranged by John Webber.
The concert gave our young participants a fantastic opportunity to play alongside accomplished professional musicians as part of Scotland’s National Orchestra, while demonstrating their musical skill to friends and family.
In early November it was the turn of our young people in Edinburgh to take to the stage with the RSNO.
At Edinburgh's prestigious Usher Hall, 32 young people from Big Noise Wester Hailes took to the stage to perform Mission Mars and Enchanted Carousel, both by Joelle Broad, Sistema Scotland's previous Curriculum Leader (Strings).
Mission Mars was written in the very first year of Big Noise Raploch for a concert with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra string players. It was written for children near the start of their learning and without the need to use music.
Enchanted Carousel is about a fairground ride that takes on a life of its own, and was written by Joëlle Broad for Benedetti Foundation who generously lent this piece to Sistema Scotland and RSNO for their joint performance.
60 young musicians from Big Noise Govanhill took to the stage with the RSNO in Glasgow at the city's world famous Royal Concert Hall.
The joint orchestra performed the world premiere of ‘Change Is Coming’ by Lisa Robertson – a Nordic themed piece inspired by the sense of environmentalism and the connection between Scotland, the Nordic countries, and the shared, profound connection to nature that both have.
The piece was written by Roberston following conversations with young people from Big Noise Govanhill, who spoke about their deep feelings about the impact of climate change on their lives and the desire they had to raise their voices on the subject and make change happen.
Vicky Williams, chief executive of Sistema Scotland, said:
“We are incredibly proud of the outstanding performances by our young musicians alongside the RSNO. These have been the culmination of months of hard work from our young people, and we’re all delighted to have seen them perform on some of the country's biggest stages.
“Witnessing the dedication and hard work of our young people come to fruition on such a prestigious stage fills us with immense pride and reinforces the profound impact of music on their lives.
“I'd like to thank the RSNO for its continuing partnership with Big Noise across Scotland, which has provided an incredible opportunity for our talented young musicians and the rest of our Big Noise communities. I'd also like to thank the parents and carers for all their support and to all of our partner schools.”
Andy Stevenson, RSNO director of engagement, said:
"We love welcoming the young musicians of Big Noise to perform side-by-side with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Their joy is infectious, and their performance is always engaging for both our audiences and musicians alike.
“Offering experiences such as these to the Big Noise centres across the country, helping to nurture the confidence of their young people is a privilege. The next generation of RSNO players is sure to be among their ranks and we can’t wait to follow the development of these exceptional young musicians."
Amnesty Igbinedion, whose daughter Osasuyi (aged 7), played cello in Big Noise Wester Hailes' concert with the RSNO, said:
“The concert was absolutely fantastic, it was an amazing opportunity for the kids to play with professionals on the big stage – and it gave them all a huge boost!
“Big Noise has been fantastic for Clovenstone and for my kids. They both love music, and Osasuyi is always practicing her cello at home. I can only imagine how amazing their performances will be in the next three or four years – it's something we really look forward to.
“I never had the chance to learn an instrument when I was growing up, so it brings me great joy to have my children playing with Big Noise.”
“The Big Noise staff have all been wonderful and have been incredibly supportive with my kids. Big Noise has been a big blessing to be honest. It’s one of the best things that has happened to us since we came to Scotland.”
Usma, whose daughter, Inayah, was playing cello as part of Big Noise Govanhill’s performance with the RSNO said:
“It was so great to see so many children from Govanhill on such a big stage. What a great opportunity for all of them. Having something like this to work hard towards was great, and the performance would have been a great boost their confidence. They did so well. I am so pleased that my daughter gets to be part of such a great organisation and have the opportunities given to her by Big Noise.”
