Over the past couple of months, children and young people from Big Noise Raploch & Fallin, Big Noise Govanhill, Big Noise Douglas, and Big Noise Wester Hailes have taken to the stage with their counterparts in Scotland's national orchestra for a series of special side-by-side performances.
These concerts give our young participants the opportunity to play alongside accomplished professional musicians, while showing off their musical skill to friends and family.
The RSNO joined up with Big Noise Raploch and Big Noise Fallin at Perth Concert Hall, and Big Noise Govanhill at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow for a special performance of the piece ‘Grasswalk’ from the video game ‘Plants vs. Zombies’ by composer Laura Shigihara.
Both joint orchestras were led by the RSNO’s Conductor Alexander Shelley.
The young people of Big Noise Wester Hailes took to the stage at Edinburgh's famous Usher Hall alongside the RSNO, where they performed the Big Noise favourite 'Mission Mars' as well as the world premiere of a specially commissioned piece, 'The Journey Begins' by Keith Ramsey, which had been written especially for the young people at Big Noise Wester Hailes
In Dundee, our young musicians from Big Noise Douglas joined with the RSNO for a performance of five movements from Bartók’s ‘Romanian Folk Dances’, led by RSNO conductor Giedrė Šlekytė.
Andrena, who’s son Jensen (aged 14) took part in the concert at Perth Concert Hall, said:
“I thought it was fantastic concert, it was just amazing. It was amazing to see all the kids performing in such a grand venue. To see these kids playing alongside the professionals in the RSNO, it was just phenomenal.
“Jensan felt so comfortable playing alongside the RSNO, not intimidated at all, and I think that’s all down to how great the musicians are and how comfortable and welcome they make the kids feel in an atmosphere that could be a bit intimidating for them. All of the kids looked so confident up there, and I think that’s all down to the RSNO and Big Noise and how well supported they are. ”
Freddie, 11, who performed alongside RSNO with Big Noise Douglas, said:
“It was really good to perform at the Caird Hall with the RSNO, I really enjoyed it. I performed with the orchestra last time as well, so I wasn’t as nervous this time.
“I recognised some of the musicians from RSNO, so I think it was really nice to see them again.”
