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Big Noise perform in Barcelona

Big Noise participants outside Palau de la Musica Catalana

A group of young musicians from Big Noise across Scotland travelled to Barcelona to perform alongside their peers in an “mind-blowing” concert led by one of the world’s most distinguished conductors.

The six teenagers spent three days in the Spanish city with other young musicians and their tutors from similar projects across the world to prepare and play music together as an orchestra.

Their trip culminated in performance with renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel, music director of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, at the famous Palau de la Musica Catalana.

They performed Beethoven's Egmont Overture, an arrangement of 'Ode to Joy' 'Sonata Piano e Forte ' by G Gabrielli and 'Deferent' by Adria Aguilera. The young musicians also went to a rehearsal of Fidelio with the LA Phil and Dudamel at the Gran Teatre del Liceu.

The Chords of Harmony project brought together 210 young performers from across the world who are all involved in social music projects like Big Noise, as part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra's 2024 international tour.

 
Our young musicians took part in musical projects and rehearsals, as well as activities and events designed to foster leadership skills and experience different cultures, working alongside young musicians from the United States, Venezuela, Spain, Sweden, Greece, Switzerland, Portugal and France.
 
The young people were accompanied by musicians from Big Noise, as well as Sistema Scotland’s Director of Music, David Munn.

 

Performing with Conductor Gustavo Dudamel
Maria Drelich, who takes part in Big Noise Torry said:
 
“I enjoyed the scenery, architecture and the hall we performed in the most. I really loved the conductor that was helping us the whole week because he was so dramatic and I understood what he wanted from me. There was a very good violinist called Thomas, he helped us during sectionals and orchestra. I would a hundred percent do it again.”
 
Gustavo Dudamel, Music & Artistic Director of LA Phil and creator of the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, said:
 
“Our mission has always been to demonstrate how music can create positive change in the world. Nowhere is this more evident than with music education programs and expanded opportunities for young musicians. This experience gives these students the opportunity to see how music transcends borders, while sharing and connecting with their young peers from across Europe."
 
 



Sandra Janiszewska, who also takes part in Big Noise Torry, said:
 
“I enjoyed rehearsals the most. Playing together and hearing all the different sections. I’d definitely do it again if I was nominated. The conductor’s way of conducting was interesting and new. I hope it opens new opportunities for me in life.”
 
Vicky Williams , chief executive of Sistema Scotland, said:
 
“Our young people had an utterly mind-blowing experience in Spain. Big Noise is all about improving lives and strengthening communities and having the chance to perform with such an incredible conductor, and alongside people from across the globe, was a special moment for our young people.
 
“The opportunity to travel internationally, representing their communities, is a major milestone for the young people and shows how hard they have worked and the talent they have. We couldn’t be prouder or more pleased for them”.