Young people from Big Noise Raploch perform on stage with RSNO

YOUNG people from Big Noise Raploch have taken part in a unique concert alongside the world-renowned Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO).

A total of 36 young musicians from Big Noise Raploch, all aged between 10 and 18, performed side-by-side with the RSNO at Perth Concert Hall recently. Concertgoers were treated to a special rendition of ‘In The Hall of the Mountain King’ from the Peer Gynt Suite by Edvard Grieg.

The concert gave the young participants an opportunity to play alongside accomplished professional musicians as part of Scotland’s national orchestra while demonstrating their musical skills to friends and family.

Big Noise is a high-quality music education and social change programme, where the symphony orchestra becomes a community which supports children and young people to gain vital life skills such as confidence, resilience, creativity and aspiration. Through music and nurturing relationships, from infancy to adulthood, Big Noise supports participants’ well-being and helps them reach their full potential.

The programme also aims to strengthen the amazing communities where it is based; developing relationships with participants and their families based on mutual respect, trust and a commitment to work together and tackle inequalities for the long term.

Big Noise Raploch is delivered by the charity Sistema Scotland, which also runs similar programmes supporting around 3,500 children and young people in the communities of Govanhill in Glasgow, Torry in Aberdeen, Douglas in Dundee, and Wester Hailes in Edinburgh.

The work of Big Noise is supported by a wide range of public and private funders, including the Scottish Government and players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Andy Stevenson, RSNO Director of Engagement, said:  

“Our partnership with Sistema Scotland’s Big Noise centres is an integral part of how the RSNO engages with communities across Scotland.

“Welcoming the young people of Big Noise to the stage alongside our musicians and artists is an exciting experience for everyone involved.

“We can’t wait to do it all again with Big Noise Govanhill in December to celebrate their tenth birthday.”

Sistema Scotland’s Director of Music and Curriculum, David Munn, said: 

“Everyone at Sistema Scotland is immensely proud of our young musicians from Big Noise Raploch after their outstanding performance alongside the RSNO.

“Watching our talented young participants showcase all their hard work alongside Scotland’s national orchestra was a total delight.

“This collaboration between Big Noise and the RSNO not only highlights the dedication of the orchestra in inspiring the next generation of young musicians, but also underlines the transformative impact of Big Noise in nurturing confidence, resilience, and creativity in our communities.”