Young Glasgow musicians have performed alongside the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO).

The talented youngsters, aged nine to 18 from Big Noise Govanhill, joined the orchestra for a special concert at Glasgow's Royal Concert Hall on Saturday.

Their joint performance was conducted by the RSNO's music director, Thomas Søndergård.

(Image: Stewart Attwood)

The highlight of the night was the world premiere of Change Is Coming, a Nordic-themed piece by Lisa Robertson.

The composition was inspired by discussions with Big Noise Govanhill's young musicians about their concerns regarding climate change and their determination to make a difference.

Lisa's piece reflects the deep bond with nature shared by Scotland and the Nordic countries.

The concert offered the young musicians a chance to showcase their talent and play alongside seasoned professionals, while also providing a source of pride for their families and friends.

(Image: Stewart Attwood)

(Image: Stewart Attwood)

Big Noise, launched in Raploch, Stirling in 2008, is a music education and social change initiative.

Children and young people involved in the programme participate in music lessons outside school hours, forming a community symphony orchestra.

The aim is to help them develop essential life skills such as confidence, resilience, creativity, and ambition

Vicky Williams, chief executive of Sistema Scotland, the organisation behind Big Noise, said: "We are incredibly proud of the outstanding performance by our young musicians alongside the RSNO.

"This has been the culmination of months of hard work from our young people, and we’re all delighted to have seen them perform on one 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."

The programme now reaches almost 4,000 young people across six centres in Scotland, including Govanhill, Glasgow.

It aims to strengthen the communities it is based in, by fostering relationships built on respect, trust, and a shared commitment to addressing inequalities.

Andy Stevenson, RSNO director of engagement, added: "The young people from Big Noise Govanhill were fantastic in their world-premiere performance of Lisa Robertson’s specially commissioned piece.

"Our side-by-side experiences with Big Noise are real highlights of the RSNO season and build special connections within the orchestra, young people, and their schools, families, and friends."

The impact of Big Noise extends beyond musical skill.

A long-term evaluation by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health found that 98 per cent of participants from Raploch went on to positive post-school destinations.


One proud parent, Usma, whose daughter Inayah, 11, played the cello, 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 to 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."