World famous violinist, Nicola Benedetti, paid Big Noise Govanhill a visit this week to perform a concert for 200 local children. Alongside Big Noise musicians, Benedetti entertained pupils from St Bride's, Holy Cross, Cuthbertson, St Albert’s, Annette Street, and Glendale Gaelic primary schools with an enchanting musical journey, which included pieces from France, Italy and Scotland.
Benedetti's passion for young people having the opportunity to engage with music was on display as she enthusiastically explained the narrative behind each of the musical pieces, and about learning orchestral instruments more generally.
As a ‘Big Sister’ and board member of the charity Sistema Scotland, Nicola Benedetti is a regular visitor to the Big Noise centres across the country. The aim of the Big Noise programme is to transform the lives of children through music. Research shows that Big Noise is helping children’s confidence, self esteem, as well as developing communications, social and life skills. This most recent visit to Govanhill was a fantastic opportunity for both Nicola and Big Noise to connect with even more local children through music.
Nicola Benedetti said: “Having the opportunity to play to 200 children in Govanhill, alongside the Big Noise musicians, has been an incredible experience. While performing at both St Bride’s and Holy Cross primary schools, it’s been wonderful to witness the children engaging with the music and to gain a real sense of the impact Big Noise is having on this community. I’ve always been extremely proud to be a ‘Big Sister’ to Sistema Scotland and today’s visit has been a reminder of why their work is so important. Being part of such a valuable social programme, that engages with over 2400 children each year, is not just a pleasure, but an honour.”
Big Noise Govanhill is run by Sistema Scotland and supported by a number of funders and partners including Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government, Govanhill Housing Association, and players at the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Francis Cummings, Director of Music at Sistema Scotland said:" We were delighted to welcome our "Big Sister" and Sistema Scotland Board Member Nicola Benedetti to Big Noise Govanhill today. Nicola spent the day performing in local schools with Big Noise musicians. Providing inspirational opportunities for children to see performances with world class musicians such as Nicola is a key part of the Big Noise programme. This helps the children to develop confidence, self-esteem and grow both as musicians and as individuals. It also helps Big Noise staff and musicians to improve their playing and strengthen their teaching abilities".
