Musical teens get set to takeover with the RSNO

Renfrewshire teenagers are tuning up to take part in a unique link- up with Scotland’s national orchestra that could help them forge a career in the music industry.

The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) is staging a two-day Takeover event in Paisley next week.

This ends with a special show as part of the town’s Spree festival.

The Paisley Town Hall concert will include music chosen by local school pupils in advance of Takeover - featuring works by Handel, Bach, Sir Henry Wood, as well as Greenock-born 19th century composer Hamish McCunn.

Guided by RSNO professionals, around 50 pupils from all 11 Renfrewshire high schools will work on every aspect of planning and staging the gig.

International- class musicians will mentor their younger counterparts while other pupils will work on marketing, press and PR, as well as fundraising, learning and engagement and stage and orchestra management.

The link-up is taking place as part of Paisley’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2021.

The second stage bid was submitted on September 29th and a decision is expected in December.

Jean Cameron, Paisley 2021 bid director said: “It’s fantastic to be able to give young people opportunities to get involved in cultural activity and all of the benefits that brings.

“As Paisley bids to be UK City of Culture 2021 it also shows that we can bring artists of international repute here for local talent to learn from. We’re delighted to be working with the RSNO and the young people are getting the chance to learn from the best in the business.”

The RSNO Takeover takes place on October 23 and 24 and the concert is free to attend.

Tickets available at www.thespree.co.uk and from the box office on 0300 300 1210.