The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Big Noise Deeside concert big success
Young musicians from Aberdeen took their talents on the road as they wowed the audience at a concert on Royal Deeside.
A total of 14 youngsters, aged from 12 to 16, from the Big Noise Torry group performed for a delighted crowd at the historic St Margaret’s arts space in Braemar.
The show marked the end of the music and social change charity’s Easter holiday programme.
The programme featured a varied line-up including movements from the Capriol Suite for string orchestra by Peter Warlock, two sets of Scottish traditional music, some Blues improvisation, and a Handel string trio.
The group was then treated to a fun afternoon incorporating some outdoor woodland activities and culminating with a tour of Braemar Castle.
St Margaret’s Trust, which cares for the former Victorian Episcopal church, raised funds for the group’s travel and food on the trip, as well as arranging the additional activities for the young people.
Lorna Carruthers, head of centre at Big Noise Torry, said she was “incredibly proud of the youngsters”.
She added: “It was a real joy to be able to share their talent, passion and enthusiasm with a wider audience by taking their music on the road.
“We are hugely grateful to St Margaret’s for supporting us with the costs of delivering this concert, but also for giving the young musicians such a special experience.
“Opportunities like these really help build our young people’s confidence and sense of self-worth.”
High-quality and free activities during school holidays mean that parents and carers are able to work, train and study without the worry of paying for someone to look after their children or taking time off work.
Heena O’Brien-Gilbert, who accompanied her sons Adrian, 14, and Stefan, 12, on the Braemar trip, said the experience was “absolutely fanatstic” and the Big Noise youngsters made a lasting impression on their Deeside hosts.
She said: “The show at St Margaret’s church was not only amazing but also breathtaking for many of the audience members who didn’t know what to expect from young performers.
“By the end, everyone was gobsmacked with both the performance and the confidence of the children.”
Big Noise Torry launched in 2015 and is Sistema Scotland’s third orchestra centre.
It works with over 750 children and young people from the Torry community.
The programme also works with secondary-aged pupils from Lochside Academy and supports children who live in Torry but attend school elsewhere.
The anti-poverty initiative is delivered by the charity Sistema Scotland, helping children develop vital life skills such as confidence, resilience, creativity and aspiration.