Community orchestra to bring Big Noise to Glasgow

A SECOND centre for an orchestra project that aims to instil confidence and discipline in youngsters has moved a step closer after receiving approval from councillors.

Sistema Scotland was established in 2008 and is designed to use music to foster teamwork, pride and aspiration in the children taking part and across their wider community.

It came to the fore this year when Stirling’s Raploch housing scheme played host to Scotland’s Olympic Festival opening celebrations. Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel led the Simon Bolivar Orchestra in front of a crowd of 8,000 people in the heart of the estate.

Young people from the estate took to the stage to perform alongside the 200 Venezuelan musicians after learning orchestral instruments together with Sistema’s Big Noise Orchestra.

George Anderson, from Sistema Scotland, said Glasgow City Council’s approval to bring a similar project to Govenhill has helped to “pave the way” for a new centre, based Forsyth House in Coplaw Street.