Glasgow musicians celebrate the festive season with special concert

Musicians and singers from Big Noise Govanhill performed before a large audience at Glasgow Elm Church as they celebrated another successful year in the community. 

The group performed a range of festive classics including Frosty the Snowman and the Home Alone score, alongside excerpts from J. S. Bach's Double Violin Concerto and pieces of music composed especially for the project. 

Big Noise Govanhill is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and works with around 1250 children and their families every week. 

The anti-poverty initiative is delivered by the charity Sistema Scotland and helps children develop vital life skills such as confidence, resilience, creativity and aspiration, while also strengthening community ties through music and nurturing relationships.

Kate McPhail, acting head of centre at Big Noise Govanhill, said: "This concert was the perfect opportunity for our children, young people, and the members of our adult orchestra to celebrate the festive season with our fantastic community in Govanhill.

"Throughout the year, all our participants have worked incredibly hard – and their dedication to their musical studies was on show at this special concert.

"We’d like to wish all of our community members and participants a happy festive break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting year at Big Noise in the new year."

Anna O’Brien, 17, has been with Big Noise Govanhill since it started 10 years ago.

She said: "When I was younger and growing up in Govanhill, we couldn’t afford any extracurricular activities.

"Big Noise came into my school and gave us all an opportunity to learn an instrument, and I started playing double bass.

"Because of Big Noise, I’ve had loads of opportunities that I might not have otherwise had – meeting many different people and playing different types of music, and this year I joined the programme’s international trip to India, which was a very different culture and experience.

"Being part of this has also built my confidence and friendship group.

"I can be quite shy sometimes, but it’s helped with things like my public speaking and confidence that I know will benefit me when I leave school.

"I’m thinking of applying to do a degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland next year, doing either performing or teaching, and that’s only possible because of my involvement in Big Noise.

"The winter concert is incredible because it brings everyone together and being on stage makes me feel really proud knowing I’m a part of something so big and seeing how all the music comes together."

Bailie Soryia Siddique, who represents Glasgow's Southside Central ward and was in the audience, said: "This uplifting and inspiring concert truly reflects the hard work and dedication of all the children and young people from Big Noise Govanhill.

"Over the last ten years, as well as nurturing musical talent, the programme has helped to build vital life skills that help youngsters to flourish throughout their lives.

"In close partnership with Glasgow City Council and our wonderful local nursery, primary and secondary schools, Big Noise supports the wellbeing of those who participate and helps children and young people reach their full potential."