Since it was founded in 1891 the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) has played an important role in Scotland’s musical life, with regular concerts across the country. The Orchestra frequently performs at the Edinburgh International Festival and tours internationally. 

Committed to delivering engaging opportunities for people in Scotland and beyond, the RSNO partners with other organisations to bring classical music to people of all ages and backgrounds. Having worked with Sistema Scotland to perform side-by-side concerts with students, most recently from Big Noise Douglas, musicians from Scotland’s National Orchestra will now perform alongside members of the Big Noise Raploch Senior Strings Ensemble. Ten talented students aged 14-18 have will take to the stage alongside professional musicians at this iconic contemporary venue.   

Big Noise Raploch was the first community orchestra established by the charity Sistema Scotland in 2008, with six musicians supporting 35 young school children. Since then the teaching model has been such a success that Sistema now works with over 3,200 young people across five cities in Scotland. The Big Noise model uses the symphony orchestra as a community through which children gain an invaluable range of life skills and experiences. They develop confidence, teamwork, resilience, pride and aspiration.

Sistema Scotland is the charity that delivers the Big Noise programmes. Big Noise is a high-quality music education and social change programme that works intensively with children, young people and families within targeted communities. It uses the symphony orchestra as a community through which children gain an invaluable range of life skills and experiences. Its work is underpinned by the belief that all children and young people in Scotland have great potential, skills and talents. The charity also recognises that poverty and inequality in Scotland already have a significant impact on the support and opportunities some children have to build their self-esteem, confidence and social networks. Sistema Scotland believes that music and nurturing relationships have a critical role to play in inspiring individuals, families and communities.Big Noise Raploch in Stirling is home to the first Big Noise programme, which began in 2008 and works with more than 600 participants, from babies to secondary school pupils. The programme is delivered in partnership with Stirling Council, and is supported by a range of funders and partners. In addition to Big Noise Raploch, Sistema Scotland also runs programmes in Fallin (Stirling), Govanhill (Glasgow), Torry (Aberdeen), Douglas (Dundee), and Wester Hailes (Edinburgh).