THE first "El Sistema" children's orchestra in Glasgow is to receive significant financial support from the Scottish Government.
Nicola Sturgeon, the Deputy First Minister, and Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop will announce investment for the Big Noise orchestra in Glasgow's Govanhill area today.
Since the Big Noise charity began in Scotland in 2008, children from Raploch in Stirling have benefited from classical music tuition based on a Venezuelan model. Backed by patron Nicola Benedetti, the Big Noise was given nationwide attention earlier this year when it performed with Gustavo Dudamel and the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra at the start of the cultural Olympic celebrations.
A grassroots campaign in Govanhill has been backed by Glasgow City Council and will now receive aid from the Scottish Government, which has already given £566,196 to the Big Noise through its Youth Music Initiative, the old Scottish Arts Council and Creative Scotland.
By 2015/16, more than 700 children in the south side of the city could be playing in a symphonic orchestra supported by a dedicated team of musician teachers.
The Govanhill scheme will cost around £153,250 in its first year, rising to £610,845 in its fifth year, although the council is not being asked for any finances in year one.
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