Glasgow teens play in 'mind-blowing' Barcelona concert with renowned conductor

Two young musicians recently performed in a “mind-blowing” concert in Barcelona with renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel.

Aarush Bakshi and Hannah Doherty, who participated in the Big Noise project in Govanhill, spent three days in the Spanish city, with their concert culminating in a performance with Dudamel, music director of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The concert took place at the Palau de la musica Catalana.

Aarush, a 17-year-old student at Shawlands Academy, said: “It was amazing meeting all the other musicians in the orchestra. Everyone was so into music, you couldn't help feel like that too.

“Dudamel seemed to look at each of us in the orchestra and make us all feel welcome. Everyone played as if they were sitting on the front desk because of his invitation to play together.

“He mainly spoke in Spanish but could convey so much through his hand gestures. When he spoke in English he was direct, he had such a big impact on everyone.

“We performed in a beautiful hall with sculptures along the side. The concert was really packed but informal. Dudamel would get us to play a passage then look at the audience and they’d applaud. It was really cool.

“Seeing others around me playing was so good, they were so good. I loved playing with people from everywhere, people doing the same thing no matter where they were from.”

(Image: Quantum Communications Group)

Hannah, 17, a student at Holyrood Secondary School, said it was a hugely exciting opportunity.

She said: “It was amazing to meet so many new people from around the world and to experience the buzzing city of Barcelona.

“As well as improving my teamworking and communication skills through working with unfamiliar colleagues - we had to sit with someone we had not known previously - I was encouraged to raise the level of my playing by the high standard of musicianship.

“Everyone was welcoming and friendly and I learned from the way communication in rehearsals was so clear and direct.

“Though this was often in Spanish, the expression came across strongly, with the aid of a lot of hand movement! Gustavo (Dudamel) was very inspiring to work with and I feel the whole experience has helped me to grow as a person and as a musician.”

(Image: Quantum Communications Group)

They were among six Scottish musicians from the project throughout Scotland who played and rehearsed with more than 200 performers from all over the globe.

Their performance included Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, Ode to Joy, Sonata Piano e Forte by G Gabrielli, and Deferent by Adria Aguilera.

Kate McPhail, acting head of centre at Big Noise Govanhill, said: “Big Noise is all about improving lives and strengthening communities and having the chance to perform with such an incredible conductor, and alongside people from across the globe, was a special moment for our young people.

“The opportunity to travel internationally, representing their communities, is a major milestone for the young people and shows how hard they have worked and the talent they have. We couldn’t be prouder or more pleased for them”.

Gustavo Dudamel, music and artistic director of LA Phil and creator of the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, said: “Our mission has always been to demonstrate how music can create positive change in the world.

“Nowhere is this more evident than with music education programs and expanded opportunities for young musicians.

“This experience gives these students the opportunity to see how music transcends borders, while sharing and connecting with their young peers from across Europe."