Radio 4 had such an uplifting programme today about Sistema Scotland, aka The Big Noise

It is available to listen to online for the next seven days. Here is the webpage about it. It is well worth listening to.

"A music project in Scotland is aiming to improve life for the kids of Stirling.

The Simon Bolivar National Youth Orchestra under conductor Gustavo Dudamel stole the show at both the Proms and the Edinburgh Festival, offering real proof of the talent and virtuosity that has emerged from the El Sistema programme in Venezuela.
Can Scotland's version of El Sistema - dubbed The Big Noise - achieve as much in the deprived area of The Raploch near Stirling? Lesley Riddoch finds out.

In June 2008, Sistema Scotland, the brainchild of former bishop and current chair of Creative Scotland Richard Holloway, got underway in the Raploch. Its aim - to inspire and galvanise the education and motivation of children from all backgrounds through involvement in orchestral musicianship. Ability is irrelevant. Anyone can join."

This very worthwhile project seems to be in need of cash or sponsors.