Young boys from across the north were yesterday given the rare opportunity of singing with Scotland’s national orchestra.
The event, which is part of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra’s (RSNO) big musical expedition to the Highlands, was hailed as a “great success”.
Primary six, seven and first year secondary boys from various schools took to the stage at the Empire Theatre in Eden Court as part of a brand new initiative for the north of Scotland called Boys United, which aims to develop the vocal skills of young men whose voices are breaking.
Almost 200 pupils from 12 schools across the region were accompanied by the symphonic sounds of the RSNO, who collaborated with Highland Council to offer a programme of practical exercises and informal performances.
Norman Bolton, Highland Council’s music development officer, said: “The day for them was really just about the experience of singing in a really relaxed atmosphere and meeting boys from different schools.
“They were mainly working on a piece called Going for Gold, which is about different sports and all of the dedication and work ethic that goes in to them.
“It was for use during the Olympic year but this is the Commonwealth Games year so it is still relevant.
“They all worked really hard and managed to get it to come together.”
Mr Bolton said that workshops were available last week for some of the pupils to make a start to learning the material, and director of RSNO Junior Chorus, Christopher Bell, visited participating schools for preparatory sessions weeks in advance.
Yesterday’s event was part of a Big Residency week where the RSNO has been staying in Inverness and connecting with music loving communities.
The residency will end tomorrow with a full symphonic concert at Eden Court, a fitting finale to close a week of cross community performances, workshops and interactive sessions.