The lives transformed by classical music
The Raploch near Stirling has long been known as one of Scotland's most deprived areas. This is the story of why it has its own symphony orchestra, and the huge impact it has had.
The Raploch is an estate near Stirling in Scotland that has long been known for its problems. The word Raploch has even made its way into the dictionary as an adjective, meaning "crude or rough".
In 2008 the neighbourhood started taking part in the Big Noise Project - a social experiment to see what impact immersive music education could have on a community. Local children began intensive music lessons. Fast forward four years and they played in a televised concert alongside Venezuela's Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel. The performance in a grey wet field on the edge of the Raploch was watched by a cheerful crowd wrapped in waterproof ponchos.
Ten years later, the Raploch has its own symphony orchestra - its members include both those who played in the original concert and those who were inspired by it. There are now more than 400 children learning a musical instrument; in 2008 there was just one. The neighbourhood still has its issues, but now it's known for its successes as well.
For 5 Minutes On, the 成人论坛's arts correspondent, David Sillito, goes to the Raploch to meet some of those involved and hear just how much their lives have changed. And he talks to Gustavo Dudamel in Barcelona. "The worst thing about poverty is being excluded", he says. "When a child is included in the power and beauty of art, everything else can follow".
Photo credit: Jeff J Mitchell, Getty Images
