GOVANHILL primary pupils were left "enraptured" as they enjoyed a private performance by world famous violinist Nicola Benedetti.

Nicola paid a visit to Big Noise Govanhill to perform a concert for 200 local children in Holy Cross Primary.

Following the concert she then travelled to nearby Annette Street Primary to watch a class learn their instruments.

Nicola said: “Having the opportunity to play to 200 children in Govanhill, alongside the Big Noise musicians, has been an incredible experience.

"It’s been wonderful to witness the children engaging with the music and to gain a real sense of the impact Big Noise is having on this community.

"I’ve always been extremely proud to be a ‘Big Sister’ to Sistema Scotland and today’s visit has been a reminder of why their work is so important.

"Being part of such a valuable social programme, that engages with over 2400 children each year, is not just a pleasure, but an honour.”

Big Noise Govanhill, part of the Sistema music programme, teaches strings, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments to some of the city's most deprived children.

It aims to transform their lives through music, just as it has in the members of the original Sistema orchestra in Venezuela.

Big Noise musicians performed with Nicola for children from St Bride's, Holy Cross, Cuthbertson, St Albert’s, Annette Street, and Glendale Gaelic primary schools.

The internationally-renowned violinist explained the narrative behind each of the musical pieces and told pupils about learning orchestral instruments more generally.

At Annette Street, Nicola met with the school's Magic Orchestra, for children who need extra support with their instruments.

Head teacher Shirley Taylor said: "The children were enraptured by Nicola's performance. It was wonderful for them."

Teacher Wendy English added: "Nicola was keen to see pupils learning their instruments from scratch and so she sat in on a lesson with our Magic Orchestra.

"These are pupils who have disengaged with Big Noise and so are being taught in school, rather than after school.

"Nicola was really engaged with the class and told them to keep working hard."

Francis Cummings, Director of Music at Sistema Scotland said:" We were delighted to welcome our "Big Sister" and Sistema Scotland Board Member Nicola Benedetti to Big Noise Govanhill.

Providing inspirational opportunities for children to see performances with world class musicians such as Nicola is a key part of the Big Noise programme."