Secondary School pupils from Inverkeithing and Beath High Schools in Fife performed original music inspired by one of the giants of film music, accompanied by Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) musicians at the Perth Concert Hall on Wednesday 11 February.

Thanks to support from Shell U.K. Limited, RSNO musicians have been working with pupils from both schools over the past two months, creating original music inspired by Guiseppe Tornatore’s 1988 partly autobiographical film Cinema Paradiso. The film’s soundtrack was composed by Ennio Morricone, recognised as one of the most influential cinematic composers of the 20^th century.

The pupils’ performance was open to all concert-goers attending the RSNO’s Romantic Valentine’s Classics concert at the Perth Concert Hall. Following the schools performance the pupils attended the evening performance by the RSNO..  Led by RSNO Assistant Conductor David Danzmayr and featuring the 2006 Leeds Piano Concerto Competition winner Sunwook Kim, the evening concert included performances of romantic works from concert hall and cinema.

RSNO Viola Lisa Davidson, who was involved in the project said:

 “The kids have created their own music around a framework of ideas based on Cinema Paradiso. Some of them use existing skills while others have surprised themselves in developing new abilities and understanding. The process is a real group effort and the end result is a twenty minute piece which demonstrates their creativity and playing ability.  It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to perform in such a wonderful concert venue and for many it will be the first time they will have heard a symphony orchestra live.”

Alex Baird, Plant Installation Manager at Shell's Fife NGL Plant welcomed the project: 
“Shell are delighted to once again sponsor the RSNO and be able to give the pupils from Beath and Inverkeithing the chance to work with talented musicians and have an opportunity to play in Perth's Concert Hall.”

Both the schools project and the RSNO’s concert in Perth are supported by Shell U.K. Limited.