Plans to bring Sistema Scotland to Dundee have received a unanimous chorus of support.
In an undisputed vote, councillors have agreed to open discussions with El Sistema Scotland to establish a branch of the Big Noise Orchestra in the city.
The project, inspired by the El Sistema youth music programme in Venezuela, aims to lift children out of poverty and deprivation through intensive orchestral music tuition.
It has already enjoyed huge success in Stirling and has also been adopted in Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Clare Brennan, from the charity Optimistic Sound, which was set up following the death of Michael Marra in 2012 and inspired by the musician’s wish to see the programme set up in Dundee, said she was overjoyed with the result of the vote.
She said: “We are absolutely delighted that Dundee City Council has committed to bringing Sistema to Dundee.
“All councillors and members of the education committee are to be congratulated for their decision.
“We are looking forward to working closely with the council to start the conversation with Sistema Scotland to put together a plan for Sistema Dundee.
“Once those plans are in place we can make a powerful case to funders, including the Scottish Government.”
See more in Tuesday’s Courier.