Young Glasgow Musicians Perform in Barga, Italy
Five talented young musicians from Glasgow CREATE have returned from an unforgettable visit to Barga, Italy, where they represented the city at the Barga Scotland Festival 2025.
The group travelled to the Tuscan town last month alongside Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Cllr Jacqueline McLaren, performing in the stunning Teatro dei Differenti — a jewel of Barga’s cultural life often described as a “mini La Scala” after the world-famous opera house in Milan.
The CREATE Strings Ensemble
- Nellie Heinrich – Violin, S5, Shawlands Academy
- Nikita Bubulchuk – Violin, S6, St Andrew’s Secondary School
- Hannah Easdale – Violin, S5, St Thomas Aquinas Secondary School
- Aria Connolly – Viola, S3, Bannerman High School
- Ava Griffith – Bass, S6, Shawlands Academy
Chosen for their dedication and musical excellence, the young ensemble performed alongside celebrated local musicians including William Moriconi, a former Scottish Chamber Orchestra oboist, originally from Barga and now based in Glasgow.
In addition to their performance, the group immersed themselves in Barga’s warm community and culture — shopping locally, cooking meals together, and rehearsing in a sunlit courtyard near their accommodation, which was kindly gifted by local residents.
“I feel very lucky to have visited such a beautiful town that I’d probably never have visited otherwise; I’d love to go back!”
Nikita, Violin
“The concert was so lovely, with the Scottish music and great reception, it almost felt like we were performing to a home crowd.”
Ava, Bass
The Lord Provost, who attended the Festival as a guest of honour, also took part in several civic engagements during the weekend, including a meeting with Barga’s Mayor where a Barga-Glasgow tartan was unveiled as a symbol of friendship between the two cities. The tartan was designed by Michael Lemetti of Clan Italia.
“Watching these young Glaswegian musicians perform with such grace and confidence was deeply moving. Their talent and enthusiasm are a credit to our city. They did Glasgow proud. In the future I look forward to being able to create more opportunities for our young people as part of this special friendship with Barga.”
Cllr Jacqueline McLaren, Lord Provost of Glasgow
Trip coordinator Pamela Black, Education Support Officer with CREATE, reflected on the impact of the visit:
“The CREATE programme is about opening doors for young people. This trip to Barga was unforgettable, an opportunity to perform internationally, build friendships, and experience a new culture. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you for life.”
