JOIN US
Help inspire and uplift Australians through classical music.
WHAT WE DO
Since 2013, the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra has connected, inspired and uplifted over 50,000 people with concerts, education and engagement activities through historically informed performance (HIP) on original instruments.
Midsummer Dreams, Melbourne, photo credit: Hikari Photography
WHY IT MATTERS
Our world is facing big challenges:
✦ Social disconnection, in a busy, tech-driven society.
✦ Intolerance and violence, as disconnection and polarisation increase.
✦ Mental health issues, from teen anxiety to dementia in the elderly.
✦ Housing insecurity, cost of living and other wide-ranging societal problems.
Young Mannheim Symphonists, Brisbane, photo credit: Wallis Media
ARCO’S UNIQUE MUSIC CAN HELP
Classical music alone won’t solve these problems – but the joy, beauty and deep emotional connection that HIP music brings is crucial.
ARCO’s combination of fresh, historically informed performance, education and engagement is uniquely placed to help transform our community. As one of Australia’s leading historically-informed performance (HIP) ensembles, we are experts in this field. We offer Australia’s only national HIP youth orchestra program (the Young Mannheim Symphonists) and a suite of education and engagement programs inspiring everyone from children to seniors, from listeners to professionals.
Young Mannheim Symphonists, Sydney, photo credit: Robert Catto
HOW HIP MUSIC TRANSFORMS
✦ It connects us as people with visions and dreams from the past to the present and future.
✦ It uplifts us, transcending the everyday and engaging our souls.
✦ It stimulates our curiosity, collaboration and confidence, especially youth and seniors.
✦ It inspires our emotions and allows us to feel, empathetically.
“I love ARCO and support its vision of quality historically informed performance. I also love its supportive link to the Young Mannheim Symphonists - it’s an excellent investment in the next generation of historically informed performance musicians.” – 2023 audience member
“I can not recommend the Young Mannheim Symphonists program more highly for those young musicians who are looking for the "what next?" in their musical journeys. Working with some of the world's best performers and educators in Historically Informed Performance on some of the greatest repertoire ever written is an opportunity no serious musician should miss out on!” – James Pensini, Sydney Youth Orchestra
“YMS always does a great job of packing in as much info as quickly and accessibly as possible. It feels like those underlying pillars make YMS quite unique in this landscape. The scope is quite ambitious, which is amazing and really gives a sense of pride in completion. It is so unique in Australia and has been such an important part of my playing and career. Thank you all so much!!” – 2023 YMS participant
Midsummer Dreams, Sydney, photo credit: Robert Catto
Midsummer Dreams, Sydney, photo credit: Robert Catto
OUR WORK
There are four facets to our work:
✦ Touring – Since 2013, we have given 170+ concerts in 5 states across Australia, including regional and metropolitan areas
✦ Recording – We have released 4 CDs, with more on the way, and broadcast 24 concerts on YouTube, ABC Classic and Australian Digital Concert Hall
✦ Educating – We have inspired 800+ young Australians through our unique Young Mannheim Symphonists education programs
✦ Engaging – Through community music workshops, free pre-concert talks and public presentations, we harness the power of classical music to uplift, connect and enrich lives
Our work is recognised globally. ARCO is the only Australian organisation invited to join the prestigious European Early Music Association (REMA).
HOW TO HELP US CHANGE LIVES
ARCO can not exist without private donations. We are grateful for the government funding and audience support we receive, but they are simply not enough to keep our concerts and education going. Your gift will help us reach our goals:
✦ PERFORMANCE – Present ground-breaking works and increase regional touring around Australia
✦ EDUCATION – Bring our acclaimed Voyage of Musical Discovery to regional communities, and continue to grow our Young Mannheim Symphonists programs for young musicians across the country
✦ ENGAGEMENT – Offer free engagement events to aged-care residents on every tour
✦ EQUITY – Commission/record new work by female composers and offer education bursaries for youth in financial need
Want to know more?
Email us at info@arco.org.au
Rachael Beesley, photo credit: Nick Gilbert
Ashley Sutherland & Nicole van Bruggen, photo credit: Robert Catto
Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, Sydney 2021, photo credit: Robert Catto