The Young Mannheim Symphonists 2024 National Academy was co-directed by Rachael Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen. It was a residential course at Melbourne Grammar School where successful applicants boarded for five nights, spending their days and evenings in workshops, tutorials and orchestral rehearsals.
The National Academy culminated in a public concert in which the Young Mannheim Symphonists performed the repertoire they prepared throughout the week.
The concert was live-streamed by the Australian Digital Concert Hall, and is still available on-demand.
In 2024, the orchestra was once again conducted by Rachael Beesley, and explored masterpieces by Classical and Romantic composers. The Young Mannheim Symphonists tutors were principal musicians of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra – professional musicians who specialise in historically informed performance on period instruments. Their knowledge of musical styles, articulations, and embellishments comes from years of experience performing; reading treatises and studying scores; experimenting with instruments and interpretations; and sharing with their peers and their students. They are passionate about understanding our musical heritage in the context in which it was created, and they are even more passionate about inspiring and enlightening others.
Young Mannheim Symphonists is Australia’s only national youth orchestra for Historically Informed Performance (HIP).
What participants said about YMS 2024 National Academy:
“I’ve had the time of my life this week. I feel very, very lucky I got to be here. So many thank-yous for organising and delivering such a wonderful and valuable experience!”
“YMS is different from any other youth orchestra program. No other camp has the same historical perspective. It is incredible to be able to learn about these things in an environment where I can immediately apply them.”
“I keep coming to these programs because I love the way Rachael works - she’s easily one of the most creative conductors I’ve ever met, but also a joy to make music with.”
“I love how the research and style are always linked back to freshness, freedom of expression and meaningfulness as an ensemble.”
“Easily one of the best orchestral experiences I’ve ever had.”
Photos: Ken Nakanishi/Hikari Photography
Young Mannheim Symphonists
2024 National Academy
Monday 8 – Saturday 13 July 2024
Melbourne
PROGRAM
Conducted by Rachael Beesley
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus, Op.43
FRANZ SCHUBERT Symphony No.9, D.944 ‘The Great’
Click to see the YMS 2024 National Academy Concert program.