APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED.
We are thrilled to present the Young Mannheim Symphonists youth orchestra program again in Sydney in 2024, providing young NSW musicians with the opportunity to be part of our unique youth orchestra program, co-directed by Rachael Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen.
At the 2024 NSW State Academy, the orchestra will be directed by Rachael Beesley, and successful applicants will explore masterpieces by Mozart, André and Beethoven during four days of workshops, tutorials and orchestral rehearsals in Sydney. The 2024 NSW State Academy culminates in a public concert in which the Young Mannheim Symphonists perform the repertoire they have prepared throughout the week.
The Young Mannheim Symphonists directors and tutors are 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.
Course details
WHEN
Tuesday 1 October 12.30-3.30pm
Wednesday 2 October 9.30am-3.30pm
Thursday 3 October 9.30am-3.30pm
Friday 4 October 9.30am-3.30pm
Saturday 5 October 1.30pm seating call rehearsal and 3.30pm concert
WHERE
COURSE: Sydney Conservatorium High School, 1 Conservatorium Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
CONCERT: Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, 1 Conservatorium Rd, Sydney NSW 2000
REPERTOIRE
JOHANN ANTON ANDRÉ Symphony in E flat major (2nd movement Adagio/Andantino moderato)
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Symphony No.39 in E flat major, K.543 (3rd movement Menuetto: Allegretto - Trio)
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Symphony No.2 in D major, Op.36
WHO
The 2024 NSW State Academy is open to young musicians who play an orchestral instrument. No experience on period instruments is necessary. String players are encouraged to experiment with playing on gut strings and transitional/classical bows however it is possible to participate in this course on a modern instrument with a modern bow. Brass players are encouraged to experiment with natural horns and natural trumpets.
Secondary & Tertiary Students
Age Recommendation: 15-23 years
(younger students also welcome to apply)Recommended Level:
Flute, Clarinet and Oboe: minimum Grade 8
Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet and Timpani: minimum Grade 6
Strings: minimum Grade 7
COST
Cost Per Participant: $440
Bursaries for Participation, Travel & Accommodation and Siblings are available upon application for students requiring financial assistance are available. Please click here for details.
HOW TO APPLY
Find your audition repertoire and choose a solo piece
Take your excerpts to your instrumental teacher to prepare, and record your audition video
Fill in the application form here - NOW CLOSED
Upload your video via link here - NOW CLOSED
Key Dates:
Sunday 18 February – Closing date for NSW State Academy applications and audition videos
Waitlist applications accepted after deadlines
Friday 1 March – Outcome announcement
Sunday 16 June – Round 2 deadline. Open for clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, timpani, viola and bass ONLY
Monday 1 July - Round 2 acceptances announced
Please contact our Operations & Communications Manager Rosemary Ponnekanti at operations@arco.org.au if you have any questions or are having trouble uploading your audition video.
Young Mannheim Symphonists 2024 NSW State Academy
co-directed by Rachael Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen
Tuesday 1 – Saturday 5 October
“There's just no other program for youth that gives this kind of period instrument and HIP training. It's why I keep on coming back!”
“…everyone is so professional and I gained so much knowledge, not just from workshops but from playing well with people around me.”
— 2023 Young Mannheim Symphonists NSW participants
Click to see the final concert program.
YMS COMPARISON CHART
You can apply and come to both National and State Academies!
But if you have to choose, here’s a comparison.
NATIONAL ACADEMY:
Residential (incl. meals, accommodation)
6 days, 2-3 sessions per day plus social activities
Recommended age 15-23 (younger may apply)
Same learning outcomes & faculty expertise
Excellent playing level (but more competitive)
Repertoire: Beethoven, Schubert PLUS chamber music
Open to all Australian residents (must arrange own travel to Melbourne)
Cost: $825 Early Bird/$850
STATE ACADEMIES:
Daytime only
5 days, 2 sessions per day
Recommended age 15-23 (younger may apply)
Same learning outcomes & faculty expertise
Excellent playing level
Repertoire: Mozart, André, Beethoven
Open to all Australian residents (must arrange own travel and source own accommodation)
Cost: $440