The Young Mannheim Symphonists is Australia’s only national HIP youth orchestra. A unique and exciting program led by the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, YMS is designed to give secondary and tertiary students and emerging musicians the opportunity to discover the magic of approaching music with Historically Informed Performance (HIP). Over a week, participants are led by experienced ARCO faculty through musical masterpieces of the Classical and Romantic periods, learning HIP skills, techniques and research and how they transform music, emotion and creativity. Young musicians are inspired by how the music comes to life, and empowered to make informed musical decisions on their own.

Participants from Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern and Australian Capital Territories are welcome to audition for the National Academy and/or a State Academy of their choice. Participants from New Zealand may apply for National Academy.

All participants may apply for and attend (if accepted) one or more Academies. Bursaries are available for those with demonstrated financial need - apply for bursaries here.

Auditions are now closed. Please sign up for our newsletter to get information about future rounds or programs.
Late applications considered on select instruments. Please email operations@arco.org.au

2025 APPLICATION DEADLINES:

  • Sunday 15 September - Applications open, audition excerpts will be available here

  • Sunday 27 October – Deadline: applications close at midnight

  • Waitlist or special consideration applications accepted after deadlines - contact operations@arco.org.au

ACCEPTANCE ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  • Monday 25 November – All Academies

Watch this introductory video to find out more about the Young Mannheim Symphonists program.

“The collective knowledge and passion of so many world-class tutors… came to bear in a polished and mature culminating performance of Beethoven, Mozart and Mayer, which showed genuine commitment and communication from the players.

“My students loved the repertoire and the new perspectives they gained through their freshly acquired knowledge. They enjoyed gaining an insight into the world of professional playing, and using their whole body as an instrument to connect with the music and the ensemble.”

– Daniel Holloway, Instrumental Music Teacher (Strings) – Education Queensland, Musical Director/Conductor – South Side Youth Orchestra

“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, Head of Orchestral Training and Senior Conductor, Sydney Youth Orchestras

"An impressive display of joy and freedom, musical expansion and individual commitment from the next generation of HIP musicians." 

– Neal Peres Da Costa, Associate Dean of Research and Professor of Historical Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney.

REPERTOIRE

National Academy:
FRANZ SCHUBERT
Symphony No.4 in C minor D.417 ‘Tragic’

FELIX MENDELSSOHN
Symphony No.3 in A minor Op.56 ‘Scottish’

QLD/NSW State Academies:
JOSEPH HAYDN
Symphony No.103 in E flat major ‘Drumroll’

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
Symphony No.1 in C major Op.21

FACULTY

Rachael Beesley, Conductor, Strings
Nicole van Bruggen, Woodwind
Announcing more faculty soon!

Share YMS with a friend or student – click here for downloadable posters and graphics!

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)

  • Brilliant learning outcomes & faculty expertise

  • Excellent playing level (but more competitive)

  • Repertoire: Symphonic PLUS chamber music

  • Open to all Australian and New Zealand residents (must arrange own travel to Adelaide)

  • Cost: $860

STATE ACADEMIES:

  • Daytime only

  • 5 days, 2 sessions per day

  • Recommended age 15-23 (younger may apply)

  • Brilliant learning outcomes & faculty expertise

  • Excellent playing level

  • Repertoire: Symphonic

  • Open to all Australian residents (must arrange own travel and source own accommodation)

  • Cost: $450

 

Young Mannheim Symphonists 2023 National Academy
16 April 2023 | St Peter’s Lutheran College, Indooroopilly, QLD