Following a national search, the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra has appointed Adelaide arts leader Kim Roberts as its new General Manager, commencing 23 November 2026.

Roberts succeeds ARCO co-founder and long-serving General Manager Nicole van Bruggen, who will step down from the management role at the end of 2026, having led the organisation since its founding in 2013. The two will work together during a transition period to ensure a smooth handover.

Roberts brings extensive experience in arts leadership and organisational management. Most recently Co-CEO of Nexus Multicultural Arts Centre in Adelaide, she is also the former General Manager of Arts Industry Council SA and Music SA, and a former Board Member of Three D Radio. Roberts has 25 years’ experience in not-for-profit arts management, community radio and festival administration, and is also a working independent musician.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining ARCO at this crucial moment of organisational growth,” Roberts says. “Their approach to Classical and Romantic music is so dynamic, and I’m excited by their programs, particularly their work with young musicians. I’m very much looking forward to helping the ARCO team deliver their vision.”

Roberts also brings experience and qualifications in social research, bookkeeping, vocational training, digital media and languages, alongside a strong commitment to knowledge sharing, advocacy, diversity and inclusion, artist pathways and sustainable organisational development.

“We are delighted to welcome Kim to ARCO following a highly competitive national recruitment process,” said Board Chair Frances Carlile. “Her wide experience in arts leadership, financial management and development, combined with her understanding of the needs of artists, makes her ideally placed to guide ARCO through its next phase of growth.

“This appointment also marks an important milestone for ARCO. Nicole’s extraordinary commitment and leadership over the past 14 years have been instrumental in building the organisation into the nationally respected ensemble it is today. We are enormously grateful for her contribution as General Manager and delighted that ARCO will continue to benefit from her artistic vision and expertise alongside Rachael Beesley.”

While stepping away from day-to-day management, Van Bruggen will remain closely involved in ARCO’s future. She will continue to shape the orchestra’s artistic direction alongside Co-Artistic Director Rachael Beesley, as well as performing and teaching as ARCO’s Principal Clarinettist. Together they will continue to champion ARCO’s central pillars of performance, education and connection through Historically Informed Performance (HIP).

“We’re so happy to welcome Kim to the ARCO team,” says Van Bruggen. “We were looking for someone with strong organisational leadership skills, including finance, development and strategy, as well as artistic understanding and a love of HIP. Kim is the perfect person for the job, and all of us at ARCO are excited to work with her.”