Our co-artistic director, Rachael Beesley, spoke to The Sydney Morning Herald about the enduring power of Beethoven.
The Sydney Morning Herald has selected our ILLUMINATE concert program as one of the best cultural events taking place over summer.
“This wonderful concert was performed by the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra as part of the MDCH (Melbourne Digital Concert Hall) series … an enchanting, delightful concert”
“This concert, showcasing the early classical period, was a delight. It is often tempting to think that there is a fairly clean break between baroque and classical music, as if the classical was a reaction against the complexity of the baroque. This concert highlighted that in many cases the transition may have been more seamless and gradual.”
“The perfect place for rambles … Julia Russoniello Wollstonecraft local and violinist performs on historical instruments with the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra online.”
“HURLSTONE Park couple Karina Schmitz (viola) and Simon Martyn-Ellis (Theorbo), feature among a select group of chamber musicians performing in an online concert later this month.”
“Growing up in simpler times - Nicole van Bruggen of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra reminisces about the joys of childhood in West Pymble.”
“As always, ARCO offered an intelligent and warm performance, demonstrating the importance of historically informed musicianship and showcasing the impact of period instruments with gut strings.”
“This sextet concert was a wonderful representation of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra in terms of their repertoire and the quality of their performers. Even in a smaller grouping, the performers balance their obvious enjoyment of the music with their disciplined playing for an unparalleled performance.”
“Subtle, sincere and artfully simple: Romantic Orchestra shines
Under the insightful leadership of Rachael Beesley, the ensemble impressed with its subtle approach to matters of historical performance practice, and its elegant playing, bringing sincerity to the program’s artfully simple works.”
“Subtle, sincere and artfully simple: Romantic Orchestra shines
Under the insightful leadership of Rachael Beesley, the ensemble impressed with its subtle approach to matters of historical performance practice, and its elegant playing, bringing sincerity to the program’s artfully simple works.”
“The string players sang with warmth and clean joy to us via a well-planned programme well-supported online concert, exquisitely executed, maintaining warmth at a distance.”
As Australian artists, “we will forge ahead, despite the critical circumstances surrounding us”
“Australia’s musical landscape will never be the same since Richard Gill passed away … The musicians of our orchestra and our youth orchestra, the Young Mannheim Symphonists, share Richard’s energy and passion for music, and we are proud and humbled that he entrusted us with carrying on his incredible legacy.”
“Musical powerhouse Nicole van Bruggen is principal clarinettist, co-artistic director, general manager and board member of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra.”
“…[the concert] included clear and exciting direction of the assembled HIP performance experts from around the globe by Director Rachael Beesley. From the violin she harnesses an exciting interaction between period wind and strings and marries subtlety with strength in the communication.”
★★★★
“With this interesting program, excitingly performed, Beesley, Van Bruggen and their musicians have launched their 2020 season by once again demonstrating that the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra is a force to be reckoned with.”
Nothing less than the best
★★★★½
“The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra continue to spoil Australian audiences with yet another first-class performance of Classical music. … All in all, this was an inspirational performance that was faultless and energetic and demonstrated a balance between reason and passion, between intellect and spirit.”
“Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra not only provide an insight into the original sounds of famous compositions and composers from the Romantic period with their period instruments, but they also continue to introduce new listeners to forgotten people and pieces that contributed to the lasting impression of these classic styles. The inclusion of the Eberl piece was of particular delight, especially to be played by the immensely talented ARCO.”
…a finely nuanced performance, with a glowing tone and a warm and intense rapport between the orchestra and Lehmann.