The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra has some big news: After 14 years co-founding and guiding the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, Nicole van Bruggen will step down as General Manager at the end of 2026, while continuing her longstanding role as ARCO’s Co-Artistic Director.
Still deeply committed to ARCO’s central pillars of performance, education and connection through historically informed performance, Nicole 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.
While ARCO’s Board begins the search for a new General Manager, Nicole will remain in the role throughout 2026 to oversee a smooth transition and ensure the organisation is well positioned for its next chapter.
It is a significant decision for Nicole, who has managed the business side of classical music organisations for decades in both Australia and the Netherlands, in parallel with her performing career.
The change will allow her more time with family, greater scope for her own performance projects and opportunities to continue developing professionally, while remaining closely connected with ARCO and its goals of inspiring, educating and illuminating.
“After 14 years of building ARCO as an orchestra and not-for-profit organisation, I feel this is the right moment to hand over the business reins,” says Nicole. “The past few years have been an extraordinary period for arts organisations, with significant shifts in the funding and artistic landscape. I felt very strongly that I wanted to see ARCO through that period and leave the organisation in a position of strength.
“Together with our administration team, Board and musicians, we have worked incredibly hard to establish and grow ARCO. It is now thriving in new and exciting ways, with some wonderful projects planned for 2027 and beyond. That makes this feel like exactly the right time to welcome a new General Manager who can bring their own skills, ideas and energy to ARCO’s next chapter”
For ARCO, the appointment represents an important next stage in the organisation’s development. The artistic leadership of Nicole and Rachael will continue, while a new General Manager will bring their own expertise and perspective to the organisation’s business leadership and future growth.
“We are looking for someone with strong organisational leadership skills, including finance, development and strategy,” explains Board President Frances Carlile. “We’re also looking for that special combination of business acumen and artistic understanding. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who believes in what ARCO does and is excited by the prospect of helping a distinctive Australian arts organisation grow, develop and reach more people.”
Applications for the position of General Manager of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra are open until 31 October.
Full details and application information are available here.
Nicole van Bruggen presenting at REMA World Congress in 2025.
ARCO Co-Artistic Directors Rachael Beesley, left, and Nicole van Bruggen.