The Young Mannheim Symphonists 2024 National Academy will be co-directed by Rachael Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen and is a residential course where successful applicants will board for five nights, and spent their days and evenings participating in workshops, tutorials and orchestral rehearsals. The National Academy culminates in a public concert in which the Young Mannheim Symphonists perform the repertoire they prepare throughout the week.

In 2024, the orchestra will once again be conducted by Rachael Beesley, and will explore masterpieces by Classical and Romantic composers. The Young Mannheim Symphonists 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.

2024 APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED.

Course Details

WHEN

Monday 8 – Saturday 13 July 2024 inclusive

WHERE

Melbourne Grammar School, 1 Domain Rd, Melbourne VIC (final concert at Felton Hall, 67 Balaclava Rd)

REPERTOIRE

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Overture to The Creatures of Prometheus, Op.43
FRANZ SCHUBERT Symphony No.9, D.944 ‘The Great’
Plus Chamber Music

WHO

The 2024 National Academy is open to young musicians from all over Australia 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, natural trumpets and period trombones.

  • 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: $850 ($825 with Early Bird discount - see below)

Bursaries for Participation, Travel & Accommodation and Siblings are available upon application for students requiring financial assistance. Please click here for details.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Find your audition repertoire

  • Take your excerpts to your instrumental teacher as part of your preparation and record your audition video

  • Fill in the application form – NOW CLOSED

  • Upload your video via link here – NOW CLOSED

APPLICATION DEADLINES:

  • Midnight Sunday 17 December – Early Bird deadline (see Cost for details)

  • Midnight Sunday 18 February – General deadline

  • Waitlist applications accepted after deadlines

ACCEPTANCE ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  • Friday 1 March

Please contact our Operations & Communications Manager Rosemary Ponnekanti at operations@arco.org.au if you have any questions or wish to enquire about a late submission.

Young Mannheim Symphonists
2024 National Academy

Monday 8 – Saturday 13 July 2024
Melbourne
Rachael Beesley | conductor

Here’s what Young Mannheim Symphonists 2023 National Academy participants are saying

“I really loved the chance to rehearse such amazing music with lovely people and learn from fantastic tutors”

“I love the support YMS provides outside the programs. I don't think I am where I am with playing without ARCO's support.”

“You guys are the best educators I know and this repertoire is my favourite to play. Your courses are such an amazing way for us to delve into a world we usually can't. I wanted to do the National Academy so I could dive deeper into HIP studies, and my expectations were not met - they were surpassed in every way! I leave with my head brimming with ideas, concepts and techniques because of you all.
Thank you!”

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