ROUND 2 AUDITIONS NOW OPEN THROUGH 16 JUNE!
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We are thrilled to present the Young Mannheim Symphonists youth orchestra program again in Sydney in 2024, providing young NSW musicians with the opportunity to be part of our unique youth orchestra program, co-directed by Rachael Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen.

At the 2024 NSW State Academy, the orchestra will be directed by Rachael Beesley, and successful applicants will explore masterpieces by Mozart, André and Beethoven during four days of workshops, tutorials and orchestral rehearsals in Sydney. The 2024 NSW State Academy culminates in a public concert in which the Young Mannheim Symphonists perform the repertoire they have prepared throughout the week.

The Young Mannheim Symphonists directors and 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.

ROUND 2 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR SELECT INSTRUMENTS!

Apply by Sunday 16 June for oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, timpani, viola and bass ONLY.

Course details

WHEN

Tuesday 1 October 12.30-3.30pm
Wednesday 2 October 9.30am-3.30pm
Thursday 3 October 9.30am-3.30pm
Friday 4 October 9.30am-3.30pm
Saturday 5 October 1.30pm seating call rehearsal and 3.30pm concert

WHERE

Sydney Conservatorium High School
1 Conservatorium Rd, Sydney NSW 2000

REPERTOIRE

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Symphony No.39 in E flat major, K.543
JOHANN ANTON ANDRÉ Symphony in E flat major (2nd movement Adagio/Andantino moderato)
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Symphony No.2 in D major, Op.36

WHO

The 2024 NSW State Academy is open to young musicians 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 and natural trumpets.

  • 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: $440

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

HOW TO APPLY - NOW OPEN for ROUND 2 instruments

Key Dates:

  • Sunday 18 February – Closing date for NSW State Academy applications and audition videos

  • Waitlist applications accepted after deadlines

  • Friday 1 March – Outcome announcement

  • Sunday 16 June – Round 2 deadline. Open for oboe, clarinet, bassoon, trumpet, timpani, viola and bass ONLY

  • Monday 1 July - Round 2 acceptances announced

Please contact our Operations & Communications Manager Rosemary Ponnekanti at operations@arco.org.au if you have any questions or are having trouble uploading your audition video.

Young Mannheim Symphonists 2024 NSW State Academy
co-directed by Rachael Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen

Tuesday 1 – Saturday 5 October

“There's just no other program for youth that gives this kind of period instrument and HIP training. It's why I keep on coming back!”

“…everyone is so professional and I gained so much knowledge, not just from workshops but from playing well with people around me.”

— 2023 Young Mannheim Symphonists NSW participants

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