The Young Mannheim Symphonists is Australia’s only national Historically Informed Performance (HIP) youth orchestra. Presented by the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, this unique and inspiring program gives secondary and tertiary students, along with emerging musicians, the chance to experience the transformative power of HIP.

Across an intensive week, participants work closely with ARCO’s renowned faculty, exploring musical masterpieces of the Classical and Romantic periods. They develop specialist skills in HIP, style, and research – discovering how these approaches unlock new dimensions of sound, emotion and creativity.

Young musicians emerge not only inspired by the vitality of the music, but also empowered with the knowledge and confidence to make their own informed musical choices.

Participants aged up to 23 from all Australian states and territories are invited to audition for the National Academy and/or a State Academy of their choice. Musicians from New Zealand are also eligible to apply for the National Academy.

All participants may apply for – and, if accepted, attend – one or more Academies. Bursaries are available for those with demonstrated financial need – apply for a bursary here.

2026 APPLICATION DEADLINES:

  • Monday 25 August 2025 – Applications open

  • Sunday 26 October 2025 – Applications close at midnight

  • Waitlist or special consideration applications accepted after deadlines – contact operations@arco.org.au

ACCEPTANCE ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  • Monday 10 November 2025 – All Academies

Apply Now
Find & UPload Audition Excerpts here

“The collective knowledge and passion of so many world-class tutors… came to bear in a polished and mature culminating performance, which showed genuine commitment and communication from the players.

My students loved the repertoire and the new perspectives they gained through their freshly acquired knowledge. They enjoyed gaining an insight into the world of professional playing, and using their whole body as an instrument to connect with the music and the ensemble.”

– Daniel Holloway, President AUSTA Q, Instrumental Music Teacher (Strings) – Education Queensland, Musical Director/Conductor – South Side Youth Orchestra

“I can not recommend the Young Mannheim Symphonists program more highly for those young musicians who are looking for the "what next?" in their musical journeys. Working with some of the world's best performers and educators in Historically Informed Performance on some of the greatest repertoire ever written is an opportunity no serious musician should miss out on!”

– James Pensini, Head of Orchestral Training & Artistic Programming, Sydney Youth Orchestras

"An impressive display of joy and freedom, musical expansion and individual commitment from the next generation of HIP musicians." 

– Neal Peres Da Costa, Associate Dean of Research and Professor of Historical Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney.

Explore past YMS programs

REPERTOIRE

See each Academy page for details!

FACULTY

Rachael Beesley, Co-Director, Conductor, Strings (National Academy)
Neal Peres Da Costa (State Academies)
Nicole van Bruggen, Co-Director, Woodwind
See each Academy page for more faculty.

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Click here for downloadable posters and graphics

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

  • Brilliant learning outcomes & faculty expertise

  • Excellent playing level (but more competitive)

  • Repertoire: Symphonic PLUS chamber music

  • Open to all Australian and New Zealand residents (must arrange own travel to Adelaide)

  • Cost: $880

STATE ACADEMIES:

  • Daytime only

  • 5 days, 2 sessions per day

  • Brilliant learning outcomes & faculty expertise

  • Excellent playing level

  • Repertoire: Symphonic

  • Open to all Australian residents (must arrange own travel and source own accommodation)

  • Cost: $460

Watch this introductory video to find out more about the Young Mannheim Symphonists program.

Young Mannheim Symphonists 2024 National Academy