2026 ACADEMY NOW OVER

Stay tuned for our concert video on YouTube!

The Young Mannheim Symphonists 2026 National Academy was held in Sydney, co-directed by Rachael Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen. This residential course offered successful applicants five nights’ boarding, with days and evenings dedicated to workshops, tutorials and orchestral rehearsals focused on Historically Informed Performance (HIP).

The National Academy concluded with a public concert showcasing the Young Mannheim Symphonists as they performed the repertoire developed during the week.

In 2026, the orchestra was conducted by Rachael Beesley, guiding participants through masterpieces of the Classical and Romantic eras. The Young Mannheim Symphonists were mentored by tutors who are principal musicians of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra – leading professionals in historically informed performance on period instruments. Their deep understanding of musical style, articulation, and ornamentation is informed by years of experience; performing, studying historical treatises and scores, experimenting with instruments and interpretation, and engaging in a vibrant exchange of ideas with colleagues and students. They are passionate about exploring our musical heritage within its historical context, and even more passionate about inspiring and enlightening the next generation of musicians.

Young Mannheim Symphonists is Australia’s only national youth orchestra for Historically Informed Performance (HIP).

YMS 2026 NATIONAL ACADEMY PHOTO ALBUM - coming soon!

YMS 2026 NATIONAL ACADEMY CONCERT VIDEO - coming soon!

Young Mannheim Symphonists
2026 National Academy

Monday 6 – Saturday 11 July 2026
St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill, Sydney
Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium

PROGRAM
Conducted by Rachael Beesley

CPE BACH (1714–1788)
March in D major ‘For The Ark’, Wq.188

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN (1770–1827)
‘Egmont’ Overture in F minor, Op.84 (1787)

Josef SUK (1874–1935)
Serenade in E flat major, Op.6 for String Orchestra, movts. 1 & 2 (1892)

Richard STRAUSS (1864–1949)
Serenade in E flat major, Op.7 (1881)

Felix MENDELSSOHN (1809–1847)
Symphony No.4 in A major Op. Posth.90, ‘Italian’ (1833)

FACULTY

Rachael Beesley, Conductor & Co-Director
Nicole van Bruggen, Clarinet & Co-Director
Ben Castle & Rafael Font Viera, Violin
Stephen King, Viola
Anton Baba, Cello
Rob Nairn, Double Bass
Jessica Lee, Flute
Vinciane Baudhuin, Oboe
Jackie Newcomb, Bassoon
Emma Gregan, Horn
Louisa Trewartha, Trumpet
Brian Nixon, Timpani

with guest presenters:
Emma Williams & Elizabeth Scott