Photo credit: Robert Catto, Sydney
OUR MISSION
To inspire, enlighten and connect the community through historically informed performance (HIP) and music education.
OUR VISION
A world where the transformative power of classical music uplifts and inspires all people's lives.
OUR GOALS
Performance
✦ To present inspiring concerts using HIP to connect emotions and lives for audiences across Australia and internationally.
✦ To maintain excellence in artistic quality, employ Australia's leading HIP specialist musicians and highlight international HIP research by Australian researchers.
Education
✦ To inspire and enlighten the next generation of Australian musicians and audiences by increasing participation in and passion for the arts through music education.
✦ To support educators and community musicians with curriculum-based programs and development opportunities.
Community
✦ To harness the power of classical music to connect people and increase social, emotional, and mental health in all Australians.
✦ To develop meaningful cultural and business partnerships within our communities, collaborating to increase the quality of life for Australians.
Equity, Diversity, Access
✦ To increase access to the joy, emotion, and creative curiosity of HIP music.
✦ To promote female-identifying composers and musicians in classical music.
Young Mannheim Symphonists, photo credit: Robert Catto
2023 IMPACTS & HIGHLIGHTS
National Concert Tours
Brisbane | Caloundra | Canberra | Castle Hill | Kenthurst | Melbourne | Newcastle | Orange | Penrith | Sydney
✦ 5,054 listeners inspired and connected in 21 live concerts across 4 states
✦ 3 digital broadcasts to listeners throughout the world
✦ Employed 127 musicians and 11 arts-workers
Photo credit: Wallis Media, Brisbane
VIENNESE VOGUE
MOZART CLARINET QUINTET, SCHUBERT & HUMMEL
[5 stars] “This concert showcased the unique opportunities the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra offers to Australian audiences in respect of historically informed performance … in particular, this concert was an exploration, if not a veritable tour de force, of the versatility of the clarinet.”
State of the Art
Photo credit: Hikari Photography, Melbourne
NEW PERSPECTIVES
BEETHOVEN SEPTET & LOUISE FARRENC NONET
“Given the quality of the musicians, it seems superfluous to mention that the work was superbly played, with fastidious attention to detail, and each of the nine instruments given opportunity to shine.”
Australian Arts
Photo credit: Robert Catto, Sydney
MIDSUMMER DREAMS
MENDELSSOHN SCOTTISH & BEETHOVEN EIGHT
“For this concert, the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra boasted musicians from all Australian states and territories together with several Australian expats from all over Europe and the USA, and what a fine band it was … with sustained applause for the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra. Its founder, the late Richard Gill, would have been proud.”
Limelight Magazine
YOUNG MANNHEIM SYMPHONISTS
✦ 103 participants from 6 Australian states and territories guided through musical masterpieces by expert faculty with over 9,500 hours of face-to-face engagement, connected to professionals and friends, inspired by bringing music to life through HIP, and empowered to make creative decisions.
✦ 15 bursaries increasing accessibility for regional students and those in need
Photo credit: Wallis Media
NATIONAL ACADEMY
Brisbane
"You guys are the freakin' 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 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!"
Photo credit: Hikari Photography
VIC INTENSIVE
Melbourne
“I wanted to learn more about what HIP is and just try something new and different to other music programs. I definitely got to do this, and have been introduced to so many new ideas and approaches, it was an amazing week!”
Photo credit: Robert Catto
NSW INTENSIVE
Sydney
“There was lots of information, recordings and demonstrations, and it was done in a way that made me truly understand why musicians specialise in HIP and the passion and excitement behind it.”
“As always, I really appreciate all the time and effort all of you put into this program. It is so unique in Australia and has been such an important part of my playing and career. Thank you all so much!!”
Voyage of musical discovery & OUTREACH EDUCATION
✦ 223 youth, community musicians and educators led through the latest HIP research and techniques to deepen musical passion and confidence, creating a ripple effect to connect communities and build audiences for the arts.
✦ 7 Voyage of Musical Discovery education programs featuring 9 Australian works by female composers
✦ Engaged and collaborated with 30 schools and music education institutions
Composer Alice Chance, June 2023
Composer Nardi Simpson, August 2023
Composer Brenda Gifford, August 2023
Composer Nicole Murphy, August 2023
Composer Fiona Loader, August 2023
Composer Cecile Elton, June 2023
Composer Sally Whitwell, March 2023
Northern Sydney Youth Orchestra Weekend Workshop
Australian String Association Queensland (AUSTA Q) Professional Workshop
Masterclasses & Workshops at Melbourne & Sydney conservatoriums of music
HEAVENLY MOZART CD RELEASE
✦ 11 rave reviews to date
“This is not just another Mozart CD … The collective playing is a revelation, exhibiting exemplary ensemble and ravishing sonorities, capturing the essence of Mozart’s intentions most convincingly. Performances such as these put Australia at the very forefront of the HIP movement.” –ClassikON
“This is the second album they have released…and it should open up plenty of ears to a refreshing take on familiar works … All in all, this album is a revelation.” – Daily Telegraph
