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Help inspire and uplift Australians through classical music.
WHAT WE DO
Since 2013, the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra has connected, inspired and uplifted over 50,000 people with concerts, education and engagement activities through historically informed performance (HIP) on original instruments.
Midsummer Dreams, Melbourne, photo credit: Hikari Photography
WHY IT MATTERS
ARCO’s uniquely joyful, inspired music can help with some of the massive challenges confronting our world.
✦ Social disconnection, post-Covid and with the rise of social media. This particularly affects younger people and seniors.
✦ Intolerance and violence. From the political to the domestic, people everywhere are suffering and needing empathy.
✦ Mental health issues, from teen depression to dementia in the elderly.
✦ Wide-ranging societal problems like housing insecurity and the cost of living.
Young Mannheim Symphonists, Brisbane, photo credit: Wallis Media
ARCO IS UNIQUELY ABLE TO HELP
Classical music alone won’t solve these problems – but the joy, transcendent beauty and deep emotional connection that HIP music brings is crucial.
ARCO’s combination of fresh, historically informed performance, education and engagement is uniquely placed to help transform our community. As one of Australia’s leading historically-informed performance (HIP) ensembles, we are experts in this field. We offer Australia’s only national HIP youth orchestra program (the Young Mannheim Symphonists) and a suite of education and engagement programs inspiring everyone from children to seniors, from listeners to professionals.
Young Mannheim Symphonists, Sydney, photo credit: Robert Catto
HOW HIP MUSIC TRANSFORMS US
✦ It connects us as people with visions and dreams from the past to the present and future.
✦ It uplifts us, transcending the everyday and engaging our souls.
✦ It stimulates curiosity, collaboration and confidence in our youth.
✦ It creates mental and social stimulation for us all, including our elders.
✦ It inspires our emotions and allows us to feel without limitations.
“I love ARCO and support its vision of quality historically informed performance. I also love its supportive link to the Young Mannheim Symphonists - it’s an excellent investment in the next generation of historically informed performance musicians.” – 2023 audience member
“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, Sydney Youth Orchestra
“YMS always does a great job of packing in as much info as quickly and accessibly as possible. It feels like those underlying pillars make YMS quite unique in this landscape. The scope is quite ambitious, which is amazing and really gives a sense of pride in completion. It is so unique in Australia and has been such an important part of my playing and career. Thank you all so much!!” – 2023 YMS participant
Midsummer Dreams, Sydney, photo credit: Robert Catto
Midsummer Dreams, Sydney, photo credit: Robert Catto
OUR WORK
There are four facets to our work:
✦ Touring – Since 2013, we have given 138 concerts in 5 states across Australia, including regional and metropolitan areas
✦ Recording – We have released 2 CDs, with more coming in 2024, and broadcast 25 concerts on YouTube and the Australian Digital Concert Hall
✦ Educating – Each year, we reach hundreds of young Australians through our Voyage of Musical Discovery and Young Mannheim Symphonists education programs to teach, inspire and connect
✦ Engaging – Through community music workshops, free pre-concert talks and public presentations, we harness the power of classical music to uplift and enrich lives
Our work has recently been recognised by the European Early Music Association (REMA). ARCO is the only Australian organisation that has been invited to join this prestigious network.
Read our 2023 Impact Report to see our impact on the Australian music landscape last year.
HOW TO HELP US CHANGE LIVES
ARCO can not exist without private donations. We are grateful for the government funding and audience support we receive, but they are simply not enough to keep our concerts and education going. Your gift will help us reach our goals:
✦ PERFORMANCE – Present ground-breaking works and increase regional touring
✦ EDUCATION – Bring our acclaimed Voyage of Musical Discovery to regional schools and continue to grow our Young Mannheim Symphonists programs for young musicians across the country
✦ ENGAGEMENT – Offer free music conversation sessions to aged-care residents on every tour
✦ EQUITY – Commission new work by female composers and double education bursaries for youth in financial need
Want to know more?
Email us at info@arco.org.au | Download the Case for Support pdf
Rachael Beesley, photo credit: Nick Gilbert
Ashley Sutherland & Nicole van Bruggen, photo credit: Robert Catto
Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, Sydney 2021, photo credit: Robert Catto