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"To me [Historically Informed Performance] sounds like a flowing wave...it's like wearing silk...There is a openness of creativity and musicality, beyond the precision of following the notes. In large ensemble productions as in this performance, this is no mean feat as it requires complete synchronicity in the same ensemble section. And it was exquisitely achieved at City Recital Hall by the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra."
Rebecca Vardiel, Sydney Scoop
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Photo by Robert Catto
"The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra plays to a very high standard. Its musicians are hand picked as are the grapes selected by Penfolds for Grange."
"Jacqueline Porter’s singing was sublime and she had obviously studied the fervent and subliminal nature of the poetry closely."
Tony Burke, classikON
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Photo by Robert Catto
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"A radiant return to the stage."
"[Rachael] Beesley, always energetic and exuding enjoyment as a leader, ducked and weaved, teasing out the best from her colleagues."
"[Jacqueline] Porter, with her faultless diction and lively facial expressions, gave a beautifully nuanced performance, bringing out the swatch of colours Britten uses with such subtlety, and effortlessly negotiating the vocal acrobatics..."
Steve Moffat, Limelight
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Photo by Robert Catto
“Overall, the choices of Illuminate from the programming to the performance to the staging and design showed an interest in crafting a context and story around the music in an accessible and engaging way. In particular, this concert drew compelling connections across composers but imagining a Europe on the verge of war, in breathless recovery, and then in the throws again as a conversation about hope, beauty, and humanity.”
Night Writes
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Photo by Robert Catto
“This orchestra’s typical excellence of interpretation, crystal clear articulation and superb string orchestra blend was in evidence during this vibrant comeback. It saw the orchestra’s dynamic voice speak in Historically Informed Performance accent whilst discussing later works than we are usually treated to in their concerts. The chance for Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra musicians to accompany a vocalist was also a rewarding change.”
"[Illuminate continues] the young but firm tradition of excellent programmes from this compelling musical group which never disappoint."
Paul Nolan, Sydney Arts Guide
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Photo by Robert Catto
Our co-artistic director, Rachael Beesley, spoke to The Sydney Morning Herald about the enduring power of Beethoven.
“The magical energy conjured up on stage when performing a Beethoven symphony creates the feeling that the music is being composed right in the moment, as we are playing it,” Rachael Beesley says.
“This sensation is especially heightened when leading and directing an orchestra from the violin through this fervent cycle of works. Beethoven masterfully whirls you through the vivid mood changes and shifts of tempi which underline the intensely emotional nature of his works.”
Originally published in The Sydney Morning Herald .
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The Sydney Morning Herald has selected our ILLUMINATE concert program as one of the best cultural events taking place over summer.
“After a year in the dark, Sydney's smaller, independent ensembles are also turning the lights back on. The Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra – ARCO to its friends – had to cancel all of its 2020 concerts but in 2021 it is back with its unique brand of historically-informed music-making. Their first program veers heavily towards the romantic, featuring Tchaikovsky's melting Souvenir to Florence and Max Bruch's evocative Serenade to Strings after Swedish Folk Melodies, while soprano Jacqueline Porter is soloist in Illuminations, Benjamin Britten's radiant settings of French poet Arthur Rimbaud's words.”
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“This wonderful concert was performed by the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra as part of the MDCH (Melbourne Digital Concert Hall) series … an enchanting, delightful concert”
Lynne Lancaster, Sydney Arts Guide
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“This concert, showcasing the early classical period, was a delight. It is often tempting to think that there is a fairly clean break between baroque and classical music, as if the classical was a reaction against the complexity of the baroque. This concert highlighted that in many cases the transition may have been more seamless and gradual.”
“The perfect place for rambles … Julia Russoniello Wollstonecraft local and violinist performs on historical instruments with the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra online.”
“HURLSTONE Park couple Karina Schmitz (viola) and Simon Martyn-Ellis (Theorbo), feature among a select group of chamber musicians performing in an online concert later this month.”
“Growing up in simpler times - Nicole van Bruggen of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra reminisces about the joys of childhood in West Pymble.”
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“As always, ARCO offered an intelligent and warm performance, demonstrating the importance of historically informed musicianship and showcasing the impact of period instruments with gut strings.”
“This sextet concert was a wonderful representation of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra in terms of their repertoire and the quality of their performers. Even in a smaller grouping, the performers balance their obvious enjoyment of the music with their disciplined playing for an unparalleled performance.”
“Subtle, sincere and artfully simple: Romantic Orchestra shines
Under the insightful leadership of Rachael Beesley, the ensemble impressed with its subtle approach to matters of historical performance practice, and its elegant playing, bringing sincerity to the program’s artfully simple works.”
“Subtle, sincere and artfully simple: Romantic Orchestra shines
Under the insightful leadership of Rachael Beesley, the ensemble impressed with its subtle approach to matters of historical performance practice, and its elegant playing, bringing sincerity to the program’s artfully simple works.”
“The string players sang with warmth and clean joy to us via a well-planned programme well-supported online concert, exquisitely executed, maintaining warmth at a distance.”
As Australian artists, “we will forge ahead, despite the critical circumstances surrounding us”
“Australia’s musical landscape will never be the same since Richard Gill passed away … The musicians of our orchestra and our youth orchestra, the Young Mannheim Symphonists, share Richard’s energy and passion for music, and we are proud and humbled that he entrusted us with carrying on his incredible legacy.”
“Musical powerhouse Nicole van Bruggen is principal clarinettist, co-artistic director, general manager and board member of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra.”
