The Young Mannheim Symphonists program is designed to give school students and emerging musicians the opportunity to discover for themselves the magic of approaching music with appropriate performance style. As they are led through great musical masterpieces, and exposed to the knowledge and perception of experienced professional musicians, they are inspired by how the music comes to life, and empowered to begin making informed musical decisions on their own.
Feedback from students who attend Young Mannheim Symphonists is testament to the relevance of our approach to music for young musicians. Students marvel at the way that historical and stylistic knowledge can be applied to their performances. They discover how instruments have changed, and where to look for historical sources of inspiration.
Watch our YMS concert and introduction videos to learn more about the program.
To learn about our YMS Emerging Artists program, click here.
Young Mannheim Symphonists Co-Directors Rachael Beesley & Nicole van Bruggen
Photo credit: Robert Catto
OCT 2024
Young Mannheim Symphonists | 2024 NSW State Academy
The 2024 NSW State Academy was co-directed by Rachael Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen, and held at Conservatorium High School, Sydney. Successful applicants explored masterpieces by Mozart, André and Beethoven during four days of workshops, tutorials and orchestral rehearsals in Sydney.
The 2024 NSW State Academy culminated in a public concert in Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, in which the Young Mannheim Symphonists performed the repertoire they prepared throughout the week.
Concert recording coming soon on our YouTube!
What participants said about YMS 2024 NSW State Academy:
“I always enjoy the welcome, warm, humourous experience at YMS, the lovely and knowledgeable tutors and collective aim towards creating beautiful sounds.”
“I was able to focus on being stretched musically and implementing new ideas and techniques.”
“Fantastic emphasis on communication rather than a focus on the conductor.”
“The community feel of the camp was unlike any camp my daughter has done before. It really warmed her heart to know this existed.” - YMS parent
Click photos to scroll! Photos: Robert Catto
JULY 2024
Young Mannheim Symphonists | 2024 National Academy
The Young Mannheim Symphonists 2024 National Academy was co-directed by Rachael Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen. It was a residential course at Melbourne Grammar School where successful applicants boarded for five nights, spending their days and evenings in workshops, tutorials and orchestral rehearsals exploring masterpieces by Beethoven and Schubert, as well as chamber music.
The National Academy culminated in a public concert in which the Young Mannheim Symphonists performed the repertoire they prepared throughout the week.
The concert was live-streamed by the Australian Digital Concert Hall, and is still available on-demand. Watch here.
What participants said about YMS 2024 National Academy:
“I’ve had the time of my life this week. I feel very, very lucky I got to be here. So many thank-yous for organising and delivering such a wonderful and valuable experience!”
“YMS is different from any other youth orchestra program. No other camp has the same historical perspective. It is incredible to be able to learn about these things in an environment where I can immediately apply them.”
“I keep coming to these programs because I love the way Rachael works - she’s easily one of the most creative conductors I’ve ever met, but also a joy to make music with.”
“I love how the research and style are always linked back to freshness, freedom of expression and meaningfulness as an ensemble.”
Click photos to scroll! Photos: Ken Nakanishi | Hikari Photography
APRIL 2024
Young Mannheim Symphonists | 2024 QLD State Academy
At the 2024 QLD State Academy in Brisbane, the orchestra was conducted by Rachael Beesley and co-directed by Rachael Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen. Successful applicants successful applicants from Cairns, Toowoomba, the Sunshine and Gold Coasts, Adelaide, Hobart and greater Brisbane explored masterpieces by Mozart, André and Beethoven during four days of workshops, tutorials and orchestral rehearsals at St Peters Lutheran College, Indooroopilly. The 2024 QLD State Academy culminated in a public concert in which the Young Mannheim Symphonists performed repertoire they prepared throughout the week.
“I wanted to learn more about HIP and I absolutely loved it. This program has been so amazing, better than any I've done. Definitely a unique experience.” - YMS 2024 QLD participant
“Every day my son came home and remarked that he learned A LOT! The concert on Saturday was the highlight of his musical journey thus far and he was buzzing with energy and enthusiasm for days! He was thrilled that he could perform with such talented young musicians and it was exciting and humbling for us to see him be part of a group performing at such high level.” - YMS 2024 QLD parent
“Rachael is the best! I can't imagine a better person to both lead clearly and inspire musically than her.” - YMS 2024 QLD tutor
“It was fantastic!” - YMS 2024 QLD participant
Click photos to scroll! Photo credit: Peter Wallis | Wallis Media
September/October 2023
Young Mannheim Symphonists 2023 VIC Intensive
Photo credit: Hikari Photography
Young Mannheim Symphonists 2023 NSW Intensive
Photo credit: Robert Catto
Young Mannheim Symphonists | 2023 VIC Intensive
Young Mannheim Symphonists | 2023 NSW Intensive
The Young Mannheim Symphonists State Intensives were presented in September and October 2023 in Melbourne and Sydney. At these State Intensives, directed by Rachael Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen, successful applicants explored masterpieces by Beethoven, Mozart, CPE Bach, Elgar and lesser-known composers Stamitz, Richter, Reicha and Dauverne. After four days of workshops, tutorials and orchestral rehearsals, both State Intensives culminated in a final concert showcasing the repertoire rehearsed.
“I came to YMS because 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, have been introduced to so many new ideas and approaches, it was an amazing week!”
“I applied because last time I came it was really interesting and enjoyable and I found it to be just as good this time. I really enjoy the historical focus and playing in a historical style, as well as playing on period instruments in a period style, which isn't something that I really get a chance to do elsewhere. It's also great to have such knowledgeable tutors.” — YMS 2023 VIC Intensive participants
"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!!"
"I learnt a lot about myself being a musician and how professionals in the industry approach this music."
"YMS gave me a new way of viewing and interpreting music (HIP), and gave me a much clearer understanding of the composer's intentions. I felt more connected to the music and to my fellow players.” — YMS 2023 NSW Intensive participants
“Well done today, I thought it was wonderful and was very exciting to see those young musicians playing so well and being so engaged :) " — YMS 2023 VIC Intensive Audience Member
“Wow!! Congratulations on such a great concert on Saturday! The performance was so vibrant and full of energy. The participants were fully engaged and the music was thrilling. The joy, commitment and skill of everyone came across in the music and the experience for the audience. I was not expecting such a high standard from a mainly student performance! You should all be tremendously proud of this excellent education program.” — YMS 2023 NSW Intensive Audience Member
April 2023
Young Mannheim Symphonists | 2023 National Academy
The Young Mannheim Symphonists 2023 National Academy was co-directed by Rachael Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen and conducted by Rachael Beesley. A residential course from Tuesday 11 – Sunday 16 April at St Peters Lutheran College in Brisbane, it offered successful applicants from ACT, NSW, QLD, SA and VIC the chance to spend five days and evenings participating in workshops, tutorials and orchestral rehearsals. The National Academy culminated in a public concert in which the Young Mannheim Symphonists performed the repertoire they had prepared throughout the week: masterpieces by Mendelssohn, Beethoven and Bizet!
“The program has really helped me develop my ensemble skills, and helped me gain the confidence to add ornamentation and expression to my playing.”
“I loved the variety of styles, ie. the very Romantic Fingal's Cave, the more classical Bizet symphony, etc. Each work required different interpretive skills, like how to explore the character of the cave in Scotland, while in the two symphonies creating our own story to work with.”
“I really loved the chance to rehearse such amazing music with lovely people and learn from fantastic tutors.”
“One of the best experiences of my life!”
— YMS 2023 National Academy participants
Photo credit: Peter Wallis | Wallis Media
September/October 2022
Young Mannheim Symphonists | 2022 VIC Intensive
The Young Mannheim Symphonists 2022 VIC Intensive was presented in September/October 2022 in Melbourne, providing young musicians with the opportunity to be part of this unique program. At this 2022 VIC Intensive, directed by Rachael Beesley, emerging artists plunged into masterpieces by Emilie Mayer, Mozart and Beethoven. After four days of workshops, tutorials and orchestral rehearsals, the 2022 VIC Intensive culminated in a final concert showcasing the repertoire rehearsed.
Photo credit: Hikari Photography
“This was such a special opportunity to play these particular pieces with such passionate and mature musicians.”
“This YMS program was very different to other programs I've played in. Usually other programs are just always rehearsing, but YMS has various types of workshops which will be very crucial in my future life. The other big difference is that we're standing. As a violinist, I love standing because I have more gravity and balance to move with the music.”
“Being able to explore music beyond following the score to a T has really opened my eyes to how people can play music and express emotions through it.”
“This is the best and most entertaining program I've ever been in.”
— YMS 2022 VIC Intensive participants
The Young Mannheim Symphonists 2022 National Winter Academy was a residential course from Monday 4 - Saturday 9 July at The King’s School in Western Sydney for students aged 13-23. Successful applicants from ACT, QLD, VIC, WA and NSW had the opportunity to board for five nights, and spend their days and evenings participating in workshops, tutorials and orchestral rehearsals.
The 2022 National Winter Academy culminated in a public concert in which the Young Mannheim Symphonists perform the repertoire they had prepared throughout the week. The orchestra was conducted by Guest Conductor Dr Mario Dobernig and plunged into masterpieces by Strauss II, Schubert and Beethoven.
Photo credit: Robert Catto
“Thanks for an incredible week at YMS, I never feel as inspired about where my future career might lead as I do after working in the HIP space. After a tricky couple of years, this program has really given me some incredible clarity.”
“It was one of the best weeks of my life - I’ve learned so much and am feeling so inspired.”
— YMS 2022 NWA participants
April 2022
Young Mannheim Symphonists | QLD Intensive
Young Mannheim Symphonists | NSW Intensive
The Young Mannheim Symphonists State Intensives were presented in April 2022 in Sydney and Brisbane, providing young musicians with the opportunity to be part of this unique program. At these State Intensives, directed by Rachael Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen, successful applicants plunged into masterpieces by Emilie Mayer, Mozart and Beethoven. After four days of workshops, tutorials and orchestral rehearsals, both State Intensives culminated in a final concert showcasing the repertoire rehearsed.
“The information on historical style and interpretation is what makes [YMS] unique and it was very inspiring to learn about this creative and more interactive style of playing.”
“There's just no other program for youth that gives this kind of period instrument and HIP training. It's why I keep on coming back!”
“…everyone is so professional and I gained so much knowledge, not just from workshops but from playing well with people around me.”
— YMS 2022 QLD & NSW Intensive participants
Young Mannheim Symphonists 2022 QLD Intensive
Photo credit: Wallis Media
Young Mannheim Symphonists 2022 NSW Intensive
Photo credit: Robert Catto
September 2021
Young Mannheim Symphonists | 2021 National ONLINE Spring Academy
We had an invigorating time exploring historically informed performance and performance psychology with our 2021 Young Mannheim Symphonists at the National ONLINE Spring Academy. We recreated our exciting and immersive online course for dozens of participants aged 12-22 who logged in from NSW, VIC & QLD over two days in September.
April 2021
Young Mannheim Symphonists 2021 QLD Intensive
Brisbane
We were particularly excited to present the Young Mannheim Symphonists for the first time in Queensland in 2021 having had a number of Queensland musicians travel down to Sydney and Melbourne to be part of the youth orchestra since 2017.
The Young Mannheim Symphonists were mentored and tutored by principal musicians of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra in preparing works by Beethoven, Mozart and Haydn. The QLD Intensive culminated in a concert in which the Young Mannheim Symphonists performed the repertoire they had prepared throughout the week. The concert, performed in front of a live audience in the auditorium of St Peters Lutheran College was directed by Rachael Beesley and included works by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.
april 2021
Young Mannheim Symphonists Masterclass
Blackheath Chamber Music Festival
As a special addition to the inaugural Blackheath Chamber Music Festival, we hosted a masterclass – open to the public – featuring some of our Young Mannheim Symphonists.
Five talented emerging musicians were taken through their paces by our co-artistic directors Nicole van Bruggen and Rachael Beesley together with violist Simon Oswell, exploring chamber works by Mozart and Crusell from an historically informed performance (HIP) perspective.
The audience was given a unique perspective on how music is made, and our music students received valuable instruction on HIP. Nicole received a lovely email from Miriam Cooney, our brilliant young oboist, showing just how valuable this session was.
Photo credit: Cazeil Creative
I would like to thank you so much for the masterclass in Blackheath. I enjoyed myself so much, and the opportunity to play such amazing repertoire and receive your expertise and advice was truly special. Then, having the privilege to see you perform as well was so inspiring. Overall, that weekend was very special for me and I think it was just what I needed to keep me motivated and loving music. Thank you!
