The Young Mannheim Symphonists 2025 National Academy will come for the first time to Adelaide, co-directed by Rachael Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen. It is a residential course where successful applicants will board for five nights, spending their days and evenings in workshops, tutorials and orchestral rehearsals in Historically Informed Performance (HIP).

The National Academy culminates in a public concert in which the Young Mannheim Symphonists perform the repertoire they prepare throughout the week.

In 2025, the orchestra will once again be conducted by Rachael Beesley, and explore masterpieces by Classical and Romantic composers. The Young Mannheim Symphonists tutors are principal musicians of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra – professional musicians who specialise in historically informed performance on period instruments. Their knowledge of musical styles, articulations, and embellishments comes from years of experience performing; reading treatises and studying scores; experimenting with instruments and interpretations; and sharing with their peers and their students. They are passionate about understanding our musical heritage in the context in which it was created, and they are even more passionate about inspiring and enlightening others.

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

Participants aged 15-23 from all states and territories and New Zealand may apply. Cost: $860.

To apply, first complete the application form above.
Then find your audition excerpts below, take them to your teacher, make your video and upload.

2025 APPLICATION DEADLINES:

• Sunday 15 September - Applications open, audition excerpts available

• Sunday 27 October – Deadline: applications close at midnight

• Waitlist applications accepted after deadlines - contact operations@arco.org.au

ACCEPTANCE ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Monday 25 November – All Academies

Photos: Ken Nakanishi/Hikari Photography

Young Mannheim Symphonists
2025 National Academy

Monday 29 Sept – Saturday 4 Oct 2025
Adelaide

PROGRAM tba
Conducted by Rachael Beesley

FACULTY

Rachael Beesley, Conductor & Co-Director
Nicole van Bruggen, Clarinet & Co-Director
Announcing more faculty soon!

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.”

“Easily one of the best orchestral experiences I’ve ever had.”

YMS COMPARISON CHART

You can apply and come to both National and State Academies!
But if you have to choose, here’s a comparison.