Qantas Emerging Artists Program
The Qantas Emerging Artists Program connects the next generation of talented young Australian string players with members of the Australian Chamber Orchestra. As a small, permanent ensemble, the ACO is in the unique position to offer young artists the opportunity to rehearse and perform with its renowned players in an ongoing mentoring situation.
Each Emerging Artist is attached to a mentor, a core player from the Australian Chamber Orchestra, for an entire concert season. The program is individually tailored to suit the particular strengths and needs of each musician, and includes elements such as: private lessons with their mentor; audition preparation; observation of ACO rehearsals; participation in intensive weeks of chamber music and chamber orchestra performances with members of the ACO, including two regional tours in 2011 and performances at the renowned Vasse Felix Festival in Margaret River, WA.
Selected Emerging Artists go on tour nationally and internationally with the ACO, and it is a testament to the program's success that former Emerging Artist Madeleine Boud has been appointed a member of the ACO.
Applications for this program for 2011 closed on 1 June and will reopen in 2011. Talented young string players with extensive performance experience, aged between 18 and 27, should send the following:
- An unedited CD (no DVDs) recording of your playing, containing two contrasting works or movements, at least one of which should with piano accompaniment. You may also include a chamber work but this must be in addition, not instead of, the two contrasting works.
- A current CV.
- The completed application form.
Shortlisted candidates are invited to play in small chamber music sessions with members of ACO whilst they are on tour. Emerging Artists are then selected.
For all enquiries, please contact Vicki Stanley on 02 8274 3876 or vicki.stanley@aco.com.au
This program is made possible through the generous support of Qantas and the Australia Council for the Arts. If you would like to contribute to these programs, learn more here.
ACO2
Led by the ACO's Principal 2nd Violin Helena Rathbone, ACO2 comprises core players for the Australian Chamber Orchestra and talented young string players from the ACO Emerging Artists Program.
ACO2 commenced touring in 2007 and by 2010 will have visited over 40 regional centres in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Guest stars have included Tim Freedman from The Whitlams, oud player Joseph Tawadros and Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto. ACO2 performed in the Classical Destinations II television series screened worldwide and now released on CD and DVD by Sony.
Whilst on the regional tours, the musicians also present Combined Schools Workshops for school aged students. Through its Regional Touring and Education Programs, ACO2 is able to extend the reach of classical music to those in remote areas, as well as providing invaluable performance experience to its exceptional young artists. Learn more