Emerging Artists Program
The ACO 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 2010.
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 have now closed for 2010. In 2011, talented young string players with extensive performance experience, aged between 18 and 26, should send an unedited CD recording of their playing, containing two contrasting works or movements with piano accompaniment, with a current CV and the completed application form. Shortlisted candidates are invited to play in small chamber music sessions with members of ACO whilst they are on tour.
Please send all applications to Vicki Stanley, Australian Chamber Orchestra, PO Box R21, Royal Exchange, Sydney 1225. For enquiries, please contact Vicki Stanley on 02 8274 3876 or vicki.stanley@aco.com.au.
This program is made possible through support from the Australia Council for the Arts.
If you would like to contribute to programs such as the Emerging Artists, 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.
Formed in 2006, ACO2 gave its first concerts at Verbrugghen Hall at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. In October 2007, ACO2 embarked on its inaugral regional tour of coastal New South Wales and Queensland and in 2010 the orchestra will tour regional Western Australia and Northern New South Wales and Queensland.
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