About
The Australian Chamber Orchestra's Emerging Artist Program connects young, talented musicians at the outset of their professional careers, with the ACO, for a program of intensive learning, one-to-one mentorship, and side-by-side professional performance opportunities.
This formative program has not only seen Emerging Artist alumni go on to become regular performers with ACO on the mainstage, but also numerous permanent appointments to the ACO, as well as every professional orchestra in Australia and further abroad.
ACO Collective is the ACO’s critically acclaimed string ensemble which brings current Emerging Artists together with musicians of the ACO to create a high-energy string orchestra. Under the expert artistic direction of ACO Principal Violin Helena Rathbone, ACO Collective provides Emerging Artists with in-depth professional rehearsal, performance, touring, and community engagement experiences. Integral to ACO Collective is a focus on championing new Australian music and connecting with regional audiences, with the ensemble performing in more than 85 regional centres in every Australian state and territory since its inception in 2007.
Emerging Artist Program Applications
Find out more and apply for the 2026 Emerging Artist Program.
Meet the Emerging Artists
Support the Emerging Artist Program
You can directly support the next generation of talented string players in the Emerging Artist Program by making a tax-deductible donation.
Thank you to the generous supporters of this program.
Patrons
The late Mark Besen AC and the late Eva Besen AC
Janet Holmes à Court AC
Trusts and Foundations
Patricia H Reid Endowment Fund
The Ross Trust
