Australian Haydn Ensemble
Spring Academy 2025

Presented in collaboration with the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music

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Dates:

Thursday 9 – Friday 10 October 2025 inclusive

Fees:

Junior Youth Orchestra: $160 ($80 per day),10am - 3pm

Intermediate Youth Orchestra: $160 ($80 per day), 10am - 3pm

Advanced Period Instrument Orchestra: $200 ($100 per day - early bird price), 10am - 5pm

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Location:

Wollongong Conservatorium of Music

We’re thrilled to announce the return of the Australian Haydn Ensemble Spring Academy in 2025 — a dynamic three-day immersion in the world of the Baroque and Classical eras, historical performance and period instrument practice.

Whether you're a budding young string player or a tertiary-level student exploring the world of period performance, this intensive orchestral experience offers a unique opportunity to work side-by-side with the core musicians of the Australian Haydn Ensemble (AHE) and dive deep into historically informed performance. Students will learn about baroque and classical period instrument performance practice and how to apply it to their music-making.

Held in partnership with the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, the 2025 Academy features two tailored learning streams and culminates in a public concert showcasing specially selected repertoire by Haydn, Mozart, Boccherini, Vivaldi and Bach.

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Three Streams – Tailored for All Stages of Development

Stream 1: Junior Youth Orchestra

For school years 2–9 | AMEB Grade 3–6 level approx
This stream is designed for younger musicians who are developing their ensemble and orchestral skills. Students will perform on modern instruments at A440 pitch in a fun and supportive environment. The course introduces participants to the sounds and styles of eighteenth-century music, with the chance to explore baroque and classical bows. Ideal for students eager to build confidence, learn alongside peers, and be inspired by the world of historical music performance. Open to students from both metropolitan and regional areas. GRADE 3-6 AMEB Level or equivalent and above for this stream.

Stream 2: Intermediate Youth Orchestra

For school years 7-12 and graduate | AMEB Grade 6 - Advanced level (A.MUS or equivalent)
Participants will perform on modern instruments at A440 pitch. We plan to make sure that students will have the opportunity to try baroque/classical bows as part of the experience. Applications are open to students from both metropolitan and regional areas. The Modern AHA! Orchestral Course provides participants with an immersive and unique musical experience, strongly connected to eighteenth-century music and philosophies, and is designed for students from school years 5 - 8. We recommend applicants be a minimum GRADE 6 AMEB or equivalent and above for this stream.

Stream 3: Advanced Orchestra On Period Instruments (415hz/430hz pitch)

For tertiary and early professional level musicians
Advanced students at a tertiary or early-stage professional level who have some prior knowledge of period instruments, or have been studying period instrument performance, will be invited to join the AHYE (Australian Haydn Youth Ensemble) to form an ensemble on period instruments with AHE principals. All participants will have the chance to play alongside and perform with the members of the Australian Haydn Ensemble throughout the course and at the culminating concert performance. If you are an established professional modern instrumentalist who is branching out into baroque performance practice, we would welcome an application from you. No prior experience is necessary. If you do have experience with period instruments - we would love to have you on the course!

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Course Inclusions:

• Daily orchestral and chamber music rehearsals & coaching with AHE’s specialist musicians

• Solo masterclasses in Baroque & Classical repertoire of your choice

• Sessions on historical performance techniques, string and wind playing, and instrument demonstrations with our specialist musicians who are some of the most experienced in Australia in baroque and classical period instrument performance

• Mindfulness Sessions to experience how this can help you to prepare for performances and manage performance anxiety

• Culminating public performance with members of AHE on Friday 10 October in Wollongong

• A post concert reception on the lawn of the Conservatorium for participants and guests, after the concluding concert with complimentary food and drinks

Additional Activities:

The course will also include sessions on historical instruments, string and wind techniques and historical performance practice with Artistic Director Skye McIntosh and other members of the Ensemble. Further details of these sessions will be released closer to the time of the course.

Example Itinerary:

Day 1:

Morning Session: Orchestral Workshop & Tutorials

Afternoon Session: Orchestral Workshop & Tutorials

Day 2:

Morning Session: Orchestral Workshop & Tutorials

Afternoon Session: General Rehearsal

Early Evening 6pm - Concert for parents and friends, followed by bbq on the lawn