Haydn’s ‘Sunrise’ quartet has a special place in Brisbane clarinettist Nicole van Bruggen’s heart.

In Vincenzo Gambaro’s arrangement for clarinet and three strings, it was one of the works that marked the very first professional recording that she made with fellow Australian musician Rachael Beesley (violin), when they performed in the Kwartet André after graduation from the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague.

Now, 29 years after they first started performing together, the two – now co-Artistic Directors of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra (ARCO) – are about to perform ‘Sunrise’ again, this time on a tour of South East Queensland venues from 29 August – 5 September.

Nicole van Bruggen, ARCO

Nicole van Bruggen. Photo © Nick Gilbert

“We wanted to reflect on our roots,” van Bruggen tells Limelight. “I listen back to the recording that we made in 1998, and it’s really interesting. Sometimes you think, ‘Oh my goodness, what was I thinking?'”

“But it was a good snapshot in time. We had some good ideas, considering how old we were. I’m really excited to hear what we’re going to be able to do with it now, with 30 years of more...