Co-founder and General Manager of Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, Nicole van Bruggen will step down at the end of 2026 after 14 years in the role.

Van Bruggen hopes the change will allow more time with family, and more opportunities for her own performance and professional projects. She will continue her role as ARCO’s Co-Artistic Director alongside Rachael Beesley, as well as performing and teaching as ARCO’S principal clarinettist, remaining closely connected with the organisation.

“After 14 years of building ARCO as an orchestra and not-for-profit organisation, I feel this is the right moment to hand over the business reins,” says van Bruggen, who will remain in the role until the end of 2026 to oversee the transition.

Nicole van Bruggen. Photo supplied

Van Bruggen has been managing business in classical music throughout her performing career in Australia and the Netherlands.

“Together with our administration team, Board and musicians, we have worked incredibly hard to establish and grow ARCO. It is now thriving in new and exciting ways, with some wonderful projects planned for 2027 and beyond,” she says. “That makes this feel like exactly the right time to welcome a new General Manager who can bring their own skills, ideas and energy to ARCO’s next chapter.”

Recruitment for Van Bruggen’s sucessor is underway. ARCO Board President Frances Carlile saying: “We are looking for someone with strong organisational leadership skills, including finance, development and strategy … that special combination of business acumen and artistic understanding. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who believes in what ARCO does and is excited by the prospect of helping a distinctive Australian arts organisation grow, develop and reach more people.”