The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra (ARCO) has launched into its second decade of presenting historically informed performances (HIP) with The Sunrise, a Queensland tour beginning at the fabulous Old Museum in Brisbane ahead of concerts in Caloundra, Noosa, Maryborough and Bundaberg.

Stephen King and Alison Rayner. Photo © Wallis Media.

ARCO was co-founded by the late Richard Gill and is led by its current Co-artistic Directors, Rachael Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen. They are upholding ARCO’s motto to Inspire, Educate and Enlighten by combining The Sunrise Tour with the Voyage of Musical Discovery interactive education program with the musicians performing at high schools as part concert and part demonstration.

Their commitment is to HIP, playing period instruments and preserving period aesthetics, including using the original music expression of late 18th to early 20th-century orchestral and chamber music. Because of their dedication to musical preservation, they are the only Australian ensemble to be a member of the distinguished Early Music in Europe Network (REMA).

Clarinet player Van Bruggen’s heart has a special place for what they call Haydn’s ‘Sunrise’ quartet; it was the first professional recording she made with violinist...