Thomas van Bruggen, a double bassist from Seventeen Mile Rocks, has been selected for the 2025 YMS Emerging Artists cohort. Alongside fellow Brisbane musicians Alex Arthur and John Kelly, Mr van Bruggen will perform in the Sydney Opera House with the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra (ARCO) in a historically informed interpretation of Bach/Mendelssohn’s St Matthew Passion.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The Young Mannheim Symphonists (YMS) Emerging Artists program is recognised as Australia’s only national training ground for Historically Informed Performance (HIP). This year marks its largest cohort to date, with eight young musicians participating in the program and performing alongside ARCO professionals.
Pathway to the National Stage
The YMS Emerging Artists program provides musicians with extensive training in period-style performance, focusing on the stylistic techniques used in the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras. Participants gain first-hand experience in articulation, ornamentation, and phrasing techniques specific to the era of the music they perform.
This opportunity is a significant milestone for Mr van Bruggen, Mr Arthur, and Mr Kelly, who have been involved in YMS programs for several years. The chance to collaborate with ARCO musicians at a national level represents a crucial step in their professional development.
Meet the Musicians
Thomas van Bruggen (Double Bass, Seventeen Mile Rocks)
Mr van Bruggen has an extensive history with YMS, having participated in 12 programs since 2017. Originally from the Netherlands, he moved to Queensland as a child and has since built a strong foundation in classical music. In addition to his YMS experience, he freelances as a double bass player and teacher in Brisbane, performing with ensembles such as the Queensland Baroque Orchestra and the University of Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
His participation in the Sydney Opera House performance is a testament to his deep commitment to HIP and the role it plays in shaping musical interpretation. This performance will allow him to work closely with ARCO’s experienced bass section, further refining his technique and understanding of historically informed performance.
Photo Credit: Alyssa Deacon/Instagram
Alex Arthur (Viola, Corinda)
Mr Arthur is the principal viola of the Queensland Youth Symphony and has been actively involved in YMS since 2022. Alongside his viola studies, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Computer Science at the University of Queensland. His musical interests extend beyond orchestral performance, as he is also a regular singer with St Stephen’s Cathedral Schola and Lumens Chamber Choir.
John Kelly (Violin, Loganholme)
Mr Kelly has been playing violin since the age of three and has excelled as a multi-instrumentalist, earning Distinction in A.Mus and L.Mus diplomas in both violin and piano. He has performed with Ensemble Q (2022-2024) and has a strong background in classical music. In 2025, he will begin his Bachelor of Music at the University of Queensland under Doretta Balkizas.
A Rare Performance Opportunity
The Sydney Opera House performance of St Matthew Passion offers a unique challenge for Emerging Artists, requiring them to adapt their playing styles to historically informed techniques. This approach involves a deep understanding of phrasing, bowing, and tone production that aligns with the traditions of the era.
Through this program, Mr van Bruggen, Mr Arthur, and Mr Kelly will engage in intensive rehearsals alongside ARCO professionals, refining their interpretations under expert guidance. Their participation highlights the impact of YMS and ARCO in fostering Australia’s next generation of classical musicians.
Photo Credit: Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra/Instagram
Seventeen Mile Rocks’ Local Connection
Mr van Bruggen’s inclusion in the Emerging Artists program builds on his family’s musical legacy. His sister, Eline van Bruggen, a flutist from Seventeen Mile Rocks, was among a group of young musicians selected to participate in the Young Mannheim Symphonists 2023 Intensives. The program at Camberwell Grammar School in Melbourne and Conservatorium High School in Sydney provided advanced training in Historically Informed Performance for emerging orchestral players.
As these three musicians prepare for their performance at the Sydney Opera House, their journey highlights the dedication required to excel in HIP and the valuable opportunities from YMS and ARCO. Their participation inspires aspiring musicians.
Published 18-Feb-2025
