ARCO: First Light – Music Illuminated by the Sunrise
Musica Viva Armidale proudly presents First Light, an intimate chamber music experience from the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra (ARCO), bringing together five of Australia’s most brilliant musicians for an evening of discovery, emotion and light.
A clarinet melody rises like the sun from shimmering strings as this evocative program explores music inspired by awakening, warmth and brilliance. First Light spans beloved classical works and striking new music, including:
• Schubert’s joyful String Quartet No.7 in D major, D.74
• Mozart’s luminous Larghetto from the Clarinet Quintet in A major, K.581
• Wavelength, a brilliant new ocean-inspired work by Nicole Murphy
• Haydn’s celebrated ‘Sunrise’ Quartet, heard in a sparkling 18th-century clarinet arrangement by Vincenzo Gambaro
At the heart of the program are five principals from ARCO, renowned for their expertise in historically informed performance. The ensemble includes co-artistic directors and long-time musical collaborators Rachael Beesley (violin) and Nicole van Bruggen (clarinet), joined by Alison Rayner (violin), Stephen King (viola) and Natasha Kraemer (cello).
This is a rare opportunity to experience ARCO’s artistry up close, as orchestral brilliance meets the intimacy of chamber music.
📅 Thursday 5 March 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 Armidale Town Hall, 127 Rusden Street, Armidale
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