Impact Report · April 2026 Pilot

Impact Report
April 2026 Pilot

Horizon Classical: New Horizons

23 April 2026 · International Reformed Evangelical Church, Sydney

Inaugural pilot of Horizon Classical — featuring Haydn, Copland, and an open conducting studio mentored by Professor Benjamin Northey.

Download Impact Report Download Concert Review
06 — Pilot Outcomes

By the numbers.

Measured against the goals set for the inaugural cycle.

120+
Audience Members

Across first-time attendees and seasoned listeners.

18
Professional Musicians

Engaged for rehearsal, recording and performance.

2
Mentors

Susan Collins (Concertmaster) and Benjamin Northey.

2
Public Events

Open conducting studio (22 April) and concert (23 April).

3
Works Programmed

Haydn, Copland, and a premiere short film.

1
Independent Review

Published by SoundsLike Sydney.

02 — The Problem

Two gaps,
one cause.

Conductors without orchestras. Audiences without an entry point.

Conductor Training

In Australia there is no consistent pathway for conductors to train with real orchestras. Emerging conductors lack the practical podium time required to lead at the highest level.

Audience Access

Orchestral performance can feel closed to new listeners. Programmes assume prior knowledge, listening cues are absent, and concert formats rarely meet audiences where they are.

The result is a contracting circle: fewer first-time attendees, fewer returning audiences, and reduced demand for the next generation of performers.

08 — Mentor Validation

Professor Benjamin Northey.

Mentor Conductor · Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Benjamin Northey

Mentor Conductor
"The biggest problem for young conductors is opportunities to conduct orchestras. Ensemble time is the one thing that makes the biggest difference to outcomes."

— Professor Benjamin Northey, Sydney Conservatorium of Music

03 — The Model

Two arms,
one platform.

Training and performance, designed to inform each other.

Training Horizon Orchestral Studio

Horizon Orchestral Studio

Intensive concert projects in which advanced conducting fellows work with professional orchestral musicians through rehearsal and public performance, mentored by leading players and experienced conductors.

Learn more →
Concerts Horizon Classical

Horizon Classical

A public concert series in which young leaders and musicians communicate music in an engaging way to new audiences. A listening experience designed for first-time audiences to feel the relevance of classical music in their lives, without compromising the artistic standards of the work.

Learn more →
04 — The Pilot

Inaugural programme

New Horizons

23 April 2026 · International Reformed Evangelical Church, Sydney

Repertoire
  • New Beginnings (premiere) A JSquared Studios Film
  • Symphony No. 6 in D, "Le Matin" Joseph Haydn
  • Appalachian Spring Aaron Copland
Format

A one-hour concert designed to invite new audiences into the listening experience. A short film opens the programme, setting thematic and emotional context, with the performance following without interval.

Hans Sangtoki, Inaugural Conducting Fellow

Hans Sangtoki, Inaugural Conducting Fellow.

05 — The Conducting Studio

The Open Rehearsal.

Wednesday 22 April 2026 · Open Rehearsal · Feedback from Professor Benjamin Northey

What Happened

On the evening before the concert, Horizon held an open conducting studio at the venue. Professor Benjamin Northey was present to give live feedback as the orchestra rehearsed the programme.

"The rehearsal room becomes a teaching space — for the conductor on the podium, and for everyone else watching from the seats."
Who Attended

The session was open to observation. Conducting students from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music attended, along with musicians from Sydney community orchestras, sitting in on the rehearsal and the feedback discussion.

Open rehearsal with Benjamin Northey Conducting studio — feedback session
07 — Testimonials

In their own words.

Audience

"I really didn't expect to feel that much from classical music. What an experience. I'll definitely come again."

First-time attendee, April 2026

Musicians

"It really feels like a collaboration in the community. As a young musician, this is the kind of working environment we need now."

Natalie Liu, Violin

Industry

"Immediately, the ensemble impressed with an unanimity of purpose and expression. Sangtoki is both a disciplined leader and an expressive and emotional conduit allowing the orchestra to find much expression through dynamics and tempi."

Victoria Watson · SoundsLike Sydney

Read the full independent review — SoundsLike Sydney, 28 April 2026

Reviewed by Victoria Watson

Download Review
In Their Own Words

Natalie Liu, Violin.

Natalie Liu

Violin · New Horizons, April 2026
"It really feels like a collaboration in the community. As a young musician, this is the kind of working environment we need now."
New Horizons · 23 April 2026

From the concert.

Horizon Classical: New Horizons Hans Sangtoki conducting Orchestra — New Horizons New Horizons — performance New Horizons — concert New Horizons — Sydney
08 — Artistic Mentorship

Artistic Mentorship.

Susan Collins, Concertmaster

Susan Collins

Concertmaster & Artistic Mentor

An experienced violinist with extensive orchestral leadership credits across many fine ensembles, Collins led the strings and shaped musical direction across the pilot. Her presence in rehearsal and on stage anchored the ensemble.

Benjamin Northey

Mentor Conductor

Australian conductor and Professor of Conducting at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Mentor to the inaugural conducting fellow, and feedback presence at the open rehearsal of 22 April.

"The biggest problem for young conductors is opportunities to conduct orchestras. Ensemble time is the one thing that makes the biggest difference to outcomes."

09 — What's Next

Forward.

From pilot to programme.

Next Concert Cycle

Rapture & Ruin

Glinka · Tchaikovsky · Rachmaninoff

7:30 pm · 24 July 2026 · Verbrugghen Hall

Rapture & Ruin expands Horizon's artistic ambition through a larger symphonic programme. Centred on Romantic drama and Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto, featuring Indonesian-Australian pianist Calvin Abdiel.

Featured Soloist Calvin Abdiel

Pianist

First Australian in nearly two decades to reach the grand final of the Sydney International Piano Competition. Debut album Themes and Variations released by Decca Australia in 2024.

Concert Details →
Rapture and Ruin — Horizon Classical
Full Report

Download the Impact Report.

Horizon Classical: New Horizons · April 2026 Pilot

Download Impact Report Download Concert Review
Get Involved

New audiences. New opportunities.
A new musical future.

Horizon Orchestral Studio is building a sustainable model for conducting training and orchestral presentation in Australia. We are seeking partners, mentors, and supporters who share that aim.

Collaborate or Support →