Charlotte and Emma Russell were part of a group of more than 40 talented young musicians who spent four days learning and playing in the company of the Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra (ARCO).

Over the course of the four-day workshop, which was hosted by Santa Sabina College in Sydney’s inner west, the young musicians worked to create a fresh interpretation of Mozart’s Symphony No. 35, the Haffner.

Students brought their own modern instruments, however, the tutors demonstrated on period instruments and shared their expertise and experience so that the students learned how to create a sound and style in keeping with the aesthetics of Mozart’s time.

“It was pure delight to be able to work with them at the highest level. By the end of the four days they played a concert that was so wonderful it brought tears to my eyes,” ARCO education co-ordinator Megan Lang said.