The Story So Far…

Our Mission…

To present accessible, premium quality orchestral concert performance, and inspire a love and enjoyment of classical music to a wide range of audiences.

Where we have come from…

Launching in April 2009 as the Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra (MCO), the orchestra quickly became recognised for delivering first-class and intimate concert experiences to local audiences across the Sydney Metropolitan area. Under the considered direction of Artistic Director & Chief Conductor Sarah-Grace Williams and comprising some of Sydney's most dynamic musicians, MCO staged more than 40 acclaimed concerts to packed houses and standing ovations in its first three years. Committed to delivering energised and accessible programmes, their concert performances exude a unique blend of musical perfection and abundant passion.

An experienced and versatile orchestra, their annual season quickly expanded to include a variety of concerts – smaller chamber concerts in the 'Indy' Series, full orchestral concerts in the 'Met Series', Gala concerts featuring prominent Australia artists, special events and more.   MCO has also performed at premium concert venues such as the Sydney Opera House and City Recital Hall, Angel Place with renowned artists including Sumi Jo (soprano), as well as large-scale events including the National Rugby League Grand Final to a live and televised audience of millions.

Many high profile Australian artists have appeared with MCO as soloists including Francesco Celata (Clarinet), Emma-Jane Murphy (Cello), Rosario La Spina (Tenor), Patrick Murphy (Cello), Matt Dempsey (Trumpet), Katherine Lukey (Violin), Susan Collins, (Violin), Barry Ryan (Baritone), Anke Höppner (Soprano), Christopher Hillier (Baritone), Manu Berkeljon (Violin), Teresa La Rocca (Soprano) , Henry Choo (Tenor), Nicole Car (Soprano), Richard Anderson (Bass), Sian Pendry (Mezzo Sop), Samuel Dundas (Tenor), David Rowden (Cello), Edmond Choo (Tenor), and members of the Opera Australia Chorus.

At the beginning of 2012 it was recognised that MCO was clearly more than a chamber ensemble and it was decided that it was time to rebrand with a name that more accurately reflects how diverse and versatile the orchestra is.  It was important the new name would be easily identified with their old name and their mission of presenting premium concerts across the greater Sydney Metropolitan Area. 

As such, it is with great pleasure and excitement that they announce that the Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra will officially be rebranded at the MET SERIES 3 on May 26 2012 as

Philosophy…

One of the principle philosophies of the orchestra is to break down the traditional barriers that often keep people away from classical music concerts. By performing their subscription series away from major city centres and focussing on smaller, local venues, TMO concert performances immediately become more accessible, creating a greater sense of intimacy and involvement for audience members. The TMO tradition of inviting all audience members to post-concert drinks on Saturday nights allows audience members to meet and mingle with the players and gain a greater sense of what music performance is all about: engagement, participation and a sense of ownership.

The combination of offering premium standard musical performances from local, casual, yet high quality venues, are considered by TMO as paramount in breaking down some of the traditional perceived barriers that are typically associated with classical music in Sydney and Australia.