TMO Testimonials & Reviews

Just a few of the things people are saying about TMO…

Guy Noble: ABC Classic FM Presenter and Conductor/Patron of TMO

As Paul Kelly once sang, "from little things big things grow". All major arts organisations start somewhere, usually with the passion and drive of one key person. I take my hat off to Sarah-Grace Williams and the entire The Metropolitan Orchestra (formerly Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra) as they enter a fourth season while having built a very professional musical group. When The NRL came to me and asked if I could provide an orchestra for the 2011 Grand Final at ANZ Stadium, I had no hesitation in suggesting TMO, knowing it would deliver an enthusiastic and polished performance to the highest level in front of a massive live and television audience. This capability to deliver premium performances to any sized audience and appearing as anything from a small ensemble to a symphony sized orchestra is testament to the versatility of this important orchestra and the high standards they continuously achieve. I'm proud to be a patron of the orchestra and look forward to a fifth season and beyond.

Martine Quigley: Events Manager, Cambridge Events

We are extremely honoured to have worked with Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra (now The Metropolitan Orchestra).  It has been a pleasure liaising with you during the lead up to, the recording and the performance itself. Both Sarah-Grace and the MCO members demonstrated abssoluate professionalism at all times.  Ms Sarah-Grace is not only a brilliant conductor, she is a class act! We are proud to have engaged this association with Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra

Bel Canto: Concert Review

I found the reading of the Lakme duet one of the best I have heard live- the voices were beautifully balanced, a perfect"barcarolle" tempo and just enough French rubato and romantic sensuality Nicole Car and Sian Pendry with Sarah Grace conducting- bel canto!

Mike Smith, 2MBS FM: Concert Review

From the first opening chords from the full orchestra you knew this was going to be an exciting concert. The Mendelssohn Midsummer Night's Dream Overture was played with a vigour and self-confidence…the string quartet at the centre of Elgar handled the balance with sensitivity and control…the minuet showed was punctuated by beautifully measured cadences. It was really in the finale that the performance came to its own 'zenith', as the fugue culminated into a roller-coaster ride to the end.   It is a pleasure to watch Sarah-Grace Williams in action, the clarity of her directions to the players becomes an additional and visual component which enhances the overall experience of the concert. She has worked hard to create an orchestra that inspires its audiences with its sense of vitality and purpose. Throughout the concert I felt as if I was a part of the performing process and not merely a bystander, with all the excitement of being right in there and none of the responsibility! One might normally include criticism in a review for balance but from where I was sitting there was nothing to be picky about.

Mary Jo Capps, CEO Musica Viva

What an exciting new ensemble. I love the philosophy behind it and the energy it exudes. Bravo!'

Audience: Concert Responses

"I have been to hundreds of these concerts and it was up there with the very best – wonderful casting, with blended voices in ensemble and a fine variety of repertoire and featuring evryone's strengths and the lovely orchestra and chamber chorus- a total pleasure – pleasure- bravi to all involved"

"So many beautifully performed arias at the Gala, and I never heard a finer Rosario La Spina. I did not know the MCO but will certainly go to their concerts in future… such a fine orchestra."