About Us

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.

Guy Noble ABC Classic FM Presenter and Conductor/Patron of TMO October 5, 2017

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.

Martine Quigley Events Manager, Cambridge Events October 5, 2017

Thank you so much for all your collaborative efforts in bringing Planet Earth in Concert to life at the inaugural BBC Worldwide Australasia Channels Showcase. Sarah-Grace and The Metropolitan Orchestra musicians played beautifully and emotively, and it really was a very rousing start to the official proceedings. We have received countless emails and thank you notes, with overwhelmingly glowing feedback. It’s great just how versatile The Metropolitan configurations can be!

Linda Deubel Head of Marketing, Channels & Branded Services BBC Worldwide October 5, 2017

From the moment I met Sarah-Grace WIlliams, I knew it would be a thrill and complete joy to work under her baton with the Metropolitan Orchestra. I was right! Playing with this Orchestra is an absolute delight as it is understood from the first downbeat you are sharing the stage with a vibrant and energetic group of professional young musician’s who absolutely love every note, bar, phrase and piece they play. They perform with finesse and world-class standard under the guidance of their commanding yet loving musical director. What more could a soloist want! I am greatly looking forward to sharing the stage with Sarah-Grace and the Orchestra in June as we play Beethoven’s exquisite ‘Emperor’ Concerto.

Ambre Hammond Concert Pianist October 5, 2017

Working with The Metropolitan Orchestra was a great experience, I was proud to work with them. They are talented, generous musicians and a great bunch to be with. They made my music shine!

George Fenton Composer/Conductor BBC Blue Planet & Planet Earth (Sydney Opera House 2012) October 5, 2017

David Helfgott loved performing the Rachmaninov piano concerto No 3 with Sarah-Grace Williams and the Metropolitan Orchestra. As producer of the concert, I was struck by the outstanding degree of preparation and musicianship displayed by Sarah-Grace and the orchestra. I shall be delighted to engage them again.

Andrew McKinnon Producer, Andrew McKinnon Presentations (David Helfgott Tour 2012) October 5, 2017

Sarah Grace and her team were a pleasure to work with. They continuously went over and above to contribute to the overall success of the event (Opera in the Vineyards 2013). The Orchestra was fantastic and has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our audience.

Paul Chesher Concert Promoter October 5, 2017

Booking The Metropolitan Orchestra was the best musical decision I have made in a long time. Sarah-Grace’s care in selection was telling – the players were rock solid. Sarah-Grace is a very clever conductor: brilliant stick work, great vigour and passion and an impressive dynamic range. I couldn’t have asked for more. Congratulations TMO and thank you for delivering such a stunning product.

Gavin Lockley Composer and Producer – King of the Air Recording and Concert, Angel Place (2013 & 2014) October 5, 2017

Dear Sarah-Grace, thank you so much for all your fantastic work on the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular. The orchestra sounded amazing! A special thanks to you personally for going the extra mile in regards to the organisation required beforehand. Your generosity of knowledge helped make the process a smooth one and my dealings with TMO an absolute pleasure.

Tiffany Noack Associate Producer – Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular, Qantas Credit Union Arena October 5, 2017

Dear Sarah-Grace, I cannot tell you how fantastic you were with this concert – your support, advice and following up was one million percent the reason why we had a successful concert. The orchestra sounded incredible and the clients had an amazing time and said it was one of those once in a life time memories, so we really “hit a home run” as they say. I really hope I get the opportunity to organise another concert involving an orchestra, because I know who I will be calling!!

Scott Bellingham Event Manager – Kate Ceberano and James Morrison Concert, Sydney Opera House October 5, 2017

Working with Sarah-Grace Williams was a great joy to me. She is a wonderful conductor and so caring of the soloist you know you are in excellent hands. Her musicality and discipline enables one to give of one’s best and I just loved working with her so much. Our collaboration on the Rachmaninov Third Piano Concerto was so exciting and satisfying, and that is truly a challenging work. I do hope to work with her more in the future.

David Helfgott Pianist October 5, 2017

I’d like to thank The Metropolitan Orchestra for their wonderful playing on the Two Strong Hearts tour. I had a really great time working with the orchestra and Sarah-Grace was a delight to work with. Olivia and John in particular loved the sound of the orchestra.

Chong Lim Musical Director – John Farnham & Olivia Newton-John, Qantas Credit Union Arena/Tempus Two October 5, 2017