TMO – The Story So Far…
Under the baton of Founding Artistic Director & Chief Conductor Sarah-Grace Williams, The Metropolitan Orchestra (TMO) is recognised as one of Australia’s most versatile orchestras, delivering consistently vibrant first-class experiences. Formed in 2009 and based in Sydney, TMO’s remarkable history of music making boasts more than 650 concerts with a variety of events targeted at different demographics, including their acclaimed Met and Family Cushion Concert series, an annual Chamber Music Festival, free concerts, national and international tours. TMO also regularly appear for album recordings and for numerous special events.
An impressive roster of performers have appeared with TMO including internationally renowned artists José Carreras, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Sir Bryn Terfel, Sumi Jo, David Helfgott, Elaine Paige, Anthony Warlow, John Farnham, Olivia Newton-John, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, James Morrison, Kate Ceberano, Marina Prior, Todd McKenny, Joseph Tawadros and the Grigoryan Brothers. TMO has collaborated with other leading Australian arts organisations and institutions including the Australian Ballet, Opera Australia, Sydney Chamber Choir, Sydney Philharmonia, Pacific Opera and the Sydney Opera House. Most recently, TMO performed for the revered Sydney Opera House Season of Amadeus, starring Michael Sheen.
TMO has received critical acclaim for exceptional performances across numerous genres. Recent highlights are Australian and New Zealand tours with the 2Cellos, Basement Jaxx, The Piano Guys, Air Supply, Joy Division and Horrorshow, as well as Live Film concerts Jurassic Park, BBC’s Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Muppets Christmas Carol, Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular, Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy. TMO have performed mid-field at the NRL Grand Final, at Opera in the Vineyards in both the Hunter Valley (NSW) and Clare Valley (SA), are the resident orchestra on board Bravo Cruise of the Performing Arts and play annually for the arena spectacular ‘Synthony’.
An important focus in The Metropolitan Orchestra’s mission is to support Australian artists – orchestral players, composers, conductors, soloists and young musicians. In 2016, TMO launched its inspiring Composer Development Program unearthing new Australian composers. 2017 saw the of launch TMO’s Young Artist Program and in 2018, TMO proudly opened a Conducting Mentorship for young conductors. In 2021, TMO announced its new Composer and Artist Residence Programs and TMO Junior String Camp for primary-aged students. 2023 will see the launch of TMO’s Young Instrumentalist Festival.
TMO has commissioned, performed and recorded world premieres by a number of Australian composers including Jim Coyle, Sean O’Boyle, Mark Grandison, Daniel Rojas, Bruce Mathiske, Elena Kats-Chernin, Nigel U’Brihien, Abiko Yusaku, Adrian Hallam, Heather Shannon, Gavin Lockley, Nicholas Russoniello, Keyna Wilkins and Gumaroy Newman. TMO has also workshopped new works by Paul Stanhope, Stuart Greenbaum, Matthew Hindson and James Humberstone.
TMO has performed for several album recordings and in 2017 released their own album ‘The Metropolitan Orchestra – Live at the ABC Centre Sydney’ featuring performances recorded by ABC Classic FM.
Check out the full list of artists that TMO has performed with here.
Check out our concert history page here.
Our Mission
To inspire a love and enjoyment of classical music to a wide range of audiences through accessible, first-class orchestral concert performances and to provide professional performance opportunities to outstanding Australian orchestral musicians, composers and soloists.
Our Accessible Music Plan
ACCESSIBILITY: Break down traditional barriers to classical music, making the genre more appealing to a wider audience.
OPPORTUNITY: Provide first-class performance and development opportunities for NSW artists and administrators.
NEW WORK: Develop, promote and perform new Australian works targeting a variety of audiences (children through to seasoned concert goers).
EDUTAINMENT (Education/Entertainment): Create and present engaging, fun and educational concert experiences and interactive educational programs which will inspire young audiences and embolden young musicians.
WESTERN SYDNEY & REGIONAL: Build partnerships and identify opportunity to present musical offerings to Western Sydney and Regional NSW.
INDIGENOUS: Engage indigenous artists to work and perform in the classical music genre.