TMO – The Story So Far…
Under the dynamic baton of Founding Artistic Director & Chief Conductor Sarah-Grace Williams, The Metropolitan Orchestra (TMO) has become one of Australia’s most electrifying and versatile orchestras. Celebrated for its high-impact performances, TMO delivers thrilling, first-class musical experiences that captivate audiences across an astonishing range of genres. Since its formation in 2009, this Sydney-based powerhouse has performed more than 750 concerts, consistently pushing the boundaries of what an orchestra can do.
With critically acclaimed interpretations of core symphonic repertoire and boundary-breaking collaborations, TMO has earned a reputation for innovation, passion, and musical excellence. The orchestra is renowned for its genre-spanning versatility, seamlessly moving between symphonic blockbusters, ballet, opera, live film and video game concerts, and contemporary collaborations. Whether playing to packed stadiums, recording major albums, or premiering cutting-edge works, TMO brings an unparalleled energy to every performance.
TMO’s highly regarded annual season offers an exciting mix of events designed to engage audiences of all ages and musical tastes. Signature series include their mainstage Met Concert Series – a showcase of symphonic brilliance, Family Cushion Concert Series – a fun, interactive experience for young music lovers, a Chamber Music Festival, free concerts, and national & international tours.
The orchestra has delivered unforgettable productions and performances alongside major artists. Some highlight collaborations include the Australian and New Zealand tours with the Basement Jaxx, Air Supply, Joy Division, 2Cellos, The Piano Guys, Horrorshow, and Stardew Valley, as well as Live-to-Film concerts Batman, Jaws, 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 to a crowd of 80,000, at Opera in the Vineyards in both the Hunter Valley (NSW) and Clare Valley (SA), are the resident orchestra on board the annual Bravo Cruise of the Performing Arts and play for all Sydney ‘Synthony’ events.
A star-studded roster of performers have appeared with TMO including internationally renowned artists José Carreras, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Sir Bryn Terfel, Sumi Jo, David Helfgott, Tom Odell, 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 also collaborates with Australia’s leading arts organisations, 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.
Beyond the concert hall, TMO is committed to nurturing the next generation of Australian musicians and composers. The orchestra has spearheaded several initiatives, including a Composer Development Program, Young Artist Program, Conducting Mentorships, Composer and Artist Residence Programs, TMO Junior String Camp for primary-aged students, and TMO’s Young Instrumentalist Festival.
TMO’s dedication to Australian music and musicians extends into the recording studio, with multiple album collaborations and the release of their own live album in 2017, recorded by ABC Classic FM. They have also commissioned and performed and world premieres by a significant 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, Paul Cutlan, Keyna Wilkins and Gumaroy Newman. TMO has also workshopped new works by Paul Stanhope, Stuart Greenbaum, Matthew Hindson and James Humberstone.
The Metropolitan Orchestra is redefining what it means to be a modern orchestra. Blending breathtaking artistry with bold creativity, TMO continues to captivate audiences, break new ground, and bring music to life in thrilling and unexpected ways —proving that an orchestra can be as bold, dynamic, and exciting as the music it plays.
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 concertgoers).
EDUTAINMENT (Education/Entertainment): Create and present interesting, fun, and educational concert experiences that will inspire young audiences in their musical journey.
EDUCATION: Deliver highly engaging and interactive educational, workshop and performance opportunities to young and aspiring musicians to help them build skills and passion in music.
WESTERN SYDNEY & REGIONAL: Build partnerships and identify opportunities to present musical offerings to Western Sydney, Regional NSW, and throughout Australia.
INDIGENOUS: Actively seek opportunities to engage indigenous artists for performances and the presentation of new work.