THE METROPOLITAN ORCHESTRA
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About TMO 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 privately run orchestras delivering consistently vibrant first-class experiences. A not-for-profit registered musical charity, TMO’s annual season includes a variety of events tailored to different demographics from their acclaimed Met Concert series, a family Cushion Concert series, development programs for composers, conductors and performers along with outreach concerts for newly arrived refugees, free concerts, international tours and numerous special events. The orchestra’s sparkling nine year history includes a star-studded array of performances including concerts with Sumi Jo (Opera House), David Helfgott (City Recital Hall), Elaine Paige (State Theatre), John Farnham with Olivia Newton-John (Entertainment Centre and Tempus Two), James Morrison (The Concourse), Kate Ceberano (Opera House); special events such as BBC’s Blue Planet and Planet Earth in Concert (Opera House), Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular (Opera House and Entertainment Centre), Opera in the Vineyards (Wyndham Estate and Roche Estate), the National Rugby League Grand Final and sailing the South Pacific annually as resident orchestra aboard the Bravo! Cruise of the Performing Arts with internationally renowned artists José Carreras, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Anthony Warlow, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, David Hobson, Marina Prior, Simon Tedeschi, Cheryl Barker, the Grigoryan Brothers and more.
2018 SEASON Overview In their tenth year, The Metropolitan Orchestra (TMO) will continue to deliver on its mission to make premium musical experiences accessible to all ages from babes in arms to cultured seniors. Their flagship MET CONCERT series will take audiences on an unforgettable journey with symphonic masterpieces from Sibelius, Dvorak, Shostakovich, Rimsky-Korsakov, Rossini, Elgar, Franck, Bizet and Rachmaninoff. Dedicated to supporting Australian artists, TMO is proud to present three world premieres by Australian composers, whilst also showcasing some of Australia’s most exciting soloists. TMO’s popular CUSHION CONCERT series, delivered at friendly local venues, will engage young audiences with two delightful Babies Proms concerts plus an epic Family Concert. SPECIAL EVENTS in 2018 include a collaboration with Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, intimate performances with the Cellists of TMO and Winds of TMO plus the world’s leading classical music cruise, Bravo! Cruise of the Performing Arts, with headliners Todd McKenney, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Clemens Leske, Antoinette Halloran, Cheryl Barker, Peter Coleman-Wright, Tom Burlinson, Rhonda Burchmore, Peter Cousens and Rachael Beck.
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Met Concert Series
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Beauty
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Passion
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SERENADE
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FEVER
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DRAMA
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Cushion Concert Series
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Magic of the Movies
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Animal Adventures
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Peter and the Wolf
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Special Events
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winds of TMO
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Cellists of TMO
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Haydn's Creation
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BRAVO! Cruise of the performing arts
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Messages
SARAH-GRACE WILLIAMS
Artistic Director & Chief Conductor I am proud to welcome you to this milestone in The Metropolitan Orchestra’s history, our tenth year of music making. I look forward to sharing another year of passion-fueled performances with you, as we continue our mission to deliver first-class yet highly accessible musical experiences for everyone, young and old. Performing some of the greatest symphonic literature ever written, alongside commissioned world premieres by Australian composers, with stellar soloists, our Met Concert season will take you on an exhilarating journey through both the familiar and the unknown. Our ever popular family Cushion Concert series will ignite the passion of our littlest friends, while our intimate chamber concerts and special events ensure there is a concert offering perfect for everyone. There are words often used by our audience to describe TMO – Exciting, Passionate, Vibrant, Welcoming, First-Class, Important and Unique. I am certain our 2018 Season will leave you saying all this and more. If you are a regular TMO concert-goer or discovering us for the first time, I invite you and your families to be swept away in this tenth year of outstanding TMO concert experiences.
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BEVAN RIGATO Managing Director
We are proud to wear the title of Sydney’s Most Welcoming Orchestra. Our highly energised performances are designed to be accessible, engaging and of outstanding quality. In this way we continue to make the classical music genre more desirable to an ever growing number of people. It is a huge task to run a first-class orchestra, but one we are perfectly positioned to deliver on as we continue to expand our infrastructure. What we do would not be possible without the tireless commitment of our exceptional musicians, each sharing a burning passion for great music and outstanding performance led by our inspiring Artistic Director, supported by the enthusiasm of our volunteers and benevolence of our financial patrons, both personal and corporate. Whether we receive a small personal donation, or a substantial corporate sponsorship, each piece of support not only assists us to continue creating, but gives us that emotional boost to keep stretching. In 2018 we hope to see you, your friends and family at one of our many concerts. Help us continue to spread the word. Keep supporting us in whatever way you can and we will keep delivering exceptional musical experiences for you and your entire family to enjoy.
GUY NOBLE Patron
Welcome to another year of music making with The Metropolitan Orchestra. Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Sarah-Grace Williams with the team at TMO are doing remarkable things in Sydney. They have built a premium quality, completely independent orchestra with no significant government funding while giving many of the city’s best young orchestral players a chance to get their teeth into the greatest symphonic repertoire. TMO is keeping orchestral music alive by regularly commissioning new works from living Australian composers whilst supporting and nurturing the next generation of music-makers with their Composer, Conductor and Young Artist Development Programs. It is such a massive undertaking which deserves our support. As the orchestra's patron, I proudly thank you for coming to listen and enjoy the sound and energy of The Metropolitan Orchestra in 2018.
MET CONCERT SERIES
Presented by Cruiseco
Having received widespread acclaim for their performances over the last nine years, TMO have built a solid reputation for delivering exceptional concert experiences in this flagship Met Concert series. Performed in TMO's home at the Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Centre, the 2018 program includes symphonic masterpieces by Sibelius, Dvorak, Shostakovich, Rimsky-Korsakov, Rossini Bizet and Rachmaninoff alongside two world premiere performances.
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Met Concert ONE
Beauty
8pm Saturday 17 February
Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Centre
SIBELIUS Swan of Tuonela SOQ Beauty World Premiere DVORAK Symphony #9 'New World' Soloists:
SOQ (Graham Sattler, Baritone & Stephen O'Connell, Saxophone)
In the first concert of 2018, TMO present a beautiful, thought-provoking evening, with three vastly different, yet related works. Exposing the beauty of three different worlds in both time and place, we start in a land immersed in ancient Finnish mythology created by Sibelius, then move to the beautiful and desolate Australian outback in a world premiere Australian orchestral song cycle titled ‘Beauty’ before we arrive in the ‘New World’ with Dvorak’s iconic ninth symphony.
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Met Concert TWO
Passion
8pm Saturday 14 April
Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Centre
ROSSINI William Tell Overture LIGETI Concert Românesc ARUTUNIAN Trumpet Concerto BIZET Carmen Suites 1 & 2 Trumpet:
Jenna Smith (TMO Principal)
Met Concert Two promises an evening of passion and desire. Following Rossini’s powerful William Tell Overture and Ligeti’s alluring Concert Românesc, TMO’s very own Principal Trumpet Jenna Smith will take to the stage to perform Arutunian’s flamboyant Trumpet Concerto, which will highlight Jenna’s enormous capacity and depth as one of Australia’s brightest young musicians. Concluding with the passion and tragedy of both Carmen Suites (1 & 2) by Bizet, this fervent evening will stir the soul.
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Met Concert THREE
SERENADE
8pm Saturday 9 June The Independent Theatre
SUK VARIOUS
Serenade Opera & Music Theatre Highlights
Soloists: Daniel Belle (Les Misérables, Ten Tenors, Opera Australia) Rob McDougall (Les Misérables, Assassins)
TMO returns to the enchanting Independent Theatre for a sublime evening with strings and voice. The strings of TMO will open the program with Suk’s masterful String Serenade before being joined in the second half by two of Australia’s finest voices, Daniel Belle and Rob McDougall, to serenade you with some of the all-time great arias and duets from Opera and Music Theatre.
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Met Concert FOUR
FEVER
8pm Saturday 25 August
Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Centre
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV SHOSTAKOVICH RACHMANINOFF
Capriccio Espagnol Piano Concerto #2 Symphonic Dances
Piano:
Tamara-Anna Cislowska
One of Australia’s most acclaimed and recognised pianists, Tamara-Anna Cislowska will feature as soloist for Shostakovich’s uncharacteristically cheerful Piano Concerto no. 2 in this feverish evening of all-Russian music. Cislowska has performed internationally across five continents with some of the world’s leading orchestras and tonight appears for the first time under conductor Williams with TMO. Rachmaninoff’s exuberant Symphonic Dances was the composer’s final work and considered a reflection of his life and longing for his homeland. This conquering work will finalise a formidable evening of music.
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Met Concert FIVE
DRAMA
8pm Saturday 27 October
Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Centre
COYLE
Dancing with Billy Bray World Premiere ELGAR Cello Concerto FRANCK Symphony in D minor Cello: Ezmi Pepper (TMO Principal)
Following from the triumphant premiere of his work The Bright Seraphim in 2017, TMO are proud to present another world premiere from Australian Composer Jim Coyle. The rhythmical vibrancy of Dancing with Billy Bray will provide an electric opening to this final concert of 2018 before TMO introduces one of its formidable principal players, Ezmi Pepper, to perform Elgar's famous Cello Concerto. Ezmi will showcase her significant talent and subtle sensitivity in this dramatic cornerstone work for cello. Franck’s radical Symphony in D was the last work created by the Belgian composer and rounds off this final Met Concert for the year. This ambitious work is considered the greatest composition in his small but prime catalogue.
CUSHION CONCERT SERIES
BABIES PROMS & FAMILY CONCERTS
Supported by Inner West Council
An interactive performance series that invites young audiences and their families to get up close and personal to TMO in a kid-friendly environment. Children can bring their cushions and rugs to these shorter concerts and sit on the floor where they can see, hear and interact with the music and the musicians. This series includes Babies Proms concerts targeted at ages 6 months to 7 years and Family Concerts for toddlers to early teens.
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Family Concert
Magic OF the Movies, Family Fun Day AT the Orchestra 11:30am & 2pm Sunday 6 May Petersham Town Hall
A day of family fun with two large-scale full orchestral concerts to choose from, fun kids activities including music and dance workshops, costume making and face painting sessions. Designed to engage all family members from small children to grand-parents, TMO with special guest conductor Queen Elsa will bring to life some of the greatest film scores of all time including Superman, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, Star Trek, Batman, ET, Star Wars, Apollo 13 and Frozen. Get dressed as your favourite movie character and join the fun!
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Babies Proms One
Babies Proms Two
11am & 1pm Sat 7 & Sun 8 July
11am & 1pm Sat 6 & Sun 7 October
Presenter:
Presenter:
Animal Adventures Peter & The Wolf Balmain Town Hall
Nat Jobe
Hear birds singing, lions roaring, elephants stomping and even an unhappy aardvark, all played by the orchestra! With excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, SaintSaëns’ Carnival of the Animals, RimskyKorsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee and even some of your favourite animal nursery rhymes to sing along to, there’s something for all family members in this Animal Adventure!
Balmain Town Hall
Tyran Parke
Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf will enchant, entertain and educate young audiences. Take your children on this amazing musical journey with Peter and his Grandfather, the Bird, Cat, Duck, the Hunters, and of course the big, bad, Wolf. This interactive performance introduces the musical instruments that represent each character of this timeless story.
In collaboration with SPARK (St Vincent de Paul), these concerts will be repeated in Sydney's western suburbs for newly arrived refugees and their families.
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SPECIAL EVENTS TMO performs for a number of special events throughout the year. From grand orchestral performances to concerts with touring artists and intimate chamber performances, TMO are available to work on any number of platforms and in a variety of configurations. Visit our website at www.metorchestra.com.au and sign up to receive our e-newsletter or Like Us on Facebook to stay in touch with any new and exciting performances involving TMO throughout 2018.
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WINDS OF TMO
CELLISTS OF TMO
Balmain Town Hall
The Independent Theatre
3pm Sunday 18 March Join the principal wind players of The Metropolitan Orchestra for a beautiful autumn afternoon of music showcasing this incredible collective. Performed within the warm surrounds of the 120-year-old Balmain Town Hall, this intimate event will entertain with a mixture of velvety tones, humour and delight, reviving the glory days of original Balmain in a tender and exacting local performance.
3.30pm Sunday 30 Sept The much loved eight Cellists of TMO will take to the stage in the stunning setting of the Independent Theatre, North Sydney to dazzle with a program that has something for everyone, including well-known and loved classics through to modern rock and pop favourites re-orchestrated for this unique ensemble. Inclusive of a world premiere as well as having afternoon tea included in the ticket price, this luxurious event is ideal for those seeking a bit of indulgence.
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Haydn's Creation 5pm Saturday 26 May Sydney Town Hall
The Metropolitan Orchestra will be joined by the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs to present Haydn’s most famous and enduring masterpiece ‘The Creation’. Under the direction of conductor Brett Weymark, with soprano Taryn Fiebig and bass-baritone Adrian Tamburini, this grand performance will resound through Sydney’s magnificent Town Hall.
Bravo! Cruise of the Performing Arts November 13 - 20
Sailing from Sydney for the South Pacific Set sail for seven nights with TMO aboard the luxurious Radiance of the Seas as they return for the fifth year as resident orchestra of Bravo! Cruise of the Performing Arts. Cruising the South Pacific and featuring a star-studded line-up, Bravo! is the biggest gathering of artists from the world of performing arts ever assembled on water. From world-renowned opera sensations and theatrical favourites to acclaimed classical performers, Bravo! is an all-consuming musical experience. Led by TMO Patron Guy Noble, performers appearing with TMO include Todd McKenney, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Clemens Leske, Antoinette Halloran, Cheryl Barker, Peter Coleman-Wright, Tom Burlinson, Rhonda Burchmore, Peter Cousens and Rachael Beck.
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Musical Solutions for your Event
From Intimate Ensembles Through to a Grand Symphony Orchestra Whether you are after a full symphony orchestra for a large scale event, or a small ensemble to provide welcome music for your function, or something in between, The Metropolitan Orchestra (TMO) is the one-stop shop for all your musical needs! Let TMO make your event first-class, unique and memorable. Consider hiring TMO to: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Perform centre stage as feature entertainment for your guests Provide elegant background music for your reception Create the perfect atmosphere during festive periods Accompany touring or feature artists Give award nights and product launches the WOW factor Create an air of sophistication for your cocktail party Make your charity ball a wonderful celebration Deliver a relaxed setting for a business lunch Welcome guests to your next chartered cruise with music as they step onboard Highlight unique venues and locations (indoors or outdoors) Appear on live TV broadcasts and album recordings Leave everyone raving about your event
Contact us today to see what TMO can do for your event. Call us on 02 8004 3472 or email TMO Artistic Director at sgw@metorchestra.com.au
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MUSICIANS VIOLIN
Dominique Guerbois+, Victoria Jacono+, Lindsay Irik*, Nataliya Lukich*, Catrina Hughes#, Alexis Ajduk, Sarah Anthony, Gulia Bayjanova-Kab, Holly Bennett, Angela Cassar, Caron Chan, Amy Cohen, Stephanie Colomb, Alexandra Coroneo, Kathryn Crossing, Katherine Finch, Robert Fortune, Danielle Funston, Nan Heo, Anthea Hetherington, Amanda Hoh, Caroline Kelly, Peter Krajniak, Emlyn Lewis-Jones, Jessica Love, Clare Matchett, Dominic Meagher, Jenny Mee, Heloise Meisel, Rachel Miller, Christina Mills, Lily Mullin-Chivers, Sandi Oh, Katrina Papallo, Renae Pinazza, Paul Pokorny, Claudi Seibold, Denisa Smeu-Kirileanu, Elisabetta Sonego, Ela Stopa-Zbikowska, Mar'yana Sywak, Carol Tang, Isabel Tzorbatzaki, Claire Vohland, Joanne Waples & Naomi Warr
CLARINET Andrew Doyle*, Alisha Coward#, Evan Guy & John Mete
VIOLA Alina-Andreea Zamfir*, Viktoria Vukovich#, Robyn Botha, Lucy Carrigy-Ryan, William d'Avigdor, Elizabeth D'Olier, Nicola Elsworth, Haemi Lee, Lucy Macken, Monique Mezzatesta, Laura Piplica & Kathryn Ramsay
TUBA Scott Frankcombe*, Luke Bartley & Karina Filipi
CELLO John Benz*, Ezmi Pepper*, Steve Meyer#, Caroline Hobbs#, Michael Bardon, Julienne Guerbois, Emily Palethorpe, Jessica Quarmby, Sally Schinckel-Brown & Paul Taylor
BASSOON Anthony Grimm*, Sarajane KirkaldyHansen*, Peta Goh, Long Nguyen, Greg Taylor & Alison Wormell HORN Michael Wray*, Alexandra Auchere, Tina Brain, Kate Cousins, Adrian Hallam, Gemma Lawton, Neil O'Donnell & Julia Zeltzer TRUMPET Jenna Smith*, Ray Cassar, Alfie Carslake, Matt Dempsey, Simon Hilberding, Brody Linke, Sam Thompson & Tyler Wilkinson TROMBONE Jacob Shaw*, Mark Brown, Gareth Lewis & Darcy Shevlin
TIMPANI Murray Parker* & Tim Brigden PERCUSSION Philip South*, Chiron Meller*, Anita Cook, Kaylie Dunstan, Selina Fung, Rob Oetomo, Helen Parker & Luke Thatcher HARP Owen Torr* & Kate Moloney
BASS Jeremy Fox*, Mark Szeto*, Steven Adler, Jessica Holmes, Eric Hutchens, Carol Jeon, John Keene, Vanessa Li, Nicole Murray-Prior & Adrian Whitehall
PIANO Bernard Walz, Vincent Colaguiri & Bev Kennedy
FLUTE Svetlana Yaroslavskaya*, Nicky Crowe#, Lucie Benz, Alexandra Castle, Vanessa Couper, James Fortune & Jacinta Mikus
CONDUCTING MENTORSHIP PARTICIPANTS
OBOE Matthew Bubb*, Rie Tamaru*, Alex Fontaine#, Aaron Reichelt#, Kate Mostert & Zoe Sitsky
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ASSISTANT CONDCUTOR Greg Jones
Christine Savage & Omid Mohebzadeh
+ Concertmaster * Principal Player # Associate Principal Player
Management & Operations ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CHIEF CONDUCTOR MANAGING DIRECTOR FINANCIAL CONTROLLER OPERATIONS MANAGER CHIEF MUSIC LIBRARIAN SECRETARY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT TO ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OPERATIONS PROGRAM NOTES PATRON
FIND US
Sarah-Grace Williams Bevan Rigato Bernard Walz Sean Moloney Svetlana Yaroslavskaya Sarajane Kirkaldy-Hansen Paul Williams Nataliya Lukich Laura Piplica, Alisha Coward, Mar’yana Sywak, Mark Szeto, Murray Parker, Francesca Italia, Christine Savage, Kate MacDonald & Omid Mohebzadeh Andrew Doyle Guy Noble
The Metropolitan Orchestra
metorchestra.com.au
@TheMetOrchestra
PO BOX 625 Balmain NSW 2041
The Metropolitan Orchestra
02 8004 3472
@TheMetOrchestra
VENUE LOCATIONS EUGENE GOOSSENS HALL INDEPENDENT THEATRE PETERSHAM TOWN HALL BALMAIN TOWN HALL SYDNEY TOWN HALL
ABC Centre, 700 Harris St, Ultimo 269 Miller St, North Sydney 107 Crystal St, Petersham 370 Darling St, Balmain 483 George St, Sydney
BROCHURE PHOTOGRAPHY All photographs of The Metropolitan Orchestra in concert and on location by John B Chen. Front cover and Index image by Brigitte Grant Photography. All details correct at time of printing. TMO reserves the right to vary programs, artists and/or venues without notice. Visit www.metorchestra.com.au for up-to-date information.
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Support TMO
As a not-for-profit organisation and a registered charity, TMO relies on the passionate support of businesses and philanthropists to join our mission to make exceptional orchestral music easier to enjoy for more people across Sydney. Backed by a dedicated team and energised musicians, we have a steadfast and long-term plan to raise the profile of the genre. OUR ACCESSIBLE MUSIC PLAN 1. Accessibility: Continue to break down the barriers to high quality classical music. 2. Opportunity: Provide performance opportunities for passionate musicians at the highest levels. 3. New Work: Develop, promote and perform new Australian works and artists. 4. Edutainment: (Education/Entertainment) Bring TMO touring professionals to schools and underpriviledged communities (e.g. newly arrived refugees). 5. Regional: Find ways to present the finest classical music at regional centres. 6. Indigenous: Engage young Indigenous performers and classical music professionals. PERSONAL SUPPORT Philanthropic support is fundamental to our ability to continue delivering on our mission, as it is to our very survival. We thank all of our donors immeasurably for their support and love of the arts. Donations over $2.00 are fully tax deductible. CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP & SUPPORT Corporate sponsorships are tailored to suit each business. These can include a range of exclusive benefits, opportunities and exposure. By supporting this premium-standard orchestra that is not afraid to push boundaries and take risks, you not only prove your support for the arts, but support for achievement and exceptional standards of quality. Give your staff and key clients the gift of a first-class intimate musical experience. For more support and sponsorship information, visit www.metorchestra.com.au or contact our Managing Director on 02 8004 3472.
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Thank You To Our Key Sponsors Presenting Partner
PERFORMANCE SponsorS
Overture Sponsors
MEDIA PARTNER
BeWrite Business Writing & Marketing Group Fine Music, 102.5 FM JBI Images - Official Photographer Pyrmont New Music (Commissioning body for 'Dancing with Billy Bray' by Jim Coyle)
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2018 Subscription Packages
ON SALE NOW Purchase your Subscription Package before Christmas for huge savings! For full season details and ticketing information please visit www.metorchestra.com.au or call 02 8004 3472
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PO BOX 625 BALMAIN NSW 2041 info@metorchestra.com.au