On the 31st of August, the Independent Theatre, North Sydney hosted The Metropolitan Orchestra, conducted by Sarah-Grace Williams. They entertained a warmly responsive audience with some famous pieces of music from Mendelssohn, Mahler, Glazunov and Mozart. The Glazunov was smoothly performed with the able alto saxophone work of Nicholas Russoniello. For me, the Mahler ‘Symphony No.5’ was a revelation. The orchestra;s use of strings and harp gave an ethereal resonance that transported me. This piece has connected to the modern audience through popular culture in film (e.g “Death in Venice”) and rightly so. The Mendelssohn pieces were ‘Capriccio’ and ‘Fugue’ from Op 81. In these, the orchestra ably captured the essence of Mendelssohn. The Mozart piece was Symphony No.41 -‘Jupiter’, which was instantly recognisable from the opening bars.
Sarah-Grace Williams brought out the best in her performers, there was an energy, precision, discipline, respect and warmth reverberating between the musicians and the conductor which wove the sounds and created the experience. The Metropolitan Orchestra is an orchestra to follow and encourage with loyalty. The Independent Theatre at North Sydney provided an appropriate venue for a classical performance with good acoustics, a professional environment and ambient facilities for refreshment and conversation.
By Marie Su.
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