The Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra performs symphonies of mozart and bizet, aged 17.
Take your mind back to the opening scenes of the movie ‘Amadeus” and its electrifying music – Mozart’s Symphony No 25 in G minor, K 183. The Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra under the baton of its Chief Conductor Sarah – Grace Williams performs this symphony, along with the effervescent Holberg Suite by Grieg and Bizet’s Symphony in C in two concerts in Sydney’s inner west this week.
The Symphony No. 25 is an early work by Mozart and is astonishingly profound given that he was just 17 when he wrote it. Coincidentally, Bizet too was just 17 when he composed his Symphony in C. Also demonstrating considerable precocity, this symphony was composed whilst Bizet was a student of Charles Gounod at the Paris Conservatoire, and reflects his influence.
Grieg however was in his early 40s when he composed the Holberg Suite Opus 40 styled on 18thcentury dance forms, to mark the bicentenary of the birth of the playwright Ludvig Holberg.
Happily precocious too has been the path of the Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra, Formed in 2009 under the directorship of Sarah-Grace Williams, the orchestra has established a very fine reputation as an ensemble in its own right as well as supporting leading solo performers.
In a very exciting development, soprano Sumi–Jo will be performing at the Sydney Opera House on December 1st and supporting her on stage will be the Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra – surely a feather in their cap.
Tickets for the August concerts: from $15 or call 1300 306 176 or
