The Series Three concert was consistent with the TMO’s 2013 programming formula. Orchestral works and collaboration with a soloist were followed by a loved orchestral classic as a finale.

This concert’s gift to the assembled was once again its work with the guest soloist,- the diverse sensitivity and fine control from alto saxophone virtuoso Nicholas Russoniello in Concerto for Alto Saxophone and String Orchestra by Alexander Glazunov.

Russoniello is a master of his instrument and a musical communicator of exceptional standard. His fine phrasing was always well supported by the TMO.

The climax to the concert, Mozart’s Symphony No 41, ‘Jupiter’, was robustly performed. A highlight on a smaller scale were the two string orchestra works. They contained the most successful and seamlessly evocative playing of the night.

In both the Mendelssohn Capriccio and Fugue Op 81 and Mahler’s  ‘Adagietto’ from Symphony No. 5  the progression of Romantic sentiment was well illustrated in the blend of the TMO strings.

Disciplined fugal playing had great direction in the Mendelssohn excerpt. The addition of Helen Boyd’s harp to the concert and string texture helped make the sheer beauty and communication of the Mahler one of the finest moments of a fine night.

The Metropolitan Orchestra Met Series Three was performed at the Independent Theatre, North Sydney on Saturday August 31.

The fourth and final concert of the 2013 Met Season on November 2 is not to be missed. It celebrates the fifth anniversary of this orchestra with the fifth symphonies of Beethoven and Tchaikovsky and will be performed at the Eugene Goosens Centre.