The second season concert for the Metropolitan Orchestra (TMO) at the Independent Theatre, 269 Miller Street, North Sydney, was an exciting blend of new music and classics from the eighteenth century orchestral repertoire.

This enthusiastic audience was wowed by the world premiere of Daniel Rojas’ Chamber Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra.

The atmosphere, emotion, dialogue and sense of caricature needed throughout this imaginative work were warmly realised by the orchestra. Textural variation and creation of the necessary tone colours were beautifully handled.

Virtuosic work at the marimba by the joyous gem of a percussionist Claire Edwards also brought this successful new percussion concerto to life.

TMO framed this premiere with two favourites of the orchestral repertoire. Firstly a string orchestra arrangement of Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and then the  Symphony No.104 -‘The London’ –by Haydn.

The orchestrations of both classics were given freshness by conductor Sarah-Grace Williams’ thorough interpretation and attention to layers of motivic interest across the orchestra.

Tempo choices for the faster movements of both works were extremely vibrant but did work well, with cleanly defined themes. The folk-song inspired finale of the London Symphony dazzled.

TMO offers audiences an alto saxophone concerto, Mozart’s Symphony No.41 and some Mendelssohn for Met Series 3 on August 31 and Sep 1.

As always, it will enrich Sydney’s orchestral concert scene and should not be missed.