2016
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2016 SEASON TMO will excite, entice and enchant audiences in 2016 with a range of new initiatives enhancing their highly regarded concert season. The flagship MET CONCERT series will explore some of the greatest symphonic repertoire including symphonies of Shostakovich, Schubert, Mendelssohn and Beethoven; Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto (Benjamin Kopp) and Beethoven’s Violin Concerto (Glenn Christensen) alongside exhilarating world premieres and works by Australian composers Elena Kats-Chernin, Daniel Rojas, Mark Grandison and Sean O’Boyle. Other highlights in TMO’s 2016 season include a new MAJESTIC CONCERT series at the iconic Hydro Majestic in the Blue Mountains, new music commissioned for their popular family CUSHION CONCERT series with an increased number of performances plus the launch of their innovative Composer Development Program. SPECIAL EVENTS include the return of The Cellists of TMO, TMO’s first interstate tour and appearing for the third year as resident orchestra aboard Bravo! Cruise of the Performing Arts, sailing the South Pacific with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Cheryl Barker, Greta Bradman, David Hobson, Marina Prior, Simon Tedeschi, The Idea of North, Jonathon Welch, Rachael Beck and TMO patron Guy Noble.
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EXPLORE ABOUT TMO ................................................................................................................... 1 MESSAGES ...................................................................................................................... 3 MET CONCERTS (Presented by Cruiseco)........................................................................ 5 CUSHION CONCERTS (Presented by Leichhardt Council)............................................... 11 MAJESTIC CONCERTS (Presented by Escarpment Group) . ............................................ 15 SPECIAL EVENTS............................................................................................................. 19 OUR TEAM ..................................................................................................................... 23 OUR SPONSORS ........................................................................................................... 25 HELP TMO . ................................................................................................................... 26 TICKET INFORMATION ................................................................................................... 27 2016 SEASON AT A GLANCE . ......................................................................................... 28 3
About TMO Under the baton of Founding Artistic Director & Chief Conductor Sarah-Grace Williams, The Metropolitan Orchestra (TMO) comprises Sydney’s most dynamic musicians and is recognised as one of the country’s most versatile orchestras delivering accessible, first-class and vibrant concert experiences. The orchestra’s sparkling seven year history includes a star-studded array of highlight concert events including performances with internationally renowned musicians Sumi Jo (Sydney Opera House), David Helfgott (City Recital Hall, Angel Place), Elaine Paige (State Theatre), John Farnham with Olivia Newton-John (Sydney Entertainment Centre and Tempus Two Winery), James Morrison (Sydney Opera House and The Concourse), Kate Ceberano (Sydney Opera House); special events such as BBC’s Blue Planet and Planet Earth in Concert (Sydney Opera House), Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular (Sydney Opera House and Sydney Entertainment Centre), Opera in the Vineyards (Wyndham Estate, Hunter Valley), the National Rugby League (NRL) Grand Final where the orchestra performed in front of a live and televised audience of millions, and sailing the high seas through the South Pacific as resident orchestra aboard the Bravo! Cruise of the Performing Arts. 1
Boasting a rigorous work ethic and commitment to exceptional quality of performance, TMO has performed with many renowned artists in concert and/or on album recordings including Conductors Richard Gill, George Fenton, Brian Castles-Onion, Ben Foster and Guy Noble; Singers Yvonne Kenny, Elaine Paige, Anthony Warlow, Marina Prior, Cheryl Barker, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Antoinette Halloran, Emma Pask, David Hobson, Nicole Car, Rosario La Spina, Anna Leese, Belinda Montgomery, Alexander Knight, Daniel BonicGoodwin, Barry Ryan, Anke Höppner, Christopher Hillier, Teresa La Rocca, Stuart Maunder, Meredith O’Reilly, Richard Anderson, Sian Pendry, Samuel Dundas, Daniel Belle, David Hooley, Tommy Fleming, Suzanne Johnston, Judi Connelli, Mark Vincent and Renae Martin; Instrumentalists Simon Tedeschi, Claire Edwardes, Jane Rutter, the Grigoryan Brothers, Bruce Mathiske, Shefali Pryor, Frank Celata, Emma-Jane Murphy, Patrick Murphy, Ambre Hammond, Kirsten Williams, Nicholas Russoniello, Anna Da Silva Chen, Bernard Walz, Lisa Stewart and the Lyrebird Trio; Actors Alex Kingston, Mark Williams and Tyran Parke; Vocal Ensembles Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Sydney Chamber Choir, Figaro and members of Opera Australia and Children’s Entertainers Lah-Lah and Buzz.
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MESSAGES Sarah-Grace Williams, Artistic Director & Chief Conductor It is with great pride that I welcome you to our 2016 season. Reflecting on the past seven years and the 100 plus performances behind us, I am so very excited about where we have come from and where we are headed. TMO has gone from strength to strength artistically, mirrored by full houses and acclaimed reviews. 2016 is another year of growth and initiative. I am thrilled to be launching our composer development and outreach programs as well as leading TMO on its first interstate tour. Dedicated to creating outstanding concert experiences for performers and audiences alike, 2016 is packed with exhilarating repertoire, beautiful venues, outstanding soloists, world premieres and exclusive experiences that really offer something for all people. Whether you are one of our many committed patrons or someone that is discovering TMO for the first time, I look forward to welcoming you in 2016.
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Bevan Rigato, General Manager TMO’s unique blend of accessible first-class orchestral concert performances delivered by vibrant musicians, coupled with professional development and performance opportunities for outstanding Australian talent has seen us enjoy fantastic growth in both performance and audience numbers since 2009. In 2015 we welcomed Cruiseco as our Met Series presenting partner. This ground breaking relationship forms the basis of our growth into 2016 to inspire other forward thinking organisations to join in our journey of breaking down the barriers that hinder this wonderful art form in Sydney. We look forward to announcing each new partnership as it comes along, while sharing our brilliant 2016 season with you.
Guy Noble, Patron Welcome to another year of great music making with TMO. The orchestra goes from strength to strength, and each year develops more of its own musical personality under the baton of Sarah-Grace Williams. TMO concerts are a bit like visiting Dubbo zoo, you have a chance to get up close with the musical animals, thrill to the sound of players in their natural environment without the barriers of extreme formality. From lush violins to the plaintive call of the oboe, startling trumpets to the deep rumble of the double bass, the sound of an orchestra can be as thrilling as a lion’s roar. Come sample some of the amazing concerts on offer and join in the fun of TMO 2016.
Hon. Troy Grant MP, NSW Deputy Premier & Minister of the Arts The Metropolitan Orchestra is back with another exceptional program for 2016, once again thank you for supporting this group of fine musicians. It is an exciting time for arts and culture in NSW and The Metropolitan Orchestra is playing its role in making sure people from right across the State experience that excitement. Music is universally enjoyed so in 2016 I encourage regulars to The Metropolitan Orchestra to bring along someone who has never been before so we can share the great experience. Everyone at The Metropolitan Orchestra works so hard to produce and perform their world class repertoire and I want to wish all involved every success in 2016.
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Met Concerts
Presented by Cruiseco
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MET CONCERT #1
The Serenades ROJAS DVORAK TCHAIKOVSKY
Little Serenade for Strings String Serenade String Serenade
Conductor:
Sarah-Grace Williams
Saturday 20 February, 8pm Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Centre The sumptuous pairing of Dvorak’s and Tchaikovsky’s string masterpieces filled with purity, beauty and passion will lift the spirit. Composed only five years apart and written at positive times in each of the composers’ lives, these joyful and evocative serenades are complimented by Rojas’ fresh and vivacious work, rounding out this sublime musical evening.
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MET CONCERT #2
The Russian TCHAIKOVSKY SHOSTAKOVICH
Piano Concerto no 1 Symphony no 10
Conductor: Piano:
Sarah-Grace Williams Benjamin Kopp (Streeton Trio)
Saturday 16 April, 8pm Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Centre Streeton Trio’s pianist Benjamin Kopp has performed as soloist with the Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Western Australian Symphony Orchestras. Tonight he will expose the Russian within as he performs Tchaikovsky’s popular and potent piano concerto. This all-Russian evening concludes with Shostakovich’s enormous tenth symphony evoking emotions of tragedy, despair, terror and violence with a final fleeting moment of triumph. Join TMO on this Russian musical rollercoaster.
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MET CONCERT #3
The Italian
O’BOYLE Rhapsody on a theme of Mendelssohn World Premiere STRAUSS Horn Concerto no 1 BEETHOVEN Coriolan Overture MENDELSSOHN Symphony no 4 Italian Conductor: Horn:
Sarah-Grace Williams Michael Wray (Principal Horn, TMO)
Saturday 11 June, 8pm Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Centre Opening with a world premiere by Australian Composer Sean O’Boyle based on a theme of Mendelssohn, we then move to one of the most demanding solo works written for the French Horn, Strauss’ Horn Concerto no 1 with TMO’s own Michael Wray as soloist. Beethoven’s arousing Coriolan Overture and Mendelssohn’s Symphony no 4 nurture the cozy Italian atmosphere in this evening devoted to the colours of Europe.
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MET CONCERT #4
The Great BEETHOVEN SCHUBERT
Violin Concerto Symphony no 9 The Great
Conductor: Violin:
Sarah-Grace Williams Glenn Christensen (Australian Chamber Orchestra)
Saturday 20 August, 8pm Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Centre Joining TMO for the second time and now a full-time member with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Glenn Christensen exposes his profound passion and flair as soloist in Beethoven’s most famous and unsurpassed Violin Concerto. Followed by Schubert’s majestically soaring Symphony No 9, also known as The Great, this will be a colossal musical voyage worth joining.
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MET CONCERT #5
The Inspired MENDELSSOHN A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Overture KATS-CHERNIN Ornamental Air (for Basset Clarinet and Orchestra) BEETHOVEN Symphony no 7 Conductor: Basset Clarinet:
Sarah-Grace Williams Andrew Doyle (Principal Clarinet, TMO)
Saturday 12 November, 8pm Eugene Goossens Hall, ABC Centre Tonight’s program is full of inspiration - Mendelssohn inspired by Shakespeare, Kats-Chernin inspired by Mozart and Beethoven inspiring the world. Following Mendelssohn’s evocative concert overture, Kats-Chernin’s Ornamental Air performed by TMO’s Andrew Doyle exhibits the exceptional range of the instrument in this virtuosic, lyrical piece. Beethoven’s magnificent Symphony no 7 will leave the audience enthused, ecstatic and inspired.
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Cushion Concerts
Presented by Leichhardt Council
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CUSHION CONCERT #1
Fun at the Orchestra Narrated by Tyran Parke
Saturday 19 March, 11am & 1pm Sunday 20 March, 11am & 1pm Balmain Town Hall Presented by acclaimed actor Tyran Parke (seen in Sydney Opera House Babies Proms), this entertaining concert is tailored for little minds to discover and explore the orchestra through exhilarating music that showcases each of the instruments. Join TMO for this playful, informative and interactive introduction to the orchestra that will captivate and inspire young audiences to start their musical journey of a lifetime.
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CUSHION CONCERT #2
Peter and the Wolf Narrated by Tyran Parke
Saturday 24 September, 11am & 1pm Sunday 25 September, 11am & 1pm Balmain Town Hall Arguably the most popular children’s work in the classical orchestral repertoire and now an annual event on the TMO concert calendar, Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf will enchant, entertain and educate young audiences. Presented by Tyran Parke, every child will have the unique opportunity to get up close to the instruments of the orchestra. Watch your little one fall in love with the orchestra.
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Don’t forget your cushion! 14
Majestic Concerts
Presented by Escarpment Group
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MAJESTIC CONCERT #1
Cocktails &Serenades ROJAS DVORAK TCHAIKOVSKY
Little Serenade for Strings String Serenade String Serenade
Conductor:
Sarah-Grace Williams
Saturday 12 March, 7pm Hydro Majestic, Blue Mountains New in 2016, the Majestic Concert series offers an exclusive experience for those wanting to indulge a little. Repeating programs from our flagship Met Concert series at the iconic Hydro Majestic (Blue Mountains) each of these three concerts will be combined with lavish cocktail and dining packages. Majestic Concert #1 will be set in the stunning ballroom with an evening cocktail package.
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MAJESTIC CONCERT #2
Winter Ball O’BOYLE STRAUSS BEETHOVEN MENDELSSOHN
Rhapsody on a theme of Mendelssohn Horn Concerto no 1 Coriolan Overture Symphony no 4 Italian
Conductor: Horn:
Sarah-Grace Williams Michael Wray
Saturday 18 June, 7pm Hydro Majestic, Blue Mountains Join in the fun and excitement of the official launch to the 2016 Blue Mountains winter season with a 3-course dinner package and concert. This classical, formal dining experience will be held in the grand ballroom and Hargraves Garden of the Hydro Majestic.
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MAJESTIC CONCERT #3
Symphony Under the Stars MENDELSSOHN KATS-CHERNIN BEETHOVEN
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Overture Ornamental Air (for Basset Clarinet and Orchestra) Symphony no 7
Conductor: Clarinet:
Sarah-Grace Williams Andrew Doyle
Saturday 19 November, 7pm Hydro Majestic, Blue Mountains The final Majestic Concert of the year will be a concert experience like no other, taking advantage of the beautiful summer evenings and the exquisite location of Hargraves Garden adjacent to the grand Ballroom at the Hydro Majestic. Marvel at the picturesque views of the Megalong Valley and enjoy a sultry evening of canapĂŠs and cocktails followed by a 2-course dinner.
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SPECIAL EVENT The Cellists of TMO Sunday 22 May, 3pm Leichhardt Town Hall Join the Cellists of TMO for an afternoon of great music with something for everyone. Presented as part of Leichhardt Council’s Site and Sound Festival, the audience will be dazzled with music from Piazzolla to Ravel, Purcell to Byrd, Mancini to Apocalyptica! The icing on this program will be the world premiere of a work written especially for The Cellists of TMO by Australian composer Mark Grandison! Don’t miss this very special chance to experience these amazing, passionate cellists up close and personal. Seating is very limited so book your tickets now!
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SPECIAL EVENT
The Cellists of TMO Sunday 22 May, 3pm Leichhardt Town Hall Back by popular demand, The Cellists of TMO will once again dazzle the audience with music from Piazzolla, Ravel, Purcell, Byrd, Mancini, Apocalyptica and more! Presented as part of Leichhardt Council’s Site and Sound Arts festival, the highlight of this entertaining program will be the world premiere of a work written especially for The Cellists of TMO by Australian composer Mark Grandison. Don’t miss this very special chance to experience these amazing, passionate cellists up close.
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SPECIAL EVENT
Bravo! Cruise of the Performing Arts 17 - 24 October Sailing from Sydney to the South Pacific Set sail for seven nights with TMO aboard the luxurious Radiance of the Seas as they return for the third 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 allconsuming musical experience. Led by TMO Patron Guy Noble, performers appearing with TMO include Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, David Hobson, Greta Bradman, Cheryl Barker, Marina Prior, Peter Coleman-Wright, Jonathon Welch, Simon Tedeschi, The Idea of North, Richard Fidler, Rachael Beck and many more. Presented by Choose Your Cruise.
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SPECIAL EVENT
A Feast for the Senses Saturday 29 October, 7pm Skillogalee Winery, Clare Valley, South Australia Immerse yourself in an evening of perfectly matched food, wine and music. Under the direction of The Metropolitan Orchestra’s Artistic Director & Chief Conductor Sarah-Grace Williams, Principal Players of TMO and international jazz sensation Josh Kyle present a Musical Menu from intimate chamber music to sophisticated jazz, paired with the perfect food and wine companions. Held in the stunning grounds of the award-winning boutique winery Skillogalee in the Clare Valley, with food prepared by head chef Nicola Palmer and matched wine selected by headwine maker Dave Palmer, this will be an elegant, culinary musical event that will stun the senses. Presented by Skillogalee Winery. 22
OUR TEAM
MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS Artistic Director & Chief Conductor: General Manager: Patron: Financial Controller: Chief Music Librarian: Assistant to Artistic Director: Stage & Orchestra Coordinator: Operations Coordinator: Assistant Conductor: Assistant Music Librarian: Program Notes:
Sarah-Grace Williams Bevan Rigato Guy Noble Bernard Walz Svetlana Yaroslavskaya Nataliya Lukich Sharika Toth Sean Moloney Luke Spicer Kathryn Ramsay Andrew Doyle
General Committee: Alisha Coward, Andrew Doyle, Sarajane Kirkaldy-Hansen, Jacinta Mikus, Murray Parker, Laura Piplica, Mar’yana Sywak, Mark Szeto Advisory Panel: Robert Orrell, Rachael McVean, Tim Kennedy, Mark Gardiner 23
MUSICIANS Concertmasters: Dominique Guerbois, Thomas Talmacs Violins: Lindsay Irik*, Nataliya Lukich#, Anthea Hetherington#, Angela Cassar, Jane Stanley, Jackie McCaughan, Alexis Adjuk, Jessica Love, Sarah Anthony, Lidia Bara, Kathryn Krugell, Nan Heo, Catrina Hughes, Caroline Kelly, Emlyn Lewis-Jones, Mariangela Martinez, Dominic Meagher, Christina Mills, Katrina Papallo, Heloise Meisel, Elisabetta Sonego, Ela Stopa-Zbikowska, Mar’yana Sywak, Isabel Taussig Talmacs, Carol Tang, Ian Watson, Gulia Bayjan, Helena Olofsson, Clare Fulton, Kate Finch, Amanda Hoh, Amy Cohen Viola: Luke Spicer*, Georgina Price*, Mariette Reefman, Julia Doukakis, Daniel Williams, Lucy Carrigy-Ryan, Elizabeth D’Olier, Josephine Lumanau, Lucy Macken, Laura Piplica, Annabel Pope, Irina Andreeva, Kathryn Ramsay, Viktoria Vukovich, Monique Mezzatesta Cello: John Benz*, Steve Meyer#, Caroline Hobbs#, Ezmi Pepper#, Clare Kahn, Sally Schinckel-Brown, Emily Palethorpe, Julienne Guerbois, Jessica Quarmby, Nazli Sendurgut, George Yang Bass: Nicole Murray-Prior*, Mark Szeto*, Jessica Holmes, James Zhang, Jonathan Gamra, Isabella Brown, John Ockwell Flute: Svetlana Yaroslavskaya*, Jacinta Mikus, Lucie Benz Oboe: Rie Tamaru*, Matthew Bubb*, Alex Fontaine, Zoe Sitsky, Madison Hallworth Clarinet: Andrew Doyle*, Alisha Coward#, Evan Guy, John Mete Bassoon: Anthony Grimm*, Sarajane Kirkaldy-Hansen*, Peta Goh Horn: Julia Zeltzer*, Michael Wray*, Tina Brain, Adrian Hallam, Gemma Lawton, Neil O’Donnell Trumpet: Ray Cassar*, Jenna Smith*, Emma Bolton, Alfie Carslake, Jessica Kesby Trombone: Jacob Shaw*, Mark Brown, Darcy Shevlin Tuba: Scott Francombe*, Matthew Reichhardt Timpani: Murray Parker* Percussion: Philip South*, Chiron Meller*, Helen Parker, Damian Pigot, Anita Cook Harp: Owen Torr* Piano: Bernard Walz*, Bev Kennedy Celeste: Josephine Allen * Principal Player # Associate Principal Player
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OUR SPONSORS Presenting Partner
Outreach Sponsor
Concerto Sponsor
Overture Sponsors
TMO Location Shots in this brochure by Shane Rozario 25
Help TMO Sponsor Us
Since 2009 we’ve proven our ability to make high quality orchestral music easier to enjoy around Sydney. Our mission to inspire a love and enjoyment of classical music in more people continues, backed by our passionate and dedicated team with a steadfast plan. 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. 4. Edutainment: (Education/Entertainment) Bring TMO touring professionals into schools to give insight on musicianship and performance. 5. Regional: Find ways to present quality classical music to regional centres. 6. Indigenous: Engage young indigenous performers and classical music professionals. Personal Support Philanthropic support is fundamental to both our ability to continue delivering on our mission, and to our very survival. We thank you immeasurably. Donations over $2.00 are fully tax deductible. Corporate Sponsorship & Support Corporate sponsorships are tailored to suit each supporting business to include a wide range of exclusive benefits, opportunities and exposure. Give your high-Âperforming staff and important clients the gift of a premium live musical experience that their entire family will enjoy. For more support information, visit our website or contact our General Manager on 02 8004 3472. 26
2016 Subscription Packages and Single Tickets
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 27
2016 Season at a Glance Saturday 20 February
Met Concert # 1
The Serenades
Saturday 12 March
Majestic Concert #1
Cocktails and Serenades
Saturday 19 March
Cushion Concert #1
Fun at the Orchestra
Sunday 20 March
Cushion Concert #1
Fun at the Orchestra
Saturday 16 April
Met Concert #2
The Russian
Sunday 22 May
Special Event
The Cellists of TMO
Saturday 11 June
Met Concert #3
The Italian
Saturday 18 June
Majestic Concert #2
Winter Ball
Saturday 20 August
Met Concert #4
The Great
Saturday 24 September
Cushion Concert #2
Peter and the Wolf
Saturday 25 September
Cushion Concert #2
Peter and the Wolf
17-24 October
Special Event Bravo! Cruise of the Performing Arts
Saturday 29 October
Special Event
A Feast for the Senses
Saturday 12 November
Met Concert #5
The Inspired
Saturday 19 November
Majestic Concert #3
Symphony under the Stars
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. 28
www.metorchestra.com.au PO BOX 625 BALMAIN NSW 2041 EMAIL: info@metorchestra. com.au PH: 02 8007
www.metorchestra.com.au PO BOX 625 BALMAIN NSW 2041 EMAIL: info@metorchestra.com.au PH: 02 8004 3472 32