The MetSO

Established in 1977 as the Karrinyup Symphony, the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra is one of WA’s oldest and most loved community arts groups.

Home to hundreds of community musicians, the MetSO welcomes people of all ages and from all walks of life. Our four orchestras cater for all levels of string players. Other orchestral musicians are invited to join our Symphony Orchestra subject to vacancies. MetSO’s weekly rehearsals are fun and friendly, with concerts each term plus special events including Children’s Book Week and Christmas concerts, and our premier MetSO Young Artist showcase events. Our activities are designed to be safe, accessible and inclusive. Over the years we have partnered and co-presented events with many community groups, schools and local charities, and performed across metropolitan Perth and regional WA.

The MetSO Young Artist (MYA) Program is a world class initiative giving performance opportunities and global online exposure to young WA musicians. This program has supported musicians who have gone onto successful international careers such as Taryn Fiebig, David Helfgott, Christopher Dragon, and Jessica Gethin. Many MYA alumni have returned to give back to MetSO and to the WA community. This program also supports emerging composers and presents new West Australian works.

MetSO Outreach aims to improve youth access to music, to support music education and to provide volunteering opportunities for the community. The program provides 100 free tickets per concert to local schools and community groups and conducts string instrument classes at Balga SHS. Our volunteers program provides opportunities for students to fulfill community service requirements that can contribute towards high school graduation.

The MetSO was established with the help of GROW Australia, and through our ongoing partnership with Act Belong Commit (Mentally Healthy WA) and the City of Stirling, the Orchestra is committed to promoting mental well-being and to establishing strong vibrant communities through music.

Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra Inc
Committee of Management 2023/24

President : Ann Bray BSc(Math)
Vice President / Concertmaster: Ben Clapton BMus(WAAPA), MTeach (Secondary) MDiv, GradDipTheol, ADPA
Treasurer : Professor Wallace Cowling BAgrSc(Hons) PhD FTSE
Secretary : Jerome Rivalland LLB
Charity Chair / Grants : Dr Ti Wan Porter MBBS (Hons) DCH FRACP
Committee Member : Yonna Sunderland BMusEd (Hons), MA (Arts Management), MBA
Committee Member : Lucie Alexander B.Mus
Committee Member : Nicola Peiris BA (Hons)

Symphony Orchestra | MetSO (AMEB 6+)

Chamber Orchestra | MCO (AMEB 4+)

Intermediate String Orchestra | MISO (AMEB 2-5)
Beginner Strings | Avanti (Prelim - 2)