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Listen to the full interview below

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Amnplify had the pleasure of sitting down with the extraordinary Sarah-Grace Williams (SG to those of us who know her well) to talk about her incredible journey as a conductor, her creative process, and the unique challenges of blending live music with iconic film scores. Here’s a glimpse into the world of one of Australia’s leading maestros.

Dave Bruce (DB): SG, it’s always a joy catching up with you. We’ve known each other for ages, but for those who may not be familiar, can you tell us a bit about how you got into conducting? Was it always part of the plan?
Sarah-Grace Williams (SG): It’s definitely been an evolution. I’ve been a musician my whole life. I started with piano, then moved on to clarinet, flute, sax, and cello. I studied performance and composition at university, initially intending to focus on being a performer. During my degree, I started conducting on the side, as it often comes with advanced performance studies. At some point, I realised I didn’t want to just be a performer who conducted occasionally—I wanted conducting to be my main focus.
After finishing my degree, I went to Russia to do my postgraduate studies in conducting. That’s where everything shifted. Spending six to eight hours daily with orchestras during my studies really solidified my passion for this path.

DB: So, conducting started as a side pursuit but quickly became your calling. Did people see your potential early on, or did you discover it as you went?
SG: A bit of both, really. My first conducting experience was taking over the ensembles at my high school after graduating. I thought it would just be fun, but I took to it immediately. Opportunities started coming my way as people noticed my work. Over time, I realised this was something I wanted to pursue seriously. Winning competitions and auditions solidified that decision, and I eventually headed to Siberia to refine my skills further.

DB: Siberia! That’s quite the leap. What was that like?
SG: Looking back, I was probably a bit nuts to move to Siberia at 21 or 22. But, as young people do, I just thought, “Why not?” It was intense but transformative. Those experiences shaped me as a conductor and as a person.

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DB: You’ve had an incredible career so far. Can you walk us through some of the highlights?
SG: After my studies in Russia, I came back to Australia and was accepted into a national conducting program. That led to opportunities with all the major state orchestras here. I became the assistant conductor of Symphony Australia, which was a turning point. In 2009, I founded the Metropolitan Orchestra (TMO), and I’ve served as its Artistic Director ever since. We’ve done over 680 concerts in 16 years, from touring nationally to performing innovative shows weekly.
I’m also the principal conductor of Synthony, a crossover fusion project that combines orchestral music with contemporary electronic beats. That’s taken me worldwide, including a recent performance at the F1 Grand Prix in Las Vegas. It’s been an amazing ride.

DB: That’s phenomenal! Speaking of Synthony, collaboration seems to be a big part of your work. What’s been one of your most memorable collaborative experiences?
SG: Definitely the “Basement Jaxx vs. The Metropolitan Orchestra” tour. We reimagined their music for an orchestral setting, with no tracks or DJing. Their singers performed live, and we toured nationally. It was an epic blend of styles and one of my favorite projects. I love the creative process—taking an idea from brainstorming sessions to a fully realized stage production. That’s where the magic happens.

DB: Let’s talk about your work with live film concerts, like Batman with a live symphony orchestra. What’s that experience like?
SG: It’s incredible! Batman is such an iconic film with an unforgettable score by Danny Elfman. Conducting live to film is challenging but rewarding. Unlike traditional concerts, where the orchestra can take some liberty with phrasing and timing, film concerts require absolute precision. I prepare meticulously, aligning the score with the visual cues and time codes. It’s demanding but so worth it. Watching Jack Nicholson’s Joker in silence as I prepare the score was a revelation—he’s brilliant even without dialogue or music.

DB: You’ve also conducted for Jurassic Park, Love Actually, and The Muppets Christmas Carol. What’s next on your list
SG: In January, I’ll be conducting Jaws, with its iconic score by John Williams. It’s such a legendary film, and I’m thrilled to bring that experience to audiences. The poster alone—with my name alongside Spielberg’s and Williams’—is something I’ll treasure forever.

DB: Last question for now. What’s your elevator pitch for attending a live film concert?
SG: It’s an experience like no other. It’s not just a movie, and it’s not just a concert. It’s the perfect melding of the two worlds, creating something completely unique and unforgettable. You’ll leave the concert hall with a memory that stays with you forever.

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In this next part of the interview, we dive deeper into her journey, philosophies, and the moments that have shaped her musical career and life.

The Role of the Conductor: Dictator or Collaborator?

During our conversation, SG reflected on the evolving role of the conductor. She noted how the old-school “tyrant” approach has given way to a more collaborative style for many in the profession.

“There are definitely those conductors who still operate in that ‘me, me, me’ way,” she said, “but my approach is collaborative. It’s about respecting the incredible expertise of the musicians before you and listening to the artistry they bring. That’s how you achieve the best results.”

It’s this collaborative mindset that has made SG such a respected figure in the classical music world. She draws on the collective talent of her orchestra, embracing unexpected interpretations and melding them into something even greater.

Dream Performances and Artistic Inspirations

When asked which artist she’d choose to perform with, alive or dead, SG didn’t hesitate. “Michael Jackson,” she declared. “He’s the one I feel I missed out on in life. I lived through his entire career and just wanted to experience it all—his energy, his brilliance.”

She spoke of learning the choreography to Thriller as a child and marveled at his artistry. “He was as good as they get, and unfortunately, people tried to tear him down because of it. He didn’t have a childhood, and he spent his life trying to reclaim it. I think that was misunderstood.”

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Music, Family, and Life Beyond the Podium

SG also shared personal insights, particularly about her daughter, a budding musician in her own right. “She’s 10, plays violin, piano, clarinet, and sings. She’s my everything,” SG said, beaming with pride.

Despite her daughter’s talents, SG ensures her accomplishments remain her own. “She has my husband’s surname, so when she competes or auditions, no one knows I’m her mum, which is nice. It gives her the space to shine on her own terms.”

Favourite Things: From Albums to Venues

SG’s current favourite album is the live recording of the 2019 Basement Jaxx tour, a project she’s incredibly proud of. “The orchestrations, the performances—it was all flawless,” she said.

When it comes to favourite venues, nothing compares to the Sydney Opera House. “There’s a sense of occasion every time you walk towards it,” she explained. “Now, with its refurbishment, the inside matches the magnificence of the exterior.”

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Closing Thoughts

As our interview wound down, SG’s energy and passion remained infectious. From her love of Paris to her admiration for Santa Claus (yes, she said that!), she shared stories with warmth and humour.

To cap things off, SG generously agreed to sign a t-shirt for a giveaway—a nod to the importance of engaging new audiences in the TikTok age. “Feeling is what it’s all about,” she said. “If you can create a positive impression, even in passing, that can stay with someone.”

Thank you, SG, for an enlightening and entertaining chat. Your talent, humility, and approach to life and music are truly inspiring.

For more on Sarah-Grace Williams, visit www.metorchestra.com.au or follow her on social media. Keep an eye on Amnplify for updates on her upcoming projects!

Stay tuned for more interviews, giveaways, and insights from the world of music on Amnplify – www.amnplify.com.au.

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Listen to the full interview below

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Press Release 6th December 2024 (below) HERE

Sydney set to experience
the 1989 blockbuster
“BATMAN”
on the big screen with
a live symphony orchestra

Enjoy the incredible Warner Bros. Pictures film on screen as a live orchestra plays the Grammy-nominated original score.

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AMNPLIFY – DB