Averaging 130 performances a year, the MSO has a loyal following. Their reach is broad: while not afraid to be populist (they’ve done sell-out performances with Burt Bacharach, Neil Sedaka and the Whitlams), they can also do edgy. The Metropolis series premieres new Australian composition and challenging works from international contemporary composers. The well-regarded Melbourne Chorale has joined forces with the orchestra and is now known as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus. The MSO performs regularly at Hamer Hall, but also at other venues around the city, including the Malthouse and St Paul’s Cathedral.