Sydney Mandolins turn 90

By DAVID IVANI

This October, the Sydney Mandolin Orchestra (SMO) will celebrate its 90^th Anniversary with a special concert in the Neilson Room, Walsh Bay – home to the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

The oldest mandolin orchestra in Australia, the SMO has been a proponent of this beautiful historical instrument and associated music since 1932.

‘This concert will showcase the unique expressiveness of mandolins, mandolas, guitars, & double bass  in ensemble format, with works comprising a mosaic of music especially written for mandolin & mandolin orchestras’, said Mark Berlage, the leader of the Mandolin 2 Section.

Highlights of the program are two world premieres:  Remembrance of a Beautiful Soul by Chris Acquavella, which pays homage to English mandolinist Alison Stephens; and A Bridge Across Time, by Dr Stephen Lalor, specially commissioned for the occasion and referencing music across the SMO’s 90-year span.

The concert program will be accompanied by a display of past photos documenting the histories of the SMO and the mandolin instrument and an exhibit of artefacts and antique instruments. It will be followed by a meet-and-greet with the concert’s musicians at a reception afterwards.

Recordings of the SMO performances made during 2021 – 2022 lockdowns will be available to purchase as CDs at the concert venue.

The SMO performs in private and public events across Sydney on a regular basis. Their repertoire ranges from classical, Neapolitan, and folk genres, to the modern, popular, and much more.

Sydney Mandolin Orchestra 90th Anniversary Showcase

October 23, 2:30pm

Neilson Room, Pier 2/3, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct  (home of Australian Chamber Orchestra), 13a Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay

https://www.aco.com.au/whats-on/2022/sydney-mandolin-orchestra-90th-anniversary