The Canberra Mandolin Orchestra

Welcome to the Canberra Mandolin Orchestra! Formed in 2003, the CMO brings together players of mandolin, mandola, mandocello, guitar and bass. It keeps alive the rich tradition of the mandolin groups that emerged in the first couple of decades of the 20th century. The CMO's repertoire includes original Australian compositions, ritzy tunes from the... dawn of the jazz age, light classics, film themes, world folk music and popular tunes. The orchestra meets every Monday evening at the Hellenic Club in Moore St, Civic. New players are always welcome and we provide tuition at the same venue each Monday (see under "Rehearsals"). We can also provide instrument loans for beginners. We're finalizing plans for more interesting and entertaining concerts. We're also working on our first CD which will be released later in the year. Watch the video below to hear some fragments from a recent rehearsal and see some candid snaps of us at work! During the period of stringent COVID-19 restrictions we at first did not do face-to-face rehearsals and later moved to an arrangement of the orchestra and beginners' classes being on different days, at different times, to accommodate the early closing time of our venue the Hellenic Club of Canberra in the City. Now we have decided that it is time to bring these two weekly events back together, and so from next Monday our beginners' classes are at 17:30 and the orchestra rehearsal will be 19:00-21:00 on Mondays also. Beginner sessions are being held. New players welcome at any level. Call our student coordinator at 6231 5974 Our rehearsals are conducted at the Hellenic Club and we are there consistent with their Covid-19 Management Plan. Our responsibility is to maintain safe social distancing while we are setting up and rehearsing. Members are also reminded to comply with the Club's requirements including signing in. During this period we have foregone our practice of member-supplied supper as an additional measure to reduce our risk. Members are of course requested to STAY AWAY if they ...Read More