The Mandolin Orchestra of Niagara
Latest News
The Mandolin Orchestra is honoured to be finalists for the Niagara Music Awards World Group of the Year. This is the third consecutive year that the group has been selected as finalists. Awards will be held Tues, June 15 at the Niagara Regional Exhibition Grounds.
The MOON's newest CD, "Mandolin Memories", is now available.
The orchestra was pleased to return to Roselawn Theatre in Port Colborne for a spring concert. The concert featured love songs and some favourites from the CD, as well as guest performances by Amanda Falcione and McPherson's Rant.
The Annual Fall Concert will take place on Wed, Dec 1 at Bethany Church in St. Catharines. The theme this year will be "Something for Everyone", an exploration of various genres of music with the unique sound of the mandolin and supporting instruments.
Frank Addario, who has been acting as Business Manager for several years, is stepping down frrom this role, though he will continue to play in the orchestra. We would like to thank Frank for his contribution, and to welcome our new Business Manager, Joel Press. Joel has an extensive background in music promotion and looks forward to being contacted by email or by telephone at (905) 468-9192.
2009 Season
The orchestra performed a benefit concert for the earthquake victims of Italy on Sunday, September 27. This concert was held at Casa Dante, to a full house. All proceeds from the event were donated to the Italian Earthquake Fund.
The annual fall concert, the "World of Love", was well received at Bethany Church on Wed, Nov 18, with enthusiastic audience participation.
About the MOON
International favourites, North American tunes, Broadway hits, Celtic music, Pops, light classics - the Mandolin Orchestra of Niagara (MOON) does it all! Under the direction of Sylvia Hlywka Brabson, this group of musicians presents a wide range of music sure to delight any audience. The orchestra, originally founded in the Ukrainian culture, has evolved into a modern mandolin orchestra capable of providing music to suit any mood or occasion. Although the mandolin and mandolin family instruments are the backbone of the group, an eclectic mixture of other instruments are utilized to compliment the mood and enhance the performances. The orchestra is frequently accompanied by the men's and women's choirs and talented guest artists.
The orchestra and choirs have
entertained audiences on both sides of the border. Past highlights include a Beatles
Concert at Lancaster Opera House in Lancaster, New York;
a guest performance with the Niagara Symphony; a Ukrainian Show at the Niagara Concert
Series in Niagara Falls, Ontario; and combined concerts with the Niagara Regional Police
Men's Choir, Sweet Harmony, the Robert Wood Singers, and BroadBand.