About the Winnipeg Mandolin Orchestra
The Winnipeg Mandolin Orchestra was formed in 1920. It is the oldest mandolin orchestra in Canada, and the second oldest in North America. At its inception, the orchestra consisted of thirteen girls performing Ukrainian music. Their first performance was in February 1921.
In the beginning, the only instrument played was the mandolin. As time passed other members of the mandolin family were added: mandola, mandocello, and mandobass. In addition to that, we now have viola, violincello, and bass from the string family, and wind instruments: flute, oboe, and clarinet. Accordion and guitar are present as well.
Our repertoire has broadened from the orchestra’s early days. As well as Ukrainian music, we now play an eclectic mix of music from various countries and contemporary music including movie and television themes.
The home base of the Winnipeg Mandolin Orchestra is the historic Ukrainian Labour Temple in Winnipeg’s north end.
Conductor: Viacheslav Prysiazhniuk
bio to come
