Robert Paul Sullivan (Conductor)
Marilynn Mair (Artistic Director)
Ralph Costanza (Managing Director)
Formed in 1986
Currently available for performances and recordings
For concert information email email hidden; JavaScript is required
The American Mandolin & Guitar Orchestra originated at the first American Mandolin & Guitar Summer School session in 1986. Originally it existed only as part of AMGuSS, but soon the group began to meet and perform concerts independent of the summer school. Since the summer school has morphed into the “Suitcase Seminars” the orchestra has become more of a year-long ensemble. The group usually ranges from 25 players to nearly 50, depending on the availability of members and the geographic location of the concert.
Players come from the whole of North America — Los Angeles to Calgary, Alabama to Vermont, and many places in between, but the core group is located in New England and New York. Repertoire for AMGO comes from a wide variety of sources, and music for the orchestra’s concerts ranges from the Italian Baroque to the American 20th century. A recent concert included a Baroque concerto by Evaristo dall’Abaco, two pieces by Brazilian choro master Jacob do Bandolim, a concerto by contemporary Australian composer Ann Carr Boyd, entitled “Music for an Imaginary Italian Film,” music from Italy and Germany, and a piece from the American mandolin orchestra repertoire of the 1930’s.
To join the American Mandolin & Guitar Orchestra, players must first participate in an AMGuSS session, as either a student or a guest artist. All past AMGuSS participants will be considered for membership, but must be able to play their parts with sufficient fluency to pass muster with their section leader.
Read a background article on AMGO written for Mandolin Magazine.
Anyone interested in more information on the American Mandolin & Guitar Orchestra or the American Mandolin & Guitar Summer School should email AMGuSS or write to:
Ralph Costanza, Registrar
The American Mandolin & Guitar Suitcase Seminars
248 Broadlake Road
Colchester, VT 05446
