|
Concordia |
The Concordia Mandolin & Guitar Ensemble was formed in
1978 and now consists of around 20 members, many are professional,
who play mandolins, mandolas, guitars and double bass. One member also plays
piano accordion.
The orchestra’s first conductor was guitarist John
Griffiths, now Professor of Music at the University of Melbourne.
The second conductor was Frank Mazzitelli, whose eight
years included the orchestras concert tour of Italy in 1984.
The ensemble plays classical, contemporary and popular
music and is often joined by professional soloists playing woodwind, strings and
vocals. Concordia performs regularly in Melbourne and country Victoria. The
group is versatile and experienced – and has successfully performed in many
diverse venues such as wineries, garden nurseries and historic homesteads as
well as the National Gallery of Victoria. Leading Arts Councils employ their
services. In previous years Concordia performed for the City of Knox and
the Shire of Glenelg.
Basil Hawkins has been the musical director
and conductor since 1989. He is a well known pianist,
conductor of light opera and adjudicator. He studied in India under a
scholarship to the Calcutta School of Music. On coming to Melbourne he obtained
degrees in teaching and performance at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.
Basil arranges much of the ensemble’s music.
Concordia has released three CDs so far. The first, “Salut D’Amour” was released in December 1996, the second entitled "The Eclectic Collection" was launched in December 1998 and the third album entitled "Forgotten Dreams" was released by Move Records in 2002.
Click the links below for sound clips::
'Valse
Espagnole' (10 sec sample)
'Valse Espagnole'
(47 sec sample)
'Salut D'Amour'
(27
sec sample)
ACTIVITIES
For further information on Concordia and their activities,
please