International Music Festival
Our orchestra was invited to perform at the prestigious International Music Festival, where we presented a program of Italian baroque works and contemporary compositions, representing the rich tradition of mandolin music on the world stage.
Festival Context
The International Music Festival is a prestigious annual event featuring the world's finest chamber ensembles and soloists.
Only 15 ensembles worldwide were selected through a rigorous audition process from over 200 applications.
The festival promotes cultural exchange and showcases diverse musical traditions from around the globe.
Performance Highlights
Invited as the only mandolin orchestra among 15 international ensembles at this prestigious festival.
Premiered Marco Beasley's 'Mandolin Rhapsody', commissioned specifically for the festival.
Received standing ovations and rave reviews from international music critics.
Concert Program
Raffaele Calace
Featuring Maria Rossi, mandolin
The masterwork of mandolin literature, showcasing the instrument's full expressive and technical range.
Giovanni Battista Gervasio
Featuring Elena Martinez, mandolin
An elegant 18th-century sonata highlighting the mandolin's classical heritage.
Traditional Italian
Arranged by Maestro Alessandro Rossi
A collection of beloved Italian songs including 'O Sole Mio' and 'Funiculi Funicula', arranged for full orchestra.
Vivaldi/Bach
Bach's keyboard transcription of a Vivaldi concerto, returned to its plucked-string origins.
Contemporary Italian
A commissioned work celebrating the mandolin's journey from folk instrument to concert hall.
Program Notes: This all-Italian program was specifically chosen to represent the authentic mandolin tradition at the international festival. The world premiere of Marco Beasley's "Mandolin Rhapsody" was commissioned by the festival to showcase contemporary mandolin composition.
Photo Gallery
The orchestra performing on the main stage of the International Music Festival
Maria Rossi performing the Calace Concerto as featured soloist
The diverse international audience at the Cultural Center Auditorium
Orchestra members at the post-concert reception with festival directors
International Reviews & Press
By Giuseppe Martinelli • November 7, 2024
"The Harmony Mandolin Orchestra was the surprise hit of the festival. Their authentic Italian program and exceptional musicianship earned them the longest ovation of the week."
By Dr. Anna Kowalski • November 6, 2024
"Maria Rossi's performance of the Calace Concerto was absolutely stunning. This is mandolin playing at the highest international level."
By Jean-Pierre Dubois • November 5, 2024
"I came to the festival for the big orchestras, but the mandolin ensemble stole the show. What beautiful, authentic music-making!"
Other Past Performances
March 20, 2025 • Botanical Gardens Pavilion
Our outdoor spring concert celebrated the season of renewal with music from around the world.
View DetailsJanuary 15, 2025 • University Concert Hall
A celebration of classical repertoire arranged for mandolin orchestra, featuring works by Mozart and Beethoven.
View Details