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The Mandolin in Illinois at the turn of the 20th Century

November 12, 2016 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

The Western Illinois Museum is pleased to present a program by The Orpheus Mandolin Orchestra from Bloomington, Illinois, on Saturday, November 12, 2016, at 1:00 pm. The program entitled, The Mandolin in Illinois at the turn of the 20th Century, brings together the group’s knowledge of music, the history of the instrument and their talent in playing the mandolin. The hour-long program explores the rise of the popularity of “mandolin orchestras” at the turn of the century and the musical pieces written for these groups. A question and answer session will follow.

The Orpheus Mandolin Orchestra takes its name from one of the early groups formed in Bloomington, Illinois.  The current group was formed in 2003, and is well-known in central Illinois for its repertoire of popular turn-of-the-century songs, ragtime, classical, and jazz, played for the sheer love of making music. Various types of Mandolins, each with a unique sound, are played by the group, contributing to the distinct sound of the orchestra.

A special display of the various types of mandolins will accompany the program and provide visitors with a better understanding of the history and qualities of this instrument.  Highlights include the contributions of Illinois natives such as Gibson’s sound engineer Lloyd Loar, who grew up in Cropsey and later lived in Lewistown, Illinois.

There is a suggested $5 donation at the door.  The museum is located one block south of Macomb’s historic Courthouse Square at 201 South Lafayette Street.  For more information contact the museum at 309.837.2750 or info@wimuseum.org.

Details

Date:
November 12, 2016
Time:
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Organizer

Western Illinois Museum
Phone
309.837.2750

Venue

Western Illinois Museum
201 South Lafayette Street
Macomb, IL 61455 United States
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Phone
309.837.2750
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