BAMC Centennial Concerts ~ Stoughton Opera House 2007

In 2005, Mike Marshall contacted the MMO regarding his interest in a commission to compose a concerto for mandolin orchestra. After Mike had so graciously performed with our ensemble for our 95th and 100th anniversaries, and since we are generally in awe of his skills as a musician, the Orchestra was eager to put its support behind Mike's project.

The MMO had performed at the Stoughton Opera House several years earlier and they asked us to present another concert in November of 2007. Mike informed the Orchestra that his concerto was ready to go at a time when we were able to include Mike and his Concerto in our Stoughton program.

In order to take advantage of a unique opportunity, the MMO decided to present a second concert with Mike's "Concerto for Mandolin and Mando-cello, with mandolin orchestra" at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. The concert included the Concerto, several solo pieces by Mike on mandolin and mando-cello, Mischa Litvin's solos on Domra, and a well-rounded program of MMO classics. The program also offered some pieces showcasing vocalist Rick Kieffer who had recently been involved in our "Unplugged Since 1900" recording project.

The Stoughton Opera House is located in Stoughton, Wisconsin, a small town south of Madison. The Opera House is a beautifully restored hall that was built within the town's City Hall in 1903. Because of its historic charm and the reception that the Orchestra gets from its audiences, we are always eager to play there.

Stoughton

This concert had two directors. Earlier in the year, Paul Ruppa had decided to pass the baton to his assistant, Linda Binder. The decision was made to have Linda direct the new tunes and the concerto, while Paul directed the Mandolin Orchestra Era pieces. Shown in this photo are: Paul, Linda, Mischa, d'Andre Willis, Bill Rickards, Tom Gaudynski, Bruce O'Neill (on mando-bass), Ryan Hanley, Damon Bourne, Dave Moynihan, Ewald Timm, Jeff Binder, Shirlee Henningsen, and Frank Ullenberg.

d'Andre on the Vega mando-cello and Bill on the David Cohen

Tom Gaudynski and Ryan Hanley playing tenor mandola and Damon Bourne on second mandolin

Bruce O'Neill on the H F Meyer mando-bass with guitarists Ewald Timm and Jeff Binder

After the Stoughton concert. Mike, Mischa, Paul, Linda, and d' chat and savor the experience of a great musical event

Milwaukee

The Orchestra is seated here at the UW-Milwaukee Fine Arts Recital Hall. Barely visible in this picture are guitarist Rene Izquierdo and drummer, Scott Ziemba. Scott has played in several concerts with the Mandolin Orchestra and has a prominent part on our "Unplugged Since 1900" recording. Rene is a brilliant classical guitarist who first played with the MMO in a 2006 concert that featured Carlo Aonzo.

Mike addresses the audience at the UW-Milwaukee Fine Arts Recital Hall. This introduction preceded only the second performance of Mike Marshall's "Concerto" with the MMO in its originally conceived setting. The Orchestra debuted the piece in Stoughton on the previous night. The World Premier of the "Concerto," in an unfinished form, was presented at a high school string players' workshop in May of 2009 at Raliegh, North Carolina.

Linda and Mike lavish in the sweet fragrance of an Orchestra-sized bowl of paella at the after party

After the food was consumed, Linda, Rene Izquierdo, Bill Rickards, and Mike ran through a bunch of choro music, much to the delight of the players and all who attended the party. A sumptuous meal with good friends and the impromptu concert at the after-party were an excellent addition to a remarkable weekend