Mandolin Magic in Matamata

Auckland Mandolinata Orchestra is the only mandolin orchestra in New Zealand.  Members of the orchestra play all instruments of the mandolin family; Mandolins, Mandolas, Mandocello and Mandolon (bass) supported by guitars, accordion, flute and contra bass that blend in a truly magical way. 

The orchestra was formed in 1969 and although the mandolin is well known among folk and country musicians, Mandolinata has a very different way of producing a lovely sound.   The repertoire contains many traditional European melodies from Russia, Greece, Italy, Spain and the Balkans as well as well-known jazz and blues, modern and light classical pieces and Latin American dances with some modern compositions especially for mandolin.