Mandolins make beautiful music

The Aurora Mandolin Orchestra, the largest mandolin orchestra in Northern California, continues to make beautiful music to its many fans in the Bay Area. Founded in 1970 by the late mandolin virtuoso, Gino Pellegrini, the orchestra continues to preserve and perpetuate this musical art form under the direction of his wife, Josephine Pellegrini. Their greatest achievement was their performance at Davies Hall SF Symphony opening night, "Gala d'Italia."

They performed this past Labor Day weekend at the Belmont Greek Festival's 40th Anniversary presenting a program, "Cruising the Mediterranean," which included music from Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Russia, and a finale of "Stars & Stripes Forever" with solo flute and piccolo. The program also included soprano Maria Fassio Pignati (State President of the Order Sons of Italy in America) who adorned the program with classic Italian ballads, "Non ti scordar di me" and "Chitarra Romana."

Aurora Mandolin Orchestra was very fortunate to also have accordionist Ron Borelli join them in this performance. The orchestra consists of over 35 members, including many professional musicians, who play mandolin, mandola, mandocello, guitar, bass, flute and accordion. They recently played for the Sons of Italy Convention to over 300 attendees who were overwhelmed by their music and performance. Upcoming concerts include: Saturday, Sept. 25th, 2010 at 11 am to 12:30 pm - Aurora Mandolins will kick off the festivities for SF Italian Athletic Club Festa Coloniale, 1630 Stockton Street, San Francisco - www.sfiac.org/festa.html

Friday, Oct. 8, 2010 Dinner/ Concert at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Avenue, Redwood City - 6pmto9pm Enjoyawon- derful dinner followed by a very special concert in the Little Theatre. The music will take you through the canals of Venice and the hills of Tuscany with some wonderful surprises. A smaller group called the Aurora Mandolin Ensemble, ranging from 4 to 12 musicians has been formed to play at wineries, parties, and other special events, when space is not available for the entire orchestra.

The unique and delicate sounds of mandolins always bring an unforgettable experience to its listeners. For information or bookings, please contact Josephine Pellegrini @650-593-9337 or visit the website, www.auroramandolin.com.