The San Francisco Mandolin Orchestra is an orchestra of 15-25 players of instruments in the mandolin family: mandolin, mandola, octave mandolin, and mandocello, in addition to guitar and double bass. At times, they have also included instruments such as the harp, viola da gamba, or archlute. The orchestra has been in existence for about 15 years. It was started as a non-profit under the name San Francisco Mandolin Orchestra, and has consistently performed two concert seasons of 2-3 performances each year. Its activities include performing music for the general public, offering educational programs on mandolin music and its history, and providing instruction in both orchestral playing and individual instrument technique. The orchestra also records its performances to share widely and promotes the work of new composers as well as rarely heard music.
