Baltimore Mandolin Orchestra

Baltimore, MD

CMSA Convention Hosts in 1987, 1989

The original Baltimore Mandolin Orchestra dates back to 1924, but there are two significant gaps in its history: one precipitated by the Great Depression in 1929 and the other by the U.S. entry into World War II in 1941. The BMO has been a very active—and growing—orchestra since it was reconstituted for the third time in 1975.

The BMO’s first and second mandolin sections feature an eclectic mix of Italian and American bowlbacks, vintage Gibson A and F models, and newer mandolins from various builders. Most of the rest of the instruments in the orchestra—the mandolas, mandocellos and mandobasses—are vintage Gibson instruments. The orchestra’s founder purchased some of these instruments in 1924 to equip his new orchestra, and they have remained with the orchestra and are still being played today. Our inventory of vintage Gibson instruments includes two Lloyd Loar specimens: an F-5 mandolin that Gebelein himself played, and a very rare K-5 mandocello. Our classical guitar section rounds out the orchestra’s sound.

The BMO’s founder and first director was Conrad Gebelein, who started up the orchestra again after both gaps. He was succeeded in 1980 by Benjamin Durant. David T. Evans, our current director, took over in 1986 upon the death of Durant. Under Evans’ leadership, the BMO has grown in size to over 30 members. We always welcome new members, so please inquire if you’re interested in joining the orchestra or in taking lessons. Our concertmistress, Joyce Adams, gives lessons, and she is one of only a handful of classical mandolin instructors in the country.

The orchestra performs about 15 concerts per season in the Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and southern Pennsylvania area. We are most fortunate to have Italian-born soprano Beatrice Gilbert sing with us at our concerts. She is a show-stopper, and when she performs our audiences get to bask in the quintessential Italian sound. But, before Ms. Gilbert graces our stage, the orchestra alone plays selections from its repertoire of light classical pieces, marches, rags, show tunes, and other traditional and popular mandolin music.

Please visit our website for more information about the BMO, including a brief overview of the orchestra, our concert schedule and how to order our CD and a recently published illustrated history of the orchestra. Or feel free to call one of the contact persons:

David T. Evans, Director
Joyce Adams, Concertmistress (general information, bookings and lessons)
Jim Blanchard, publicity (general information)

PRACTICE PLACE / TIME: Wednesday evenings at the Pickersgill Retirement Community in Towson, MD.