Da Capo Alba
Scotland's largest Mandolin & Guitar Adult Orchestra
Da Capo Alba is the orchestral section of the LGMA, and is currently
Scotland's largest guitar and mandolin orchestra. It comprises around 30
members who play mandolin, mandola (octave mandolin), guitar, bass or
percussion instruments.
In December 2010, Da Capo Alba released its debut CD. This was the first ever UK release of a mandolin and guitar orchestra CD. 'About Time' contains a varied selection of pieces and can be purchased online in our shop.
Members are varied in musical background and in age, with players having experience in classical, folk, rock, jazz and country music, and aged from young adult to those well into their retirement. One thing that players do have in common is that they are all voluntary, hard working and entertaining!
Rehearsals are held each Wednesday at East Mains United Reformed Church, 11 Old Coach Road, East Kilbride (view on map) from 7.10pm to 9.30pm.
The orchestra performs in concerts throughout Scotland and abroad. Usually all the organisation and setting up is done by orchestra and committee members. Da Capo Alba and its members have won a range of awards, including trophies for orchestra, ensemble, duets and individual performances. The orchestra is currently in the process of recording further pieces for another CD, and is the BMG champion adult orchestra 2010 - 2012.
Hear Da Capo Alba by clicking on the play button below. (1.5 minutes long)
The orchestra has performed in towns and cities in Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, Lothian and Ayrshire. Overseas performances are usually as visitors to local plucked string orchestras. Performances outwith Scotland have included:
- Ballerup, Denmark (November 2003) - with Magiba orchestra
- Bromley, England (2004) - competitor at the BMG Rally
- Buxtehude, Hamburg, Germany (October 2005) - at the music school
- Bristol, England (February 2006) - competitor at the BMG Rally
- Bamberg, Germany (May 2006) - part of the EuroFestival Zupfmusik
- Dungloe, Co. Donegal, Ireland (October 2007) - at a festival
- Berlin, Germany (October 2009) - with Berlin Zupforchester and with Da Capo Berlin
- Birmingham, England (March 2010) - competitor at the BMG Rally
- Bruchsal, Germany (June 2010) - part of the EuroFestival Zupfmusik