Directory
The Mandolinquents
'True class...21st century British wit and skill'
'Wicked and wonderful...the fabulous Mandolinquents.'
Flexible Ensemble (variable number of performers)
Instrumentation
- Simon Mayor - mandolin, mandola, mandocello, violin
- Hilary James - Voice/Mandobass/Guitar
- Richard Collins - mandolin, mandola, banjo, vocals
- Florence Petit - baroque cello and mandocello
- Elias Sibley - ukulele, classical guitar, mandolin, banjo
- Gerald Garcia - classical guitar
Repertoire
Musical wit and charm from Britain’s leading hot-fingered mandolin virtuoso Simon Mayor and the Mandolinquents. With a unique mix of classical showstoppers, beautifully sung traditional ballads, 1930’s swing fiddle, tangos, banjo party-pieces and sparkling Mayor mandolin originals. Whether you’ve seen them before, heard them on BBC Radios 2, 3, 4 or if this is your first experience, you’re in for a treat!
NB: The fee stated (below) is for guidance only - please enquire for quote.
Biography
Simon Mayor
‘One of the world’s great mandolinists’ (BBC Radio 3), composer and wit. Simon’s many-faceted career has taken in two nights at Wembley Arena as soloist with the BBC Concert Orchestra, his own series on BBC Radio 2, an album in the Classic FM Top Ten chart, a song on The Simpsons, causing mayhem at a Canadian humour festival, and most memorably.... a trip through the square window on BBC TV’s iconic children's programme Play School.
Hilary James
‘One of Britain’s finest voices', Hilary has recorded six solo albums, including collections of Scottish, English and Irish folksongs; traditional blues and forays into French chansons, Berlioz and Irving Berlin. As well as her fine singing she plays guitar on anything from Vivaldi to an Irish jig. She also has an unlikely taste in bass instruments, including the amazing mandobass!
Florence Petit
An innovative and exciting young violoncellist, and the recipient of a diverse host of awards. Florence has appeared many times on BBC Radio 3, and is in huge demand in the world of baroque music.
Richard Collins
Three time UK banjo champion, Richard Collins first picked up a guitar at the age of nine and within a couple of years was stunningly adept on a number of stringed instruments including the mandolin, guitar and bass. A regular visitor to the West End stage and the National Theatre.
Elias Sibley - classical guitar, mandolin, mandola, ukulele, classic banjo
As well as fine mandolinist and classical guitarist, Elias’ is also’s one of the finest finger-style ukulele players of his generation with a passion for classic banjo (ragtime and early jazz).
Gerald Garcia
Gerald is equally at home at the Wigmore Hall or Glastonbury Festival. One of the world’s finest guitarists, he’s toured with the likes of John Williams and Paco Peña, appeared with such diverse talents as Barbara Streisand and guitarist John Williams and has recorded six solo albums for the Naxos label… and has the wackiest sense of humour!
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