The SMO, led by musical director Werner Ruecker, continued it’s recent return to the stage after the excruciating restrictions of the last two years with an enthusiastic and well-received performance for the members of the Wollstonecraft Club and their guests. Filling the Club’s bar the patrons enjoyed a wide variety of music ranging from popular works of the stage and screen including Franz Lehar’s waltzes from The Merry Widow and Maurice Jarre’s Lara’s Theme, expertly arranged for mandolin orchestra, to contemporary Australian and international compositions written expressly for mandolin orchestra, (for our orchestra in some cases), such as those by Sydney’s Stephen Lalor and Perth’s Robert Schulz and the lively hootenanny-style Shakertown by the late American composer John Goodin.

This concert was a new experience for many in the audience with the enjoyment – foot tapping, smiles and the odd tear clearly evident from the stage, and from the appreciative comments after the performance. It was also a first for the 7 new members of the orchestra, for some, their very first public performance. Despite tales of apprehension, all responded quickly to the audience and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I’m left thinking that many similar small to medium sized clubs may well be interested in concerts for members and friends, and the benefits for performers of this intimate environment, so close to appreciative audiences, are not hard to imagine.