WELCOME TO OUR WEBSITE
We are Brighton’s very own mandolin orchestra currently with around 25 players from the City and surrounding areas. The group, which consists of instruments of the mandolin family plus guitars and basses, was founded in 1995 with the goal of reviving the tradition of mandolin orchestras, which were hugely popular in the UK up until the 1930s. However, we now have a very modern approach to repertoire and love to play new compositions and old. Please browse our website to find out more about us. New members are always very welcome.

NEXT EVENT
Brighton Festival Fringe Concert
May 20th 2025 at St George’s Church, Brighton.
The Fretful Federation Mandolin Orchestra in concert with renowned guitarist and lutenist, Sam Brown.
“The Eric Clapton of the lute”, Sam Brown is counted amongst of the top cordophonists of his generation, known for his imaginative and sensitive style.
Sam first learned classical guitar with the inspirational Sasha Levtov. He discovered the lute at the Royal College of Music, where he trained with Jakob Lindberg. He later studied at the Conservatorio della Svizzera Italia with Lorenzo Micheli.
For the last eight years Sam has performed internationally as a solo and ensemble player, including at Vienna’s Konzerthaus and Wigmore Hall.
The program will include a Vivaldi Guitar Concerto in D and Concerto No.2 by Olof Naslund.
Tickets are £10 from The Fretful Federation Mandolin Orchestra – Brighton Fringe
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