Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra

The Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra is a reborn ensemble committed to mandolin-focused music.

References to the original Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra suggest the group was formed in 1918 and performed regularly across the city in both formal and social settings.  Newspaper reviews and announcements indicate the original orchestra was very successful, performing a variety of classical and popular tunes of the time.

By mid-century, however, the group was no longer performing. 

The contemporary Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra was founded by Alan Epstein in 2002, and early rehearsals were held in his living room in Aspinwall. The orchestra gave its first public performance on April 11, 2003, and included 15 musicians.

We are thrilled that Pittsburgh currently has one of the largest mandolin orchestras in the United States. Our membership has grown to more than 30 active musicians of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom perform with vintage Gibson and Martin instruments that were originally used in turn-of-the-century mandolin orchestras.