Mark M. Davis
The Providence Mandolin Orchestra was formed and directed by the famous Italian mandolinist Giuseppe Pettine in the 1930's. It was later directed by Hibbard Perry. Mark Davis took over the reins as conductor/music director in 1989. Since then the PMO has established a reputation as one of the premiere American mandolin orchestras with a reputation for programming original contemporary compositions by such composers as J. Kellaris, F. Wallace, C. Assad, A. Carr-Boyd, R. Charlton, O. Hartford, F. Trester, B. Beath, A. Kruisbrink, and V. Kioulaphides.
See a recent program from the Arts in the Village Series, Rehoboth, MA, with new music from Riba, Hartford, Kioulaphides, and Yoshimizu, with a guest appearance by guitarist Adam Levin.
“The concert was the best attended and most well received event in the five-year history of the Arts in the Village series. The house was sold out, with standing room only, and the inspired performance of the PMO musicians earned three standing ovations. The bond between the performers and the audience members reached a level of intimacy and aesthetic appreciation that is rarely experienced and will long be remembered by all who were present.”
Shawn Kendrick, Project Coordinator, Arts in the Village Concert Series
“The orchestra’s performance was much more than idiomatic plucks and trills – it was a virtuoso display of the endless possibilities of this attractive instrument.”
Classical Guitar Magazine
“Very impressive! Really powerful and musical and emotional performance!! Compliments to you all!!”
Annette Kruisbrink, composer/guitarist, the Netherlands
"What a sheer pleasure this evening was! I was delighted to be there... the music is running around in my head, and its spirit has left me light and rich. Thank you so much!"
Karen Ryker, Professor of Drama, Univ of CT
"The Providence Mandolin Orchestra is a group of musicians united by the love of performing a unique style of music. We are committed to carrying on the rich tradition of the American mandolin orchestra while actively promoting original, new compositions and introducing audiences to our unique sound and instruments.”
Copyright 2017 Mark M. Davis. All rights reserved.
Mark M. Davis