We are a democratic, member run, nonprofit group registered in Saskatchewan. The RMO was officially organized in 1988 with 10 members and one mandolin student. It emerged as a unique performing ensemble that is today one of the largest folk orchestras in Canada.
The members of the RMO have come from many musical backgrounds and experiences. Several musicians have performed together in other groups and have traveled extensively to perform in concerts, festivals and stage presentations.
Music Director Natalia Osypenko
President Susan McLaughlin
PERFORMANCES AND CONCERTS
With almost 20 mandolins complemented by other musical instruments, the RMO can perform many types of concerts. Concerts feature not only the orchestra as whole, but individual sections of the orchestra, individual musicians from the group, or special invited guests. Each concert may showcase new pieces many of which are composed or arranged by orchestra members. The orchestra always enjoys the challenge of playing new repertoire and performing in public.
The RMO’s broad range of musical styles and variety of instruments have made it an annual favorite at local festivals, senior’s homes, and Multicultural Council sponsored tours to smaller communities.
The RMO has performed at many functions and different venues. Some notable appearances have been at: the Opening of the Legislature; Cabinet Minister’s Formal Receptions; Cathedral Village Arts Festival, the Saskatchewan Organization for Heritage Languages Conference; Moose Jaw Folk Festival; Fort Qu’Appelle Mid-Summer Arts Festival; Mid-Winter Celidh; The Irish Pavilion at Mosaic in Regina; Multicultural Council concerts and performances in several communities around the province. Concerts have been filmed by Access Communications, Sasktel Max Local on Demand and featured on cable television.