Mega Guitar & Mandolin Orchestra

What Is the Orchestra?

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In celebration of our 10th Anniversary, the University of Rhode Island Guitar and Mandolin Festival launched a visionary new ensemble experience:

the Mega Guitar Orchestra. For our 11th anniversary, we're upping the ante, thinking even bigger and adding mandolins into the mix!

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Led by acclaimed conductor Dr. Scott Borg, this festival-wide orchestra brings together guitarists from across the East Coast and beyond to collaborate, rehearse, and perform a large-ensemble work. This is your chance to become part of something epic, moving, and unforgettable.

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Step into the spotlight with over 70 players on stage—students, educators, professionals, and ensemble players from across the East Coast- rehearsing, learning, playing, and coming together in a way that only music can catalyze!​

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Headlining the Festival Ensembles Concert

Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 11:30 AM
📍 URI Fine Arts Center Concert Hall

• Jan Bartlema – Concertino
  This piece for guitar orchestra and 2 soloists brings together players of all levels for a dynamic, colorful mixture of rhythms and sounds in this 3-movement piece by Dutch composer and guitarist Jan Bartlema. 

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Under the Baton of a Visionary

Conductor: Dr. Scott Borg
Celebrated for his passion, precision, and charisma, Dr. Borg leads this orchestra with the kind of vision that transforms players into a unified, expressive force.

Sectional Directors TBD

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 Ensembles Represented On Stage

Featuring members of:​

• Connecticut Guitar Guild Guitar Ensemble

• Rhode Island Guitar Guild Ensemble

• URI Guitar Ensemble

These ensembles—joined by advanced festival soloists and rising stars—will combine for a one-time-only performance that blurs the line between professional showcase and community celebration.

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Guest Appearances

Select festival artists will join the Mega Guitar Orchestra on stage, lending their artistry and energy to this momentous occasion.​​

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🎟 Who Can Participate?

Participation in the Mega Guitar Orchestra is exclusively available to registered Full Festival Participants who play classical guitar.

You must:

• Be a registered Pass holder- participant OR auditor

• Play guitar, mandolin, or bass

• Commit to attending at least 2 rehearsals (dress rehearsal mandatory)

• Be prepared to perform in the Ensembles Concert on 10/25 at 11:30 am

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📅 Rehearsal & Performance Schedule

All rehearsals are mandatory for those wishing to perform.

• Thursday, October 22 | 5:00-6:30 PM
  Team-building, tone work, first read-through

• Friday, October 23 | 4:30–7:00 PM
  Sectionals and focused full rehearsals

• Saturday, October 24 | 4:30–7:00 PM
  Final polishing and full run-throughs

• Sunday, October 25 | 10:00-11:00 AM
  10:00-11:00 AM | Dress Rehearsal, Edwards Hall

11:30 AM Performance​

 Concert dress: concert black

 All rehearsals take place at the URI Fine Arts Center Concert Hall. Parking is available next to the FAC throughout the festival.

 

Parking Passes Available October 15

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💥 Why You Should Join

This is more than just an ensemble. It's your chance to:​

• Play alongside dozens of fellow musicians in a powerful massed ensemble

•  Connect with guitarists and mandolinists from across the U.S. in a meaningful, collaborative musical experience

• Work directly with world-class conductors and directors

• Make memories in a vibrant, artist-filled, learning-rich musical environment

•  Sharpen your ensemble skills through sectionals and guided rehearsals

• Perform as the headliner of the Festival Ensembles concert

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🛎 What’s Included in the Full Festival Participant Pass?

By registering for the Full Participant Pass, you’ll gain access to:

•  Mega Guitar Orchestra (rehearsals + performance)

• Up to 10 world-class concerts

• Your choice of masterclasses or private lessons

• Lectures, technique workshops, and artist talks

• Access to the Luthier Expo

• Observation access to M.E. Brune Guitar competition

• Networking with an inspiring community of musicians

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Full Participant Passes Available Here

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