Ukuleles to take to a local stage

  • 2015-01-16
Not every nation has its own ukulele orchestra. Great Britain, however, is parting with theirs for a few performances here in the U.S., and Mesa locals will get an opportunity to see this British the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain this weekend.

Eight professional uke players will once again be plunking everything from the tiny soprano ukulele to its big counterpart, a contrabass. As in the past, the evening’s performance will run the gamut of musical genres from classical to pop.

The group will present music from their previous 12 releases, along with a string of new songs, from their newly released CD ‘The Secret of Life’. For years, printing companies have been turning out ukulele sheet music for those who like to play the standards, but now ukulele enthusiasts have an opportunity to hear the instrument in the hands of professionals, with such performances as their rendition of Bach’s “Ode to Joy”.

The orchestra believes itself to be the reason for the resurgence in world interest in the instrument. Members are fresh from a winter tour that took them to Germany, Switzerland, Shetland, Sweden, and Denmark.

The performance here in Mesa will be held Sunday, January 18, at 7:30 pm at the Ikeda Theater, Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. Tickets will be $36 each.