But this Sunday Robertson will be treated to a different kind of mass ensemble consisting entirely of instruments from the mandolin family.

The unique sound of their plucked strings has captured the imagination of so many, including classical guitarist James Adcock.

“I heard the Sydney Mandolin Orchestra in concert and I was entranced,” Adcock said.

“I just had to join them.”

And as this is the oldest mandolin orchestra in the country, he knew he was choosing a well-established group.

It was formed in 1932 by a group of unemployed people during the Depression and has been going strong ever since.

“I think the reason it has survived so long is because it is so obscure,” Adcock said.

“There are very few mandolin groups around so those who do play tend to congregate together.”

Despite its relative obscurity, the orchestra boasts a wide repertoire, which will be on show in Robertson.

The mandolin developed out of the lute so traditional lute music is always available.

There was a lot of mandolin music written during the 17th and 18th centuries, when the instrument was most common, so that forms a large part of the group’s repertoire.

And it had another revival in the 1800s so there was mandolin music written then too.

“Our talented conductor Christopher Keane has also been known to adapt pieces for the orchestra so we play contemporary works and film scores as well,” Adcock said.

In fact audiences should recognise at least half of Sunday’s program.

The mandolin appeals to a wide range of people, with the orchestra’s 25 members ranging in age from 30-92. And once they join they find it very hard to leave.

“Our oldest member, Hilda, is 92 and has been with the orchestra for more than 40 years,” Adcock said.

Most of the players have a violin background, as the mandolin has a similar pitch.

But there’s plenty of room for classical guitarists as well.

The group is dedicated to keeping the tradition of mandolin music alive. And after 78 years of continuous operation, they’re not doing to badly.

The Mandolin Orchestra will perform at the Robertson School of Arts this Sunday from 2pm. Doors open 1.30pm. Tickets cost $20. Children under 14 will be admitted free. Phone the Robertson CTC on 4885 2665 for further information.