On Saturday, 29th March at 3:00pm, The Lights in Andover will host an afternoon of musical brilliance, wit, and foot-tapping fun as Simon Mayor’s Mandolinquents take to the stage.
A Riot of Strings and Shenanigans
If you’ve never seen a mandolinist make people laugh as much as they applaud, then you’ve probably never seen Simon Mayor. One of the world’s leading mandolin players (as well as a dab hand on the violin and guitar), Simon has performed with the BBC Concert Orchestra, released a Classic FM Top Ten album, and even caused mayhem at a Canadian humour festival. Now, he’s bringing his unique mix of storytelling, musicianship, and infectious charm to Andover – and he’s not coming alone.
Joining Simon for this one-off performance are four other phenomenal musicians:
Hilary James – A vocalist described by BBC Radio 4 as having “one of Britain’s finest voices”, Hilary also wields the mighty mandobass (think a mandolin, but super-sized).
Richard Collins – A three-time UK banjo champion, Richard is equally at home on the guitar, bass, and any other instrument he can get his hands on. If you’ve seen Oklahoma! or Dolly Parton’s Christmas Show, you may well have heard his playing.
Elias Sibley – A multi-talented string player, Elias is a fingerstyle ukulele master who also dabbles in early jazz and ragtime.
Florence Petit – A Franco-British cellist and Baroque music specialist, Florence has performed on BBC Radio 3 with The Hesperi Ensemble and is in high demand as a soloist.
Expect the Unexpected
While there’s no fixed setlist, expect a mix of Vivaldi mandolin concertos, fiery tangos, folk classics, and some serious bluegrass banjo picking. Whether you’re a classical fan, a folk music lover, or just appreciate top-tier musicianship with a side of laughter, this promises to be an unforgettable afternoon.
How to Get Tickets
Fancy an afternoon of musical brilliance and belly laughs? Tickets are available now from The Lights Andover. Don’t miss your chance to see Simon Mayor and his Mandolinquents in action.
- When: Saturday, 29th March 2025, 3:00pm
- Where: The Lights, Andover
- Tickets: Available from The Lights website
Book your tickets now and prepare for a musical adventure with plenty of plucking, picking, and playful performances.