Welcome! This is the site of the "Il Plettro" Association.

The orchestra "Il Plettro" is an ensemble of plectrum instruments (mandolins, mandolas, mandocellos), classic guitars and double basses. When needed it is integrated with other instruments such as flute or xilophone. Our aim is to promote, particulary among young people, rediscovery and affection to these instruments, that were familiar in the past.

The orchestra was founded in 1982 by its present president Mr Giovanni "Gianni" Ora, who is considered the "father" of all the players. After a hard work in training the players, the orchestra reached a good artistic level taking part in competitions (First Prize got at "Suona Con noi" in Pesaro, Second Prize got during "Città di Stresa " International competition), festivals (International Festival of University Music in Belfort - France), reviews (Second "Mandolin Exibition" organized by Salvatore Converso Association of Sorrento and Fifth "Mandolin Week" in Tarbes - France) and concerts in many places. On December 2002, in Verbania - Intra (VB - Italy), the orchestra won the first prize at the 3° CONCORSO Internazionale "Francesco Forgione" - Associazione Musicale "Dino Ciani", with a 98/100 score. The prestige gained made the Orchestra a well deserving institution (with official recognition by the authorities) for the defence of italian artistic-musical plectrum instruments tradition. At present the Orchestra is made up of about 33 players and is conducted by Maestro Alberto Bugatti.