MARK O'CONNOR
Mark O’Connor b. 1961, Seattle, Washington
A product of America's rich aural folk tradition, O'Connor's journey began at the feet of violin masters Texas fiddler Benny Thomasson and French jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli. Between these two marvelous extremes, O’Connor absorbed knowledge and influence from a multitude of musical styles and genres. Now, at age 45, he has melded and shaped these influences into a new American classical music. The Los Angeles Times warmly noted he has "crossed over so many boundaries, that his style is purely personal." O’Connor’s Fiddle Concerto No. 1 received its West Coast Premiere at Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in 1994. With more than 150 performances, it has become the most-performed modern violin concerto. The recipient of numerous commissioning grants, including "Meet the Composer," in 1998 he received a commission from the McKim Fund of Library of Congress for a new violin sonata, which he premiered in that year at the Library and was broadcast on National Public Radio. His Double Concerto for Two Violins received a preview performance at the 2000 Cabrillo Festival with Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg before its official World Premiere with the Chicago Symphony. As word of his considerable writing talents have spread, Mark O'Connor's compositions are being embraced by a variety of performers. Yo-Yo Ma has recorded the solo cello version of Appalachia Waltz and frequently performs it in recital. Dance troupes, including Twyla Tharp, the New York City Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, are constantly discovering O'Connor's expressive American music. On August 3, 2007 the Festival will present the World Premiere of Mark O’Connor’s Symphony No.1, Variations on Appalachia Waltz.