O'Connor has been a top name on the Bluegrass circuit since he first won a national bluegrass fiddling title as a teenager. He has used the years since to branch out into multiple musical genres. His recent recordings include "Appalachia Waltz," trio performances with cellist Yo Yo Ma and bassist Edgar Meyer, music written by O'Connor and Meyer. His compositions on the classical side include four violin concertos and the "Americana Symphony," recently recorded by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under Marin Alsop.
O'Connor traces his performance roots from America's rich aural folk tradition, including folk fiddler and innovator Benny Thomasson, as well as classical and flamenco music. He credits among his sources of inspiration French jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli, considered one of the greatest improvisers in the history of the violin. O'Connor's performance for the Blue River Series, "Mark O'Connor's Hot Swing Trio," features music from the Gypsy Jazz style exemplified in Grappelli's repertoire.
You can hear samples of O'Connor's performance on his website markoconnor.com
