Mark O’Connor’s Appalachian Christmas

Mark O’Connor began his creative journey at the feet of American fiddling legend Benny Thomasson and the iconic French jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli. Now, at age 55, he has melded these influences into a new American classical music and is perpetuating his vision of an American School of String Playing. Mr. O’Connor has won three Grammys, seven CMA awards, as well as several national fiddle, guitar, and mandolin champion titles. His distinguished career includes representing the United States Information Agency in cultural diplomacy to six continents and performing in front of several U.S. presidents, including being invited to the White House by President Ronald Reagan to perform as a teen. Mr. O’Connor has authored a series of educational books called the O’Connor Method, which is now the fastest-growing violin method in the country, and tens of thousands can credit the O’Connor books for learning how to play stringed instruments. The O’Connor Method features American music styles, creativity, cultural diversity, and Western classical technical training. Mr. O’Connor regularly tours with his wife, Maggie, who is a violinist and vocalist. Mark and Maggie O’Connor perform violin and fiddle duos, guitar and mandolin with vocals featuring music from their recent album, Life After Life, and Mr. O’Connor’s perennial An Appalachian Christmas. Together, they also perform his original concertos and suites with symphony orchestras. Mr. and Mrs. O’Connor reside in North Carolina.