Mark O'Connor is an American violinist whose versatility and engagement with multiple musical genres—blending elements of folk, country, classical, and jazz—has distinguished him as a master of the stringed instrument. Born on August 5, 1961, in Seattle, Washington, O'Connor's prodigious talent emerged early and was nurtured by a rich tapestry of influences, including the fiddle traditions of America's diverse regions.

Throughout his illustrious career, O'Connor has won national fiddle championships, composed acclaimed works such as his "Fiddle Concerto" and "The American Seasons," and collaborated with a range of artists across the musical spectrum. His ability to seamlessly adapt and innovate within different styles is evident in his recent releases like "Wildflowers," "Ride Towards Home," and "Spice of Life," where folk motifs and classical precision coalesce to form a uniquely O'Connor sound. Not only a performer, but O'Connor is also a dedicated educator, sharing his method through the O'Connor Method for stringed instruments, which emphasizes an American approach to string playing. His homage to traditional tunes, as seen in pieces like "Billy in the Low Ground" and reinterpretations like "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," alongside poignant originals such as "All We Will Be," has solidified his position as an icon in the world of American music.

Genres

Bluegrass Fiddle

Jazz Violin

Progressive Bluegrass

Related Artists

Yo-Yo Ma

Alison Krauss

Edgar Meyer

Jerry Douglas

Chris Thile

David Grisman

Sam Bush

The Chieftains

Nickel Creek

Darol Anger

Tony Rice

Stuart Duncan

Latest Release

Light The Fire (Remastered 2024)

Mark O'Connor

Single - Released June 28, 2024