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Mark O'Connor. Photo by Erica Horn.
If you haven't seen it yet: here is Sarah Bryan Miller's story on former SLSO president Randy Adams, who died this past Wednesday. Adams helped get the symphony solvent and was key in bringing in our beloved Maestro Robertson.
Still on the subject of classical music: KWUR 90.3 FM Classical Music Director George Yeh will interview folk/swing fiddler/violinist Mark O'Connor tomorrow afternoon (Saturday the 17th) at 1pm. And yes ... those who are not within distance of their signal can tune in online.
Here's a squib for those who may not know O'Connor's work:
"A product of America's rich aural folk tradition as well as classical and flamenco music, Mark O'Connor's creative journey began at the feet of a pair of musical giants. The first was the folk fiddler and innovator who created the modern era of American fiddling in the 1940's, Benny Thomasson; the second, French jazz violinist, considered one of the greatest improvisers in the history of the violin, Stephane Grappelli. Along the way, between these marvelous musical extremes, Mark O'Connor absorbed knowledge and influence from the multitude of musical styles and genres he studied. Now, at age 47, he has melded and shaped these influences into a new American Classical music, and a vision of an entirely American school of string playing. As The Los Angeles Times warmly noted, he has 'crossed over so many boundaries, that his style is purely personal.'"
O'Connor has just released a new CD of hot swing, Live in New York, which he'll be discussing with George tomorrow afternoon. And mark your calendar for March 8, when O'Connor will sorta be in our neck of the woods, performing at the Jesse Auditorium in Columbia, Mo. —Stefene Russell
