The Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham is excited to announce a performance of An Appalachian Christmas by Mark O’Connor and Friends on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at 3 p.m.
A product of America’s rich folk tradition as well as classical music education, 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, Benny Thomasson. The second, Stephane Grappelli, is a French jazz violinist considered to be one of the greatest improvisers in the history of the violin. Along the way, between these marvelous musical extremes, O’Connor absorbed knowledge and influence from the multitude of musical styles and genres he studied. Now, at age 49, he has melded and shaped these influences into a new American classical music, a vision of an entirely American school of string playing.
As The Los Angeles Times recently noted, Mark O’Connor has “crossed over so many boundaries that his style is purely personal.” He is also called “Brilliantly original” by The Seattle Times
The New York Times says: “The audience was on its feet… cheering for the only musician today who can [give] listeners a complex, sophisticated piece of early-21st-century classical music and then [knock] them dead with the brown-dirt whine of a Texas fiddle.”
Tickets to Mark O’Connor and Friends can be purchased for $59, $49, $39 and $20 plus applicable fees. Students can purchase half-price tickets starting one hour prior to the performance. Call 360-734-6080 or visit www.mountbakertheatre.com.
2013-2014 Season Sponsor is Saturna Capital. The Mount Baker Theatre receives support from a Tourism Facilities Grant from the City of Bellingham.