Considered a direct cultural descendant of America's 18th century musicians, violinist/composer/fiddler Mark O'Connor is widely acclaimed as a "genius" (Baltimore Sun), "brilliantly original" (Seattle Times), "one of the most talented and imaginative [artists]...working in music -- any music-- today" (Los Angeles Times), who provides his audiences with "one of the most spectacular journeys in recent American music" (New York Times). First influenced by master Texas fiddler Benny Thomasson and French jazz violin legend Stephane Grappelli, O'Connor ultimately absorbed a wide range of musical styles and genres. Over the years, he has fused these influences into a new, highly original American music. Noted the Los Angeles Times, he has "crossed over so many boundaries, that his style is purely personal."

O'Connor's breakthrough live solo recording, Midnight on the Water (1998), was praised by Fanfare for its ability "to dazzle listeners with things both new and personal." His "Fiddle Concerto No. 1" is the most-performed modern violin concerto. In 2000, his commissioned work, "The American Seasons: Seasons of an American Life," led to a 28-city tour, and prompted the New York Times to write, "if Dvorak had spent his American leisure time in Nashville instead of Spillville, Iowa, 'New World Symphony' might have sounded like this." Also in 2000, composer John Williams invited O'Connor to contribute a solo instrumental to the Oscar-nominated score of "The Patriot." O'Connor's first Sony recording, Appalachian Waltz, in collaboration with Yo Yo Ma and Edgar Meyer, included original compositions and brought world-wide acclaim; it was followed in 2001 by the Grammy-winning Appalachian Journey.

His Hot Swing Trio dates back to June 2001, when O'Connor released his tribute to the great Stephane Grapelli, Hot Swing! (OMAC). Recorded live with bassist Jon Burr and guitarist Frank Vignola, the Chicago Tribune called it "one of the finest discs of his career and one of the greatest jazz violin albums ever." In 2002, the Hot Swing Trio played three sold-out nights at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and with guests Wynton Marsalis and Jane Monheit, released In Full Swing (Sony Odyssey) in 2003. O'Connor's other current project is the Appalachia Waltz Trio, with cellist Natalie Haas and violist Carol Cook performing the repertoire from the Appalachia Waltz and Appalachian Journey recordings. 

At Ted Mann, Mark O'Connor and the Hot Swing Trio will salute the music of Grappelli and Reinhardt, and no doubt the music of O'Connor will be front and center. "It turns out that the best-known country and bluegrass fiddler in the world can also play jazz as if he had a patent on it."-- New York Times

For more information about Mark O'Connor, visit www.markoconnor.com. For reservations for the Hot Swing Trio's performance in Minneapolis on November 3, call (612) 624-2345 or see www.northrop.umn.edu. In the Seattle area, you can catch Mark O'Connor on November 13 (8:00 p.m.) and November 14 (2:30 p.m.) with the Northwest Chamber Orchestra at Benaroya Hall (www.nwco.org)