Appalachian trio to waltz into OCCC theater

By David Miller, Staff Writer

A group of three musicians scheduled to perform at OCCC is creating a buzz that extends beyond the state’s borders.

Mark O’Connor and the Appalachia Waltz Trio will perform at 7 p.m. April 10, in the college theater.
O’Connor’s performance has generated interest from individuals outside of Oklahoma.

“We had one guy call from Coffeeville, Ark., and he’s coming,” said Scott Tigert, Cultural Programs and Community Development assistant.

With only 32 seats left for the performance and 59 left for the demonstration, Tigert said both would likely fill to capacity.

O’Connor was inspired by Texas fiddler Benny Thomasson as well as French jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli, according to www.markoconnor.com.

However, O’Connor has combined these styles with an extensive knowledge of classical, jazz, folk and Celtic music to create his own unique sound, according to a Cultural Arts Series press release.

“Anybody who comes to this concert is in for an amazing performance,” Tigert said.

“If you like a little country, a little jazz, a little classical ... this is the concert for you.”

Since 1974, O’Connor has released 29 albums and worked with many established artists.

O’Connor collaborated with renowned musicians Yo-Yo Ma and Edgar Meyer to create the 1996 release “Appalachian Waltz.”

He won a Grammy for the follow-up album, 2000’s “Appalachian Journey.”

He also has worked with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, composer John Williams and Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, according to his website.

O’Connor formed the Appalachia Waltz Trio in 2002.

Violist Rebecca Albers and cellist Mike Block complete the trio.

“He’s bringing two people with him, Rebecca and Mike, and both of them have incredible backgrounds in classical music,” Tigert said.

The trio will host a demonstration at 11 a.m. April 10, in the College Theater.

They will demonstrate the similarities between various styles with the hope that participants might broaden their view of the music they play and emerge with a fresh approach to their playing, according to the CAS press release.

Admission to the demonstration is free and open to the public.

Tickets to the performance are $20 for the general public and $15 for students, faculty, staff and senior citizens, Tigert said.

For more information on the performance, contact Tigert at 405-682-7579.

Staff Writer David Miller can be reached at StaffWriter3@occc.edu.