World-Renowned Violinist Visits UK
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 27, 2009) - Students of the successful University of Kentucky School of Music have earned the opportunity to perform with some of the music world's greats, but it is still a treat when a world-renowned artist does a residency at the school. And during October, UK students have had the opportunity to work with one of the leading violinists in the world -- Mark O'Connor.
"Our students are tremendously excited to be working with the world's leading fiddler, Mark O'Connor," said John Nardolillo, director of UK Symphony Orchestra. "We're going to learn as much as we can from him while he is here, and we are looking forward to a very unusual and exciting concert of American music on Friday night."
To culminate his residency, O'Connor will perform in concert with the UK Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Nardolillo, and the UK Chorale at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the Singletary Center for the Arts Concert Hall.
Last February, O’Connor appeared with the UK Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., as part of the "Our Lincoln" concert presented by the Kentucky Humanities Council. He returned to Lexington as part of a week-long residency at the UK School of Music which included workshops, master classes, class lectures and outreach programs, and two concerts, including one this evening with UK Symphony Orchestra at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Ky.
Friday's Lexington concert with O’Connor and the UK Symphony will also include performances by the UK Chorale, under the direction of Jefferson Johnson, and student soloists Geoff Hershberger and Jessica Miskelly.
The UK Symphony will perform Four Dance Episodes from "Rodeo" by Aaron Copland as well as a host of compositions by their guest, Mark O’Connor. Among O’Connor’s pieces to be presented will be selections from his "Folk Mass," "American Symphony" and "Strings and Threads." In addition, he will perform movements from his "Double Concerto for Violin and Cello," the "Double Violin Concerto" and "The Fiddle Concerto."
A multi-Grammy-winning violinist and composer, O'Connor is widely recognized as one of the most gifted contemporary composers in America and considered one of the brightest talents of his generation. He has studied and recorded with some of the 20th century's greatest musicians, including Stephane Grappeli, Benny Thomasson, and Yo Yo Ma. As an artist, O'Connor is known for his knowledge of a multitude of musical styles and genres.
Most recently, O'Connor has melded and shaped these influences into a new form of American classical music, and is perpetuating his vision of an American school of string playing. His latest CD is a journey into the heart of America and contains his String Quartets Nos. 2 and 3. Like all of O'Connor's work, each piece takes inspiration from the landscape and traditions of America to produce music that is both familiar and original.
Since Nardolillo took the conductor's podium of the UK Symphony Orchestra, it has enjoyed great success racking up recording credits, performing on prestigious stages at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall and sharing the stage with such acclaimed international artists as Arlo Guthrie, Lynn Harrell and Gil Shaham. Among its recording credits are: "In Times Like These," recorded live with Guthrie in March 2006 at the Singletary Center for the Arts; the premiere cast recording of Thomas Pasatieri's "The Hotel Casablanca" with UK Opera Theatre; "Music of the Horse," a collection of equestrian-inspired music sponsored by UK School of Music and the Keeneland Foundation; and most recently a critically acclaimed recording of composer George Frederick McKay's "Epoch: An American Dance Symphony" with UK Women's Choir.
The 48-voice UK Chorale is the premier mixed choral ensemble at UK. The Chorale prides itself in performing a wide variety of choral literature and has been the recipient of many regional and national awards. In spring of 2001, the choir made its debut in New York City’s Carnegie Hall. Chorale members also were featured performers at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Additionally, the Chorale has been invited to perform at the ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) Southern Division Convention in Charleston, S. C., the MENC (National Association for Music Education) Southern Division Convention in Tampa, Fla., along with numerous appearances at Kentucky ACDA and MENC conferences. The Chorale has toured extensively throughout the southeast and eastern United States.
Tickets for the UK Symphony Orchestra concert with Mark O'Connor and the UK Chorale are $20 for adults and $10 for students. A processing fee will be applied to the sale of tickets upon purchase. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Singletary Center for the Arts ticket office at (859) 257-4929 or visit online at www.singletarytickets.com.