The soul-filling, award-winning music of Mark and Maggie O’Connor comes to downtown Asheville, Friday, March 8, at 8 p.m. The duo kick off their Spring tour at the Wortham Center in an evening featuring new vocal songs from their recently released album project, Life After Life, as well stunning violin duos and Mark’s high-octane acoustic guitar and mandolin.
Together, Mark and Maggie O’Connor are a musical powerhouse, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo that has been redefining the world of American roots music. Their exceptional talent and virtuosity on their respective instruments, coupled with their deep appreciation for traditional American music, have earned them widespread acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Mark, a renowned fiddler and composer, is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to multiple genres, including bluegrass, country and classical music. Mark began playing the fiddle at an early age and quickly gained recognition as a prodigious talent, becoming, at age 13, the youngest person ever to win the Grand Master Fiddler Championships — a competition for all ages, amateur and professional. Forty years later, his record still stands. His innovative and versatile approach to the fiddle has earned him multiple Grammy Awards and a reputation as one of the greatest living American fiddlers.
Maggie — a skilled violinist, vocalist and winner of the 2017 Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album — shares Mark’s passion for American roots music. With a unique background in both traditional classical violin training and American musical styles, Maggie continues her mission to show that violinists can and should participate in everything the instrument has to offer, performing on some of the world’s most coveted stages. Her innate musicality and stunning vocals have made her an indispensable part of their musical partnership.
Together, Mark and Maggie create a harmonious and electrifying synergy on stage, drawing audiences into a world of soulful melodies and intricate musical conversations. The duo’s performances are a masterclass in the art of musical storytelling, weaving together traditional tunes, original compositions and heartfelt ballads that take listeners on a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of American musical traditions.
Beyond their musical accomplishments, Mark and Maggie O’Connor are also dedicated educators, passing down their knowledge and passion for music to aspiring musicians worldwide. They conduct workshops and masterclasses, fostering the next generation of musicians and preserving the legacy of American roots music for years to come.
The Mark & Maggie O’Connor performances on March 8 at the Wortham Center are made possible by performance sponsors Dwight & Norma Bohm, John & Marsha Ellis, Dr. Alan & Suzanne Escovitz, Richard & Francee Healy, Henry LaBrun, Amy Loether, Chris & Sharlene McGraw, Ronna & Rob Resnick, Dianne & David Worley, Atelier Maison & Co., and Mast General Store; with additional support provided by media sponsors 103.3 Asheville FM, Blue Ridge Public Radio, The Laurel of Asheville, WNC magazine and WNCW 88.7 FM.
The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave. in downtown Asheville, is a three-venue performing arts complex encompassing the 500-seat Diana Wortham Theatre, the 100-seat Tina McGuire Theatre, and the Henry LaBrun Studio. The Wortham Center presents a season packed full of world-class, internationally renowned artists — presenting the best in music, dance, theatre, comedy and more. The 2023-2024 season is sponsored by Explore Asheville/Buncombe County TDA, Renaissance Asheville Hotel, Citizen Times/LocaliQ, North Carolina Arts Council, 67 Biltmore, Blue Moon Water, John & Marsha Ellis, Hedy Fischer & Randy Shull, Richard & Francee Healy, Henry LaBrun, Ronna & Rob Resnick Charitable Trust, and Dianne & David Worley. To obtain more information on the season or to purchase tickets, call the theatre’s box office at 828-257-4530 x1 or visit worthamarts.org.
