ON TOUR
Photo by Erin Patrice O'Brien
Photo by Camilla Calnan
Photo by Stephen Houseworth
Mark and Maggie O’Connor at CSI Fine Arts Center
After the Intermission, husband and wife duo Mark and Maggie O’Connor took the stage and Mark’s virtuosic approach to the violin and masterful bow control were immediately evident in his work Call of the Mockingbird, which almost seemed a showpiece more characteristic of Sarasate or Paganini at times, with passagework, arpeggios, and scales running all over the instrument.
His incredible approach to articulation and rhythm continued to impress in Emily’s Reel (O’Connor) and Jerusalem Bridge (Monroe/Baker) that followed.
Wife Maggie O’Connor played with elegance and finesse…the charisma and connection of the two were palpable, and watching them perform together was beautiful.
They continued the program with a song from their newest album, Life after Life, a cover of an old Dolly Parton classic called “Wildflowers.” The warmth of Maggie’s vocals brought a tenderness to the stage that felt both far from the Beethoven but also a welcome vulnerability.
Although Mark O’Connor is best known for his violin playing, albums with his wife, and violin method books—he was actually a mandolin virtuoso at a young age, and he absolutely astounded the audience with his virtuoso mandolin work A Bowl of Bula—an original composition that really showcased his picking and mandolin chops. Nearly as impressive as his mandolin playing, however, was Maggie’s ability to match and imitate his articulation on the violin—her spiccato was simply unbelievable, and the ensemble between the two in the work was astonishing.
--Leah Hollingsworth, EarRelevant (May 1, 2025)
"Thinking back to this time last week when we had Mark and Maggie O'Connor in the house! Audience members were enamored by Maggie and Mark's sheer talent and seamless harmonies, and enjoyed hearing their personal inspirations behind the works they composed. Thanks so much to Mark and Maggie for their phenomenal show, and thanks to all who came out!"
-Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
Cain Center for the Arts, Charlotte/Cornelius, NC 5/3/24
“Last night's show was truly remarkable! Had a great time with Mason last night watching Mark and Maggie O'Connor perform at the Cain Center in Cornelius. It was a breathtaking performance by two of my favorite musicians.” -James Kevin Gray
“Mark and Maggie O'Connor at the Cain Performing Arts Center in Cornelius last night. Such a wonderful performance and they are nice people too! The musicianship was superb!!! A virtuoso performance!” -Michael Ragon
“Great show!” -Mary Ann Powell
“If you've never seen them you need to see them. They are amazing together…It'll be one of the best shows you've ever seen no glitz and glitter just amazing talent from beginning to end.” -Paul Smith
“The show far exceeded our expectations. My wife Rita became an instant fan. "Seamless" describes your interaction with Maggie perfectly… What a thrill to see you both perform live! Thank you for an excellent performance and a fun evening.” -Steve Proctor
“Wonderful show! …kudos on the sound quality last night. From our seats the clarity, balance, blend, timbre and texture were superb.” -Michael Archer
“I was at the Cain Center for the Arts last night for Mark O'Connor and Maggie O'Connor's enthusiastic and inspiring performance. If you enjoy virtuosic, genre-spanning acoustic fiddle and guitar music, theirs is the show for you!” -Steve Powell
CSI Fine Arts Center, College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls, ID, 4/12/24
“It was a night of chills listening to you both play here in Twin Falls! …The concert was AMAZING! Such incredible talent from both Mark and Maggie.” -Terry Thompson
“Thanks Mark and Maggie O'Connor, your performance and music was amazing! Having the chance to talk with you both was a rad bonus! …The show was great, talent beyond measure!” -Matthew Brander
“Maggie & Mark O'Connor give even more than expected…and expectations always run High for Mark! The second set was so dynamic, it socked it to the Moon!” -J Robert Houghtaling
“We loved the show and bought the Vinyl to add to our collection! Thanks for coming Back to Twin Falls.” -Rick Webb
“It was such a great show! Thank you for sharing your music with us! Come back again someday soon.” -Andy Vawser
“How on earth did we get so fortunate to have these legendary musicians actually come to Twin Falls? I was blown away tonight! Thank you for this memory! …Was so honored to watch you kick off the new tour!” -Carol Davison
“Congratulations on packing the house. 900 is an impressive number.” -Stan Schick
“Great show.” -Erin Ash
“I enjoyed running sound and working with you both last night. We got several nice comments about the mic and your sound! Looking forward to working with you again :)“ -Dan MacLerran
“Thanks! That’s me just to the right of your fiddle bow. Last time I saw you live was in the gym at Weiser.” -Mike McCarthy
“An amazing performance! I’ve enjoyed your music for a long time so it was wonderful to see a live performance. My 11 year old daughter loved it and was so excited about talking to you and Maggie after the show.” -Myles Miller
Photo by Steve Alboucq