An Evening With Mark & Maggie O’Connor Saturday, September 13, 7 p.m. Wendy Williamson Auditorium
Experience a night of country, bluegrass, and virtuosic fiddle mastery with Grammy-winning duo Mark and Maggie O’Connor at the 2025 Sitka Music Festival Alaska Airlines’ Autumn Classics. Mark O’Connor, a triple Grammy winner and seven-time CMA Musician of the Year, renowned for his pioneering work in bluegrass and country fiddle, joins forces with Grammy-winning fiddler and vocalist Maggie O’Connor for an unforgettable performance blending American roots traditions with their signature instrumental flair. This husband-and-wife duo fell in love after playing violin together in New York City in 2014, and they have been inseparable ever since, channeling their shared passion for bluegrass and country into dynamic live shows.
About the Artists
Mark & Maggie O’Connor – Country and Bluegrass Duo Grammy-winning country and bluegrass duo Mark and Maggie O’Connor fell in love after playing violin together at a New York City gala in 2014. They soon married and have been inseparable on stage and off ever since, delivering high-energy performances rooted in American folk traditions.
Mark O’Connor is a triple Grammy winner and seven-time CMA Musician of the Year, celebrated as a child prodigy who began winning national fiddle championships at age 12 in the 1970s. Emerging from Seattle's vibrant music scene, he dominated contests like the National Old-Time Fiddlers' Contest in Weiser, Idaho, and quickly rose in bluegrass circles, performing with legends like Bill Monroe and the David Grisman Quintet. His virtuosity on fiddle, guitar, and mandolin has defined modern bluegrass and country music, with recordings that fuse high-speed picking, heartfelt ballads, and innovative compositions. One of his most iconic tracks, a star-studded bluegrass jam, showcases his fiddle prowess alongside country greats like Johnny Cash and Travis Tritt.
Maggie O’Connor is a Grammy-winning fiddler and vocalist with deep roots in bluegrass and country. Growing up in a musical family in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, she started playing violin at age 7 in her family's band, blending classical training with fiddle styles inspired by Southern traditions. By age 15, she had won the prestigious Grand Master Fiddler Championship, establishing herself as a prodigy in the bluegrass world. After earning bachelor's and master's degrees in violin performance from the Peabody Conservatory, she returned to her roots, performing with bluegrass outfits like the Infamous Stringdusters and shining as a versatile fiddler who bridges old-time Appalachian sounds with contemporary flair. A standout example of her bluegrass fiddle work is this lively duo rendition of a classic tune.
Their latest album, Life After Life, showcases their genre-defying compositions, breathtaking bluegrass-infused musicianship, and soulful country storytelling, bringing together fiddle-driven Americana roots in an unforgettable way.
Praise for Mark & Maggie O’Connor 📀 Dolly Parton on their cover of "Wildflowers": "I got the wonderful cut of 'Wildflowers.' I was very, very proud of both you and Maggie. It always touches my heart when somebody likes one of my songs well enough to do it, especially someone as great as you. I've always admired and respected your talent. And Maggie, you sound awfully sweet. Just wanted you to know that I received it and I love it. Love, Dolly."
🎻 Grand Ole Opry Emcee Charlie Mattos (4/26/24): "Incredible husband and wife duo… They have a brand new album called ‘Life After Life,’ and it is out today!.. Oh my goodness, how great was that? Congratulations on a wonderful new album, it is just fantastic… It’s one thing to have chemistry off the stage, but when did you guys realize that it’s just going to be magical? Because I think everybody would agree, that was pretty special out there tonight. Mark and Maggie O’Connor, everybody!"
About the Sitka Music Festival The Sitka Music Festival (SMF) inspires audiences, sparks creativity, and strengthens community across Alaska through live chamber music performances, music education, and training by artists of the highest caliber.
For over 50 years, SMF has presented classical music at the highest artistic standards. Throughout its history, SMF musicians have shared their music with Alaskans who would otherwise not have access to live chamber music of the highest caliber and, in turn, Alaskans have shared their music, traditions, and ways of life with the visiting musicians. These shared experiences have taken SMF musicians to more than 40 Alaskan communities, many of which are small, remote villages off the road system. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, SMF remains dedicated to bringing exceptional music experiences to communities statewide.