Kean University continues its outstanding Music Series, enhancing its reputation as a cultural hub in NJ.
The O’Connor Quartet
WHEN: February 20 at 3:00 PM
WHERE: The Gene and Shelley Enlow Recital Hall, Kean University east campus at 215 North Avenue, Hillside. For further information, visit the university website at www.kean.edu.
TICKETS: $40
The O’Connor Quartet, lead by Grammy- winning violinist Mark O’Connor, performs their classical crossover concert of bluegrass selections. Joined by Kelly Hall-Tompkins on violin, Gillian Gallagher on viola and Patrice Jackson on cello, the group provides a spectacular journey through recent American music.
A product of America's rich aural folk tradition as well as classical music, Mark O'Connor's creative journey began with a pair of musical giants: innovating folk fiddler Benny Thomasson, and French jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli. Between these marvelous musical extremes, O'Connor absorbed knowledge and influence from the multitude of musical styles and genres he studied.
As one of New York City’s most in-demand violinists, Kelly Hall-Tompkins’s dynamic career spans solo, chamber, and orchestral performance as a member of the Florida-based Ritz Chamber Players. She has performed extensively with Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and New York Philharmonic and is a member of the NJ Symphony.
Gillian Gallagher is already making a considerable name for herself as a chamber musician, having collaborated with eminent violinists, pianists, flutists and the Tokyo String Quartet.
The gifted young cellist Patrice Jackson was awarded first place in the Senior Laureate Division of the nationally renowned Sphinx Competition, and has performed with the Atlanta, Detroit, Dallas, New Jersey, Milwaukee, Omaha, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Grand Rapids, Nashville, Hartford, Chautauqua, Colorado and Mississippi Symphonies, as well as with the Philadelphia Orchestra.
