Mark O'Connor on "Americana Symphony," Part 1

posted 03:02 PM Tuesday, February 16, 2010

By: Chip Chandler

The Amarillo Symphony is proud to be among the first orchestras in the country to perform Mark O'Connor's "Americana Symphony."

Completed in 2006 and first recorded by the Baltimore Symphony in 2009, the "Americana Symphony" draws inspiration not only from one of O'Connor's best-loved works ("Appalachia Waltz," which he recorded with cellist Yo-Yo Ma and bassist Edgar Meyer), but also from settlers' historic drive west across America in the 19th century. It also was influenced by music very close to our hearts - Western swing, invented by the great Bob Wills.

Here's part 1 of Mark O'Connor talking about his phenomenal "Americana Symphony," which will open this weekend's concerts:

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