As Advertised, Mark O'Connor Concert Thrilled Audience

If you were there, you know. If you weren't, well, I hate to say I told you so, but I DID tell you so.

Mark O'Connor's show Sunday was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event and, if it's possible, more incredible than anyone expected.

He opened with his Improvised Violin Concerto, a five-movement piece that has him improvising for more than 20 minutes over a full symphony (made up of musicians from the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County, Princeton High School and Rider University). Yes, that's 20 minutes strictly off the top of his head, which means it is truly a performance that will never be re-created.

His intimate set accompanied only by a piano gave those in attendance to connect on a more personal level, as Mark shared some of the foundations of his music theory method as well as background on the richness of American music.

As great as all of that was, the finale was what all finales should be - a grand finale. With the orchestra behind him, all four of YOBC's string ensembles filled the aisles four rousing renditions of an O'Connor original (Beautiful Skies) and three American traditional classics. It was true surround sound and an incredibly moving experience.

The weekend, which included master classes Saturday, capped off an incredible season for YOBC, but there's not much time to rest. Preparations for the 2013-14 season are underway and it's going to be another one for the books. More ensembles, more music and preparations for a tour of Italy. Stay tuned!