Acclaimed fiddler/violinist and Grammy Award winning recording artist Mark

O’Connor will be featured at the 18th annual Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestras Summer 

Music Festival at Loyola University. The festival, scheduled for June 6-10, will provide the 

opportunity for students to engage in small group instruction, participate in performance 

opportunities and enjoy social interaction with other talented musicians. 

O’Connor, who performs with the O’Connor Family Band and has been hailed as “brilliantly 

original” by the Seattle Times, combines bluegrass, folk, jazz and classical genres to create a 

uniquely American sound.  He has developed a patented training program for strings called The 

O’Connor MethodTM and holds workshops all over the U.S.

“This Summer Music Festival will excite and inspire young musicians at all levels of proficiency,” 

said GNOYO’s Music Director Dr. Jean Montes. “The intense training they receive enhances their 

musical skills but also offers life lessons that will serve them well in any career path they 

Enrollment for the Summer Music Festival is open to students who play one of the following 

instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, harp, oboe, flute, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, 

trombone, tuba and percussion. Tuition is $340 per student.

Public concerts will include Chamber Music Ensembles from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on June 9 and the 

final performance at 11:15 a.m. June 10.

Founded in 1994, GNOYO provides an orchestral experience for young musicians who are seven-

19-years-old in New Orleans and on the Northshore.  Among other honors, GNOYO has 

performed at Carnegie Hall and received a Governor’s Arts Award for Arts in Education.

For more information or to register call 504-861-1801 or visit www.gnoyo.org/summer-fest/.