The OK Factor

Olivia Diercks and Karla Peters - cellist and violinist of the new-classical crossover duo, The OK Factor - have one word to describe their musical connection: lucky. The almost telepathic way they respond to one another is palpable to the audiences they capture during performances, as is their spontaneity and joy.

Organic and genuine, their original compositions and arrangements feel both comfortingly familiar and uniquely fresh, and have been described as "genre-bending" (Julie Amacher, MPR) and "pure magic" (Wausau Pilot & Review). In their 10+ years of writing, performing, and touring, The OK Factor has honed the ways they impact communities outside the concert hall.

Residency work has become a deep passion - sharing intimate performances, conducting outreach activities, and leading workshops for students through their education initiative, ATLAS. Olivia and Karla are also sought-after collaborators and composers-in-residence, having worked with many regional, national, and international artists, and various digital music libraries.

The OK Factor's distinct compositional and performance style, and dedication to educational outreach, awarded them a Minnesota State Arts Board Arts Education Grant for the 2024 school year, and an Artist Fellowship for Scandinavian Folk Arts and Cultural Traditions through the American Scandinavian Foundation in 2020.

The duo has produced five studio albums of their original pieces and arrangements: Water Street ('14), That's Enough of That ('16), Have Yourself an OK Christmas ('17), Season's Greetings ('20), and OKX ('23). Part of the 10x10 series, you'll be up close, on stage with the artist in an intimate, cabaret-style setting. General admission $10 in advance. Season table subscriptions also available by calling The Grand's Aspirus Ticket Office at 715-842-0988.