This past year, The Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) showcased world-class talent, captivating and enchanting our community and enriching lives along the way.
The 2023-24 OPAS season commenced on September 29th with Country Hits: Songs from Nashville, featuring symphonic arrangements by Grammy winner Jeff Tyzik, alongside Nashville stars Emily West and Rick Brantley, accompanied by The Augusta Symphony.
In collaboration with Reynolds, OPAS co-produced the popular Rhythm and Brews Festival with the 1990s rock bands Tonic and Better Than Ezra. More than 1000 people gathered at The Sandy Creek Barn for this popular outdoor event.
Broadway Sings for OPAS returned with host Doug LaBrecque and featured a hand-selected Symphony Orchestra led by Emmy and Grammy winner Jason Howland. Singing sensation Capathia Jenkins and Mean Girls star Erika Henningsen helped deliver this stellar tribute to Broadway. This concert was a true season highlight!
Phantom's long-running Christine, Lisa Vroman, joined us for Fa-La-La on December 15th. Mr. Howland returned to lead a 32-piece symphony with violin pioneer Mark Wood, the original string master of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This holiday tradition warmed the hearts of the sell-out crowd, who witnessed seasoned professionals sharing the stage with numerous local music and dance students.
A Roaring 20's Valentine Celebration featured Alex Mendham and his Orchestra recreating the music of the 1920s. Alex dazzled guests with his debonair charm and the vintage sounds of a bygone era.
On March 22nd, Jumaane Smith headlined the return of The OPAS Lounge Series. Jumaane is a celebrated trumpeter and vocalist mentored by Wynton Marsalis at Juilliard. He has been the lead trumpeter for Michael Bublé for 19 years while playing on five Grammy Award-winning records, selling more than 60 million copies. The OPAS crowd stood and cheered for this incredible guest artist and his memorable band.
Our 16th season concluded with our Memorial Day Weekend Patriotic Concert. OPAS celebrated America with a Symphonic tribute, followed by the incredible Queens of Soul performing the iconic music of Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Alicia Keys, and Adele.
The OPAS 2023-24 Arts Education Season in Review
In addition to bringing superior talent this season, OPAS continued its Arts Education Initiatives by providing numerous opportunities for local youth, including faculty for the OPAS After School Music and Theater Program at Atlas, an exceptional organization in our community.
We provided five College Performing Arts Scholarships, 25 Summer Camp Scholarships for The Broadway Intensive at The Plaza, and three Scholarships to The Arts Barn.
Masterclass instructor Jumaane Smith worked with young instrumentalists at Greene County High School and Lisa Vroman taught over 100 students in numerous masterclasses at the Greene and Putnam County schools.
The OPAS Lesson Bank faculty included Ms. Vroman, David Washburn of The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and Anne Runolfsson, star of eight Broadway shows. We are proud to announce that all of our 2023 Lesson Bank students were admitted to college in performing arts programs!
OPAS provided 950 kids from Greene, Putnam, and Taliaferro Counties the opportunity to attend our production of“Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad” presented by The Virginia Repertory Theatre. The local audience delighted in our annual OPAS Youth Chorus Holiday Concert led by Amanda Stover and Pianist Amy Reber. We also provided over 50 complimentary tickets to students for the Broadway, Fa-La-La, and Memorial Day Weekend Concerts, offering them the opportunity to meet the visiting guest artists.
What to expect for the 2024-2025 Season
Stay tuned for our 2024-25 season announcement, featuring the comeback of Broadway Sings for OPAS with a fresh lineup of Broadway stars. Fa-La-La welcomes the return of Morgan James, and The OPAS Lounge Series celebrates its 4th year. OPAS favorite Stuart Malina will play Rhapsody in Blue, and Grammy and Tony nominee Michael Cavanaugh is back to headline our 2025 Memorial Day Weekend Concert, called Elton John, Billy Joel, and More!"
The 2024-2025 season will have increased opportunities for aspiring artists in our community! Scholarships, Masterclasses, the OPAS Lesson Bank, and much more await, all designed to empower and propel talented individuals toward their dreams.
Join the Fun and help make a difference!
Enjoy world-class programming while helping support local arts education programs, scholarships, masterclasses, and performance opportunities for area youth. Various membership tiers are offered, and your support is needed now more than ever. To learn more, visit www.opas.org or call 706.467.6000.
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