OPAS Offers a September to Remember

As autumn approaches, the Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) begins its 2026-27 season with a carefully curated lineup that blends artistry, atmosphere, and community. Tickets for all fall OPAS Mainstage performances are available now. From an intimate candlelit concert to music delivered right to your neighborhood, this is the season to mark your calendar and reserve your seats early.

The season opens on Sunday, September 13, at 3:00 PM with the OPAS Candlelight Series presentation of An Afternoon in Paris.

Featuring acclaimed vocalist Christine Andreas, who is joined by her husband and longtime musical partner Martin Silvestri, this performance offers a refined and immersive concert experience. Set in the soft glow of candlelight, the program draws inspiration from the romance of Paris and the sophistication of New York City. Interwoven with nostalgic stories, the carefully selected repertoire reflects Andreas's distinguished career.

Andreas performs her tribute to Edith Piaf with husband Marty Silvestri on accordion

Renowned for her interpretations of Great American Songbook classics, Christine Andreas has spent decades performing on Broadway, in London's West End, in Manhattan cabarets, and at Carnegie Hall. A two-time Tony nominee and Theater World Award winner, her work has been praised for its nuance and emotional clarity, including recognition from The New York Times for "the most thrilling interpretation of 'La Vie en Rose' this side of Edith Piaf." Audiences can expect an afternoon that is both musically rich and personally engaging.

The OPAS Candlelight Series has quickly become a favorite among audiences for its intimate scale and enchanting ambiance. With limited seating, An Afternoon in Paris is expected to draw early demand, making advance ticket purchases especially important.

Later in the month, OPAS extends its reach beyond the stage with the return of its Pop-Up Series: The Concert Truck, taking place September 20–24 at the following locations: Harbor Club, Lakeside Church, Christ Our King and Savior Catholic Church, as well as performances for local students at Greene County High School and Lake Oconee Academy.

Pianists Nick Luby and Susan Zhang perform for students at Palm Beach Elementary School

This mobile performance platform brings live music directly into neighborhoods, schools, churches, and shared public spaces. Featuring two Juilliard-trained pianists and American Vocal Traditions Competition Grand Prize Winner Elizabeth Baldwin, The Concert Truck offers a series of performances that highlight the musical styles and artistic themes featured throughout the 2026-27 OPAS season. For longtime patrons, it is a chance to experience OPAS in a different setting; for others, it serves as an introduction to the organization's broader programming and impact.

Performance times and locations can be found at OPAS.org, and admission is complimentary, reflecting OPAS's continued commitment to expanding access to the arts and reinforcing connections across the community. While tickets are not required, registration at OPAS.org is encouraged to receive important event updates and schedule information.

Following a strong start in September, the remainder of the fall season continues with a diverse selection of performances.

On October 23, the Rhythm & Brews Festival returns to Sandy Creek Barn, featuring opening band Vertical Horizon and headliner Sugar Ray, known for their chart-topping '90s hits that helped define California pop-rock. Presented in collaboration with Reynolds Lake Oconee, this outdoor event combines live music, a complimentary beer and wine tasting, local food, and a relaxed festival atmosphere.

Rhythm & Brews at Sandy Creek Barn

In November, Broadway Sings for OPAS celebrates its sixth anniversary with an afternoon of music from some of America’s most beloved musicals. Broadway stars Shayna Steele, Mamie Parris, and Nathaniel Hackmann join conductor Evan Roider and The OPAS Philharmonic to bring familiar songs to life with the unmatched energy of a full symphony orchestra. Together, these artists have appeared in more than 15 Broadway shows.

The season concludes on December 12 with the fan-favorite Fa-La-La, featuring guest conductor Bruce Devlin, guest vocalists, students from The Arts Barn, and The OPAS Philharmonic. This annual holiday concert offers both afternoon and evening performances and remains a meaningful tradition for many families in the area. Thanks to the generosity of the Strickler family, tickets are complimentary to students at the matinee performance.

With major interest already growing, particularly for more intimate performances like the Candlelight Series, audiences are encouraged to plan ahead and secure their seats early. From elegance to energy, the Fall 2026 season reflects OPAS's continued commitment to delivering exceptional live experiences throughout the Lake Oconee area.

Visit OPAS.org or call 706.467.6000 to learn more about OPAS performances, membership, and ticket availability.

A special thanks to our Season Sponsors: Bo Fears, Luxury Lake Oconee Real Estate Group, Reynolds Lake Oconee, and SignatureFD.