OPAS Unplugged Delivers an Inspiring Afternoon of Chamber Music and Arts Education

This past Sunday at 3 PM, the Oconee Performing Arts Society presented a captivating installment of its OPAS Unplugged series, offering audiences an intimate and artistically rich chamber music experience.

Traveling from Berlin, acclaimed pianist Benjamin Hochman joined forces with renowned violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti for a program of striking contrast and exceptional musicality. In the first half, the duo, joined by cellist Raman Ramakrishnan, a graduate of the Juilliard School, performed Haydn’s Piano Trio No. 39 in G major, affectionately known as the “Gypsy” Trio for its spirited, Hungarian-style finale. The performance delighted audiences with its lyrical elegance as the three world-class musicians demonstrated remarkable cohesion and expressive nuance. Moretti’s warm tone and refined artistry were especially notable throughout the piece.

At intermission, OPAS reinforced its commitment to arts education by announcing two scholarship recipients from Mercer University's McDuffie Center for Strings: Holly Parker, a college sophomore, and Isaac Willocks, who is currently working toward his master's degree. Both students have previously performed with OPAS, exemplifying the organization’s ongoing investment in nurturing emerging talent. OPAS Board Chair Barry Selvidge presented the awards, expressing gratitude to the Mary and Patrick McClain Foundation for making the scholarships possible. 

The second half of the program brought a dramatic shift in tone with Franck’s Piano Quintet in F minor. Widely regarded as a cornerstone of Romantic chamber music, the work’s passionate and turbulent character offered a thrilling contrast to the Classical elegance of the first half. Heard in the resonant acoustic of First Methodist Church, the performance was especially striking for its natural balance and clarity. In an era where over-amplification has become standard practice, this unadorned listening experience was both refreshing and deeply rewarding for all in attendance.

Next up for OPAS OPAS will continue its Unplugged series in the 2026–27 season, further showcasing its dedication to diverse, high-quality programming. Next, OPAS welcomes the Augusta Symphony on Friday, May 1, for Let’s Groove Tonight: Motown & The Philly Sound, and the season concludes on May 23 with the popular OPAS Memorial Day Weekend concert, The Queens of Country. 

Thanks to our generous sponsors! Season Sponsors: Bo Fears, Luxury Lake Oconee Real Estate Group, Reynolds Lake Oconee, and SignatureFD; Platinum League Event Sponsors: Betsy & Dale Peck

About OPAS

The Oconee Performing Arts Society delivers world-class performing arts to Georgia’s Lake Country, offering performances that entertain, inspire, and unite. As a mission-driven nonprofit, OPAS also invests in the future, providing scholarships, youth music education, and opportunities that nurture the next generation of artists.