OPAS: Unplugged

Delivering an inspiring afternoon of chamber music and arts education
  • OPAS will continue its Unplugged series this year on May 1, when it welcomes the Augusta Symphony to the First Methodist Church in Greensboro for “Let’s Groove Tonight: Motown & The Philly Sound.” CONTRIBUTED
    OPAS will continue its Unplugged series this year on May 1, when it welcomes the Augusta Symphony to the First Methodist Church in Greensboro for “Let’s Groove Tonight: Motown & The Philly Sound.” CONTRIBUTED
  • OPAS board members presented college sophomore Holly Parker and master’s candidate Isaac Willocks with individual scholarships from Mercer University’s McDuffie Center for Strings. CONTRIBUTED
    OPAS board members presented college sophomore Holly Parker and master’s candidate Isaac Willocks with individual scholarships from Mercer University’s McDuffie Center for Strings. CONTRIBUTED
  • Violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti (left) led the way for Holly Parker (center) and cellist Raman Ramakrishnan during OPAS Unplugged last Sunday.
    Violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti (left) led the way for Holly Parker (center) and cellist Raman Ramakrishnan during OPAS Unplugged last Sunday.
  • OPAS: UNPLUGGED
    OPAS: UNPLUGGED
  • Renowned violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti joined Julliard-trained cellist Raman Ramakrishnan (right) and acclaimed pianist Benjamin Hochman (hidden) in a performance of Haydn’s Piano Trio No. 39 in G major, affectionately known as the “Gypsy.”
    Renowned violinist Amy Schwartz Moretti joined Julliard-trained cellist Raman Ramakrishnan (right) and acclaimed pianist Benjamin Hochman (hidden) in a performance of Haydn’s Piano Trio No. 39 in G major, affectionately known as the “Gypsy.”

    This past Sunday at 3 p.m., the Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) 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.

    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.

    For more information about OPAS performances, tickets, or ways to support the arts education initiatives, visit OPAS.org or call 706.467.6000