Downtown Greensboro was electric last Friday, when the Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) presented an unforgettable tribute to one of America’s greatest composers with “Rhapsody in Blue and the Music of George Gershwin.”
The evening featured a lineup of internationally acclaimed talent, led by Tony Award-winning conductor/ pianist Stuart Malina, as his virtuosic piano performance and work as the emcee anchored the evening with musical brilliance, depth, and humor. Joining him on stage for a memorable “four hands” version of the iconic Rhapsody in Blue was his son, Zev Malina, a gifted young composer and pianist, whose intergenerational duet with his father added a layer of emotional resonance to captivate the OPAS audience.
The concert also showcased renowned trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, a jazz icon celebrated for his dynamic presence and breathtaking improvisation on the trombone and the rarely heard soprano trombone.
Baritone Michael Preacely’s long association with the musical “Porgy and Bess” was also evident as he delivered rich, powerful interpretations with a commanding voice. Soprano Erica Gabriel added elegance and emotional depth to the stage with her soaring vocals, including a poignant and pure version of “Summertime” while adding variety with her unexpected jazzy reading of The Man I Love.
Adding to the variety of the evening was OPAS scholarship recipient and founding OPAS Youth Chorus member Helen Garcia-Carreras. Her solid vocals and confident stage presence added lightness and fun, and her tap dancing was met with cheers.
“I have been so fortunate to have participated in numerous tributes to Gershwin, and this one truly rose to the top,” OPAS leader Doug LaBrecque declared. “Having Wycliffe and Stuart on the stage alongside performers of this caliber was a ‘pinch me’ OPAS moment.”
Beyond the stage, OPAS champions arts education through meaningful initiatives that include scholarships, school outreach programs, and the OPAS Youth Chorus, creating live performance opportunities for the next generation.
Next up for OPAS is its annual Memorial Day Weekend Concert featuring the music of Billy Joel, Elton John, and more. The concert will feature Michael Cavanaugh, a man hand-picked by Joel to star in Broadway’s “Movin’ Out.”
For tickets, event details, or to explore the OPAS youth community initiatives and membership opportunities, visit opas.org or call 706-467-6000.