The long-term impact includes enjoying playing chamber music in and after college, regardless of the professions OPUS alumni choose. Some are playing in community groups while they work as engineers, architects, financial analysts, mathematicians, medical doctors, language teachers, as well as orchestra directors and professional performers. Examples of OPUS participants have shown how they have made chamber music their lifelong love.
Summer usually means sun, fun, and lazy days with friends; but when Ryan S. was 12 years old, he wanted to try something new. “I played viola in my school orchestra, so I thought attending a chamber music camp would be a good opportunity to grow my skills.” Ryan works as an electrical engineer, and he is returning in 2023 as a TA, his 11th year with OPUS.
Felix C. is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor of Neurology at Stanford Hospital. He said, “I remember getting expert advice during masterclasses and all the interesting people I met during the OPUS camp.” “My hobbies have not changed much since my time at OPUS and still includes violin.”
Kameron V. said, “My fondest memories by far would have to be the chamber music group rehearsals. The sheer amount of talent and perspective that every one of my peers offered was second to none, and I am so thankful to have had the privilege to work with them in such a uniquely collaborative setting. Currently, I work full-time at a local credit union. In my free-time, I rehearse and perform with the DuPage Sinfonietta.”
Christy M. has been with OPUS for 19 years. She is married and lives in Michigan. She comes back annually still to be an OPUS TA. She said, “One of the OPUS concerts was held at the Morton Arboretum in a beautiful breezy summer day. About half way through my trio’s performance, a strong gust tore my music from the stand and off into the audience. A kind man from the audience brought my music and placed it on the stand. I nodded a thank you, but then… it was upside down. He quickly dashed back up and flipped it for me!” “Every time I got out of OPUS, I was inspired as a new person.”