OPAS Youth Chorus warms the hearts of community

Published 9:22 am Friday, December 20, 2024

On Sunday, Dec. 8, the OPAS Youth Chorus delivered a delightful performance at their annual concert. 

“A Choral Christmas with the OPAS Youth Chorus and Friends” was held before an audience of over 200 attendees. The afternoon was a vibrant celebration of local talent and community spirit.  

The program featured heartfelt performances from the OPAS Youth Chorus, composed of students from Putnam and Greene Counties, under the steady leadership of conductor Amanda Stover. Music students from Lake Oconee Academy, led by Cathy Williamson, also contributed solid choral work to the afternoon, adding depth and variety to the program. A particularly touching moment came from OPAS Lesson Bank Piano Student Mary Strickland, who performed a lyrical and heartfelt version of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”  

The OPAS Youth Chorus accompanist and program host Amy Reber delivered stunning piano accompaniment and a charming four-handed piece with her student Maria Dresch. The audience enjoyed a charming performance by pianist Dakota Moon and a lively vocal and guitar duet of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by OPAS college scholarship recipients and former Youth Chorus members Helen and Elisa Garcia-Garcia. Chorus leader Amanda Stover also lent her angelic voice to a moving performance of Gesu Bambino.

This concert, held during a bustling season for the OPAS Youth Chorus, followed their appearance at the Good Samaritan Hospital tree lighting.

The event was a testament to OPAS, Amanda Stover, and Amy Reber’s dedication to keeping the arts alive for area youth and fostering a love of music in the community.  

More information is available for those inspired by the concert and interested in joining the OPAS Youth Chorus by calling 706-467-6000.