Greensboro, Ga. — The Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) delighted classical music enthusiasts with a breathtaking Sunday afternoon concert featuring the world-renowned Ehnes Quartet at the South Campus of The Greensboro First United Methodist Church. Set in an intimate, acoustically rich venue, the concert was an unforgettable celebration of chamber music, offering a rare opportunity for the community to experience performances usually reserved for the world’s major concert halls.

The Ehnes Quartet, known for its chemistry and technical brilliance, captivated the audience with two iconic works: Mendelssohn String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 13 and Brahms String Quartet No. 2. in A Minor, Op. 51 The ensemble’s synergy, refined over more than two decades of performing together, resulted in a performance that was both intellectually stimulating and emotionally moving. Adding to the allure of the afternoon was the rare opportunity to hear music “unplugged” and unamplified.

Each musician brought their own extraordinary talent to the performance:

–James Ehnes, a violinist of global renown, has over 60 releases and has won numerous prestigious awards, including two Grammy Awards. His impeccable technique and artistry are hallmarks of his performances, leaving audiences mesmerized. He is the Artistic Director of The Seattle Chamber Music Society and a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and the Royal Academy of Music. Mr. Ehnes offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to the OPAS crowd by playing his remarkable Stradivarius violin from 1715.

–Amy Schwartz Moretti, is equally versatile as a chamber musician and concertmaster. Former concertmaster of The Florida Orchestra and The Oregon Symphony, she is the Director of the renowned McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University.

–Che-Yen Chen, is the first prize winner of the 2003 Primrose Viola Competition. As a former member of the Formosa Quartet, he won the first prize in the 2006 London International String Quartet Competition. A professor of music at UCLA, his previous positions included principal viola at the San Diego Symphony and professor of viola at the USC Thornton School of Music.

–Edward Arron, a cellist praised for his expressive phrasing and tonal warmth, debuted in 2000 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and appeared as a soloist with major orchestras in North America, Europe and Asia.

The afternoon’s program showcased the expressiveness of the quartet, with Mendelssohn’s lyrical passages resonating throughout the space and Brahms’ lush harmonies drawing the audience into an intimate journey. The group was impressibly in sync and musical throughout their well-curated program.

One attendee, who traveled from South Carolina to attend the concert, said, “This is the caliber of performance you’d expect to see in New York or Boston. To experience it here, in Greensboro, is nothing short of amazing. We are so lucky to have OPAS bringing this level of talent to the community.”

The concert was made possible by the generous support of OPAS season sponsors: Donna Freeman and Michael Heyne, Luxury Lake Oconee Real Estate Group, Reynolds Lake Oconee and Signature FD.

For more information about upcoming events or to become a member and support OPAS, visit OPAS.org.