For the Love of Music – Opus OP Arts and Education Projects
Image above: Oliver Prezant and the Opus OP Trio (Carla Kountoupes, violin, Jerry Weimer, clarinet, Katie Harlow, cello) interpreting Wall With Mirror (2022) by Mary Vernon (photo credit: Video Magic)
Opus OP Arts and Education Projects, a fiscally sponsored project of New Mexico Community Foundation, provides an opportunity for audiences of all ages, teachers, students, musicians, and creative artists to deepen their enjoyment and understanding of music and the arts. Whether it’s a deep dive into a small amount of music by Brahms, Mozart, or Ravel featuring great musicians, a real-time exploration of stage direction with live opera singers, an illustrated program on the evolution of the trumpet, or a chance for audience members to hear their feelings about a painting or a poem turned into music by empathetic, improvising musicians, Opus OP programs feature opportunities for audience members to engage with the music, the musicians, and the works of art that are featured in each program on a deeper, more personal level. The experience can be transformative. One listener said:
“My experience has been enriched in many ways and my listening is forever changed.” — Kathy R.
Founded by conductor and arts educator Oliver Prezant in 2022, Opus OP programs take place in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Placitas. “We also present free youth and family programs,” said Prezant, Opus OP’s executive and artistic director, “and we reach into the public schools with free conducting workshops and coaching for music teachers, free tickets for teachers to Opus OP events, and free, in-class presentations for K-12 public school students that feature top-notch musicians.”
What makes Opus OP Programs different is the participation and involvement of the audience. “People have a chance to share impressions and to develop a deeper connection with the music and art, the performers and their fellow audience members. You know you’re on the right track,” he continued, “when the musicians tell you they felt more connected to the audience, and people in the audience tell you that the music sounded more beautiful because they learned how to listen. That’s a great feeling!”
To find out more about Opus OP Arts and Education Projects, visit www.oliverprezant.com. To donate, visit www.oliverprezant.com/donate