Above / The quintet, “Five Part Epoxy,” performed Arcangelo Correlli’s Concerto Grasso IV – Adagio-Allegro and Allegro in the final concert on August 6, 2016.
Young musicians, ages 8 to 18, who have studied violin, viola, cello, string double bass, flute, clarinet, or piano will discover the joys of exploring and performing chamber music July 30 – August 4, 2017 at the OPUS Chamber Music Camp 2017 on the campus of Benedictine University in Lisle.
The final concert will be presented on August 5 in Wentz Concert Hall on the campus of North Central College.
Apply now through June 5, 2017
According to Linda Lin Yu, founder and president emeritus, OPUS is now accepting applications for the 15th annual music camp via its website www.napOPUS.org. The deadline is June 12, and the scholarship applications are due no later than June 5, 2017.
Built on 14 years of chamber music camp offerings, OPUS is offering another inspirational and stimulating experience for young musicians. Special to this seven-day day-camp is the emphasis on chamber music for small ensembles: trios, quartets and quintets. Chamber music is where each person is solely responsible for one part, usually means greater challenges and rewards. Through concentrated team work unique to chamber music, campers learn not only musical expression and technique, but also focused listening, responsibility, leadership and cooperation.
Above / The 2016 Decet “Cold Ben” completed its last note of J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major in the final concert on August 6, 2016.
Thirteen (13) campers returned for the fourth to sixth time last year, indicating the highly rewarding camp experience for many students. Students may apply as individuals or as a pre-formed chamber ensemble group. Each camper is placed in a chamber group based on an audition, and music is assigned three weeks before the Camp for campers to practice before coming to the Camp.
Violinist Mara Gallagher is Music Director
OPUS has continued to appoint Violinist Mara Gallagher as the Music Director for the Camp. Working with Gallagher are more than twenty-five (25) top-notch professional musicians from throughout the country who have demonstrated high-level teaching and mentoring ability. Most faculty of the previous Camp are returning, including the much welcomed Ensemble In-Residence, Chicago-based Orion Ensemble.
The daily curriculum includes class work focusing on intensive sessions for chamber ensemble coaching, mixed with instrument choir and technique class, arts connections and world music culture workshop, master classes, and music quiz bowl and creativity showcase. The Camp draws students from all Chicago areas because of its close vicinity.
In the words of an OPUS camper’s Parent – “Playing an instrument, playing chamber music with others and performing with chamber orchestras, are experiences that will make students better at everything they do! To have such a variety of classes compacted in one week is amazing!”
Information and application forms are available at www.napopus.org.
Story and photos submitted by Linda Lin Yu for 15th Annual OPUS Chamber Music Camp. Contact her at campdirector@napopus.org.
