ORCHESTRA PARENTS-PATRONS UNITED SUPPORT

Since year 2000, OPUS is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit and charitable organization, generously supported by donors and volunteers. OPUS underwrites music programs and scholarships with funds from donations, memberships, your souvenir purchases, and grants. Each and every volunteer has special talents and time limitations, so we work with you to utilize their valuable time and expertise. Examples are seen everywhere, from organization, administration, marketing, donations, e-Newsletter authorship, editing, distribution, accounting, website maintenance, etc. OPUS is better and unique, because together we help extend the joy of learning classical music to next generations!

The purpose of OPUS Chamber Music Camp is to provide a valuable and noteworthy experience for intermediate to advanced youth musicians, ages 8 to 18, to explore and discover the joys of chamber music in small ensembles. Chamber music empowers each member to be responsible not only for the musical techniques, but also in his or her musical expression. Each group’s success depends entirely on the cooperation of participating members. Each ensemble group will receive appropriate coaching for the chamber ensemble from distinguished professional chamber musicians, which will result in memorable, inspirational, and unique musical growth for each participant. In addition, the Camp serves to provide an environment that permits students to grow socially and bind their friendship in an honest and ethical manner. The 2025 Chamber Music Camp, July 27-August 2 at North Central College, Naperville, IL is OPUS' 23rd Annual Chamber Music Camp.

The Camp Program has expanded to be the training ground for public concerts, including outdoor concerts “Chamber Music in a Park” series at the Naperville Riverwalk’s Amphitheatre, Cantigny Park, and Morton Arboretum. OPUS also performed at DuPage Children's Museum, Naperville City's Municipal Center, and area's rehabilitation centers and Naperville music stores. These events attracted a full string of community people. In addition, OPUS did a new OPUS School of Youth Chamber Musicians (SYCM) in Naperville in 2006-07. The SYCM had two semesters (Fall and Spring), and each semester ran weekly chamber music coaching program for 10 weeks where children are trained routinely during the school year. The OPUS SYCM carries a mission which children are required to perform for underprivileged, underserved, nursed, seniors, and hospitals. This is a dignified way to help children grow their social responsibility as well as provide common goods to the community in which we live. Last SYCM year concluded with many concerts at Our Saviour's Church, Monarch Landing, Independence Village, St. Patrick’s Residence; and Naper Settlement’s Christmas Memories and Edwards Hospital, all in Naperville. Brava! For the years 2009 and 2010, a special Edward Hospital performance took place each year at Edward Hospital where young musicians performed. A pair of patients requested the musician to play a piece of Waltz so they danced with Johann Strauss – how fabulous! OPUS' young chamber musicians performed concerts for Naperville Evenings Kiwanians at Edward Hospital. OPUS young musicians performed annually after the Camp in area senior/nursing/ assisted living homes, and particularly during the holiday season. OPUS continues to bring a large number of chamber music concerts to seniors at their residences.

In 2014, OPUS expands its chamber music learning opportunity to include adults. Year 2020 will earmark the 6th Anniversary for Adults "Never Too Late" to learn chamber music Workshop. This 9 to 4 one-day Workshop is good for ADULTS and students because it is:

Single-Day
– Fits your busy schedule

Never Played Chamber Music Before?
– This is a great opportunity to give it a try!

Haven’t Played for a While?
– This is a chance to refresh and reestablish your skills.

Make New Friends
– Meet and play with folks who share your interest in music.

It’s Never Too Late to Play
– Be inspired, and you may grow to love it!

In year 2018, OPUS launched yet another community initiative. It is a SPECIAL Concert named “Salute, Honor, and Love”, dedicated to areas’ veterans and seniors. The 2nd annual August 5th concert received an overwhelming response by the audience, and OPUS plans to continue this free admission concert to seniors and veterans for the foreseeable future. Come to join 2PM on August 4th, 2025 for the 8th Annual SHL Concert!

OPUS also holds annual year-end Holiday Workshops and Concerts. Now in high demand, OPUS typically gives concerts at five larger older adults or veterans venues. Many of our recent concert performances can be viewed at napopus.org under Gallery.

OPUS not only organizes, but also underwrites the cost of the above events so the programs can be executed smoothly. None of our volunteers including the camp director were paid. OPUS relies on the generosity of donors and grants to sustain a variety of chamber music programs such as the Music Camp, “Get the Taste”, “Never Too Late to Play”, Seniors/Veterans Concerts, the OPUS Chamber Orchestra and concerts, and the OPUS Holiday Workshop and Concerts.