Eva-Maria Opahle: Carl Orff Competition 2018 Orpheus Eurydike Hermes

Eva-Maria Opahle 1951:
Irmgard and Hans Opahle had been expelled from Silesia and were looking for a new homeland, when their second daughter, Eva-Maria, was born in Gelsenkirchen. Not much later the family moved to Karlsruhe, where Eva-Maria’s four brothers were born.

At Karlsruhe Conservatory Eva-Maria learned to play the recorder, violin, piano and church organ and was taught harmony. She started studying music education at the University of Music Freiburg but, realizing that educational aspects were rather neglected in the study course, decided to train as a “mathematisch technische Assistentin” (computer technician) and pursued music as a hobby.

Her own family, which had been the primary focus in her life for many years, produced three children (who are now adults) and the name Götte-Schmidt.

1991:
After her youngest daughter was born, Eva-Maria quit her job in computers and established a private music school in Gengenbach. She developed her singing and conducting skills in numerous courses and directed choirs for many years.

An extensive training course in rhythmics provided plenty of inspiration to her as she wished to be more creative musically. The training has also impacted her work as a teacher and composer.