Music of the Heart

In 1981 New York City, Roberta Guaspari copes with the emotional aftermath of her divorce from Charles Demetras, who has shifted his affections to her friend, Lana Holden. This period marks a significant turning point in her life as she faces the challenge of supporting her two sons while seeking solace in music.

Urged by her mother Assunta, Roberta re-enters the workforce as a gift-wrapper at a local department store. Here, she meets Brian Turner, an old acquaintance who encourages her to reignite her passion for music and consider a potential career in teaching.

Following Turner's suggestion, Roberta meets Janet Williams, the head teacher at Central Park East School. Despite lacking formal experience, Roberta is determined to take on the role of a substitute violin teacher, believing she can make a difference in the children's lives.

Roberta acquires 50 child-sized violins from Greece, a gift from her husband during his deployment. With these instruments, she initiates her teaching journey, aiming to inspire her students and foster a love for music among them.

As Roberta's violin program gains traction, she works tirelessly to win over doubtful parents and the local community. Her dedication and unique approach to teaching create a supportive environment for her students to thrive musically.

A decade later, the New York City Board of Education considers cutting funding for Roberta's cherished string programs. Faced with this challenge, Roberta's resolve to protect the program she has built only intensifies.

To combat the funding cuts, Roberta organizes Fiddlefest, a benefit concert aimed at raising money for the music program. She rallies support from her former students, their parents, and fellow teachers, showcasing her passion for music education.

As the Fiddlefest rehearsals progress, disaster strikes when the original venue for the concert is suddenly revoked. Faced with adversity, Roberta must find a new location to ensure the concert goes on as planned.

In a stroke of good fortune, celebrated violinist Arnold Steinhardt steps in to assist Roberta. He recruits other renowned musicians such as Isaac Stern and Itzhak Perlman to participate in the concert, helping secure a new venue at Carnegie Hall.

The Fiddlefest concert becomes a monumental event, allowing Roberta and her students to perform alongside music legends. This incredible opportunity not only highlights the students' talents but also solidifies Roberta's commitment to music education.

The Fiddlefest concert turns out to be an overwhelming success, raising $250,000. The funds serve as a vital lifeline, ensuring the continuation of Roberta's innovative music program for an additional three years, reaffirming music’s powerful role in the community.

Despite limited support from the Community School District 4, the combined efforts of Roberta and her devoted supporters lead to the official reinstatement of her distinguished violin program. This outcome showcases the significant impact Roberta has on her students’ lives and futures.

As her professional life thrives, Roberta's personal life flourishes as well. Living in East Harlem with her adopted daughter Sophia, she witnesses her son Nicholas excel as a talented cellist and her youngest son Alexi prepare for a promising medical career.

Roberta's commitment to Opus 118 continues as she aims to expand her outreach and impact more children through music. The organization’s future heavily relies on the community's kindness and the unwavering dedication of its supporters.