The nonprofit Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts (SCFPA) is dedicated to presenting high-quality live performances of classical and contemporary chamber music in the Benderly-Kendall Opera House, its exquisite performing arts building.
During the 2017-2018, SCFPA presented 25 performances at its Opera House in Patagonia. A fantastic array of outstanding concerts is scheduled for the 2018-2019 season with performances from November through April.
Musicians from around the world look forward to performing at the Opera House. One musician said, “It’s like a dream come true.” Both Patagonia residents and visitors agree that the Benderly-Kendall Opera House is an amazing community treasure.
Over a century ago, Patagonia’s bustling community frequented its very own opera house. In 2017, SCFPA revived the tradition by building a new one that’s inspired by the classical elegance of the music salons in Europe. Today SCFPA’s Opera House seats audiences of up to 80 guests for its intimate and acoustically rich performances.
In addition to the Opera House, SCPFA has a professional, custom designed stage on wheels called the Concert Haul® that brings performers to the audience. The Concert Haul® also serves as the onsite venue for SCFPA series of free outdoor community concert series during the month of June.
SCFPA sponsors two local performing arts projects–the Santa Cruz Singers, a choral group with a diverse vocal and musical repertoire, and a consortium of several performance groups, which includes a unique chamber music ensemble, an a cappella choir and a melodica quartet. SCFPA’s Artist-In-Residence program allows performers to explore their talent, develop their performance skills, build their reputation, and connect with other artists.
Christina Wilhelm, talented pianist and Executive Director and President of SCFPA says, “SCFPA supports the work of Mat Bevel Company because we believe Ned Schaper’s world of Beveldom is a modern-day, inter-generational performing arts form that offers a learning process to everyone regardless of age.”
SCFPA’s Opera House seats audiences of up to 80 guests for its intimate and acoustically rich performances.
In addition to sponsoring nonprofit Mat Bevel Company’s work, SCFPA generously supports many local nonprofit organizations.
CHOP – Community Housing in Patagonia
The Santa Cruz Parent Love Connection
Mountain Empire Rotary
Patagonia Creative Arts Association/Tin Shed Theater
Patagonia Fall Festival (Main Sponsor this year 2017)
Patagonia Youth Enrichment
Patagonia Fire Department
Patagonia 4th of July Committee
St Andrews Children’s Clinic Nogales
KPUP Community Radio Station
Patagonia Regional Community Foundation
Patagonia Union High School
Holiday Art Walk
Tumacacori National Historical Park
For more information and a schedule of concerts, visit SCFPA online.