History
The Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts, hereafter known as SCFPA, envisioned in 2005 by Christina Wilhelm is a non profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in Santa Cruz County, Arizona to promote the performing arts.

Christina Wilhelm also founded and directed the Santa Cruz Singers in 2001, a 501(c)(3) organization; and Tapestries, an innovative chamber music ensemble in 2004 with the goal of bringing people together through music, thus enhancing the feeling of community. It became very clear that existing facilities did not provide the combination of space, acoustical quality and ambiance essential to providing a quality musical experience for both performers and audience.

Christina approached Virginia Benderly, a friend, philanthropist and patron of the arts to see if Christina’s dream of a recital hall was viable. Virginia thought there definitely was a need and enthusiastically provided our initial seed money.

Vision & Mission Statement
The vision and mission of SCFPA is to establish and maintain an exquisite recital hall. It will be a state of the art facility for the use of local, national and international musicians and other performing artists for practice space and quality performance events. We intend to continue new and exciting ways of experiencing musical performances and music educational programs to benefit the various communities of Santa Cruz County and the surrounding area. Sharing the border with Mexico allows us to cultivate the rich heritage of both Mexican and American music and performers.

The recital hall, located in the new village at Kino Springs, Estancia Yerba Buena, will be an absolute jewel unlike any other performance center in Santa Cruz County. The approach to the site offers breathtaking views of the mountains and overlooks the golf course and the historic ranch house dating back to actor Stewart Granger’s time with Spencer Tracy, John Wayne and other well known movie stars. Easily accessible for people throughout the county, the site is ideally located.

The recital hall will hold 200 seats, carry state-of-the-art acoustics and be built in an elegant Mission style. It will become the corporate headquarters of The Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts. Our vision is to create a unique and intimate setting for the enjoyment of all in the community.