How Extraordinary Performing Arts Came to
the Santa Cruz River Valley.

In 2005, Christina Wilhelm, pianist and founder-director of the Santa Cruz Singers and Tapestry Chamber Ensemble, envisioned the Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts, SCFPA, to promote the performing arts on behalf of the Santa Cruz County, Arizona community. SCFPA is incorporated as a non profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Virginia Benderly, beloved Santa Cruz County friend, philanthropist and patron of the arts has graciously supported SCFPA including providing initial seed money toward the creation of a performing arts venue. SCFPA honors Virginia Benderly’s generosity in two important ways: by naming its innovative salon experience the Benderly Concert Series and by giving her name to the future concert hall.

The Santa Cruz Foundation for the performing Arts, a non profit organization, is dedicated to presenting high quality live performances of popular and classical music in area homes and historic sites. Our long range goal: to have a state of the art 200 seat recital hall in Santa Cruz County that will provide a permanent venue for future generations of concert goers.

SCFPA Board of Directors:

Christina Wilhelm, President
Frederick Wilhelm Jr., Secretary/Treasurer
Erin Blanding
Claudia Proto
Jody Walker
Jim Welden
Keith Barth
Hal Slotnick
In Memorium: Virginia Benderly 1920-2009, Founding Member and Principal Benefactor