Public Invited to Grand Opening of The Benderly – Kendall Opera House
After more than a decade of bringing world-class music into private homes in Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts (SCFPA) announces the Grand Opening of its permanent performance venue, the Benderly – Kendall Opera House. The public is invited to the Inaugural Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 2 pm on Saturday, January 28, 2017, 344 Naugle Ave, Patagonia, Arizona.
According to SCFPA founder and executive director Christina Wilhelm, “The Opera House will become the epicenter for the performing arts in Santa Cruz County. Programs of the highest caliber are already in the works, featuring talented local musicians as well as internationally acclaimed performers.”
The first season in the new Opera House begins with “Beethoven’s Wig” on Thursday, February 9 at 7pm. Created and performed by Richard Perlmutter. Hie show is an imaginative interactive multi-media concert for children and adults.
The 2017 Concert series includes 10 performances at the Benderly – Kendall Opera House through May 14, 2017 with more concerts to be announced.
In addition to providing a permanent home in the Santa Cruz River Valley for quality performing arts, The Benderly – Kendall Opera House will also serve many other purposes: rehearsal hall, retreat for musicians, center for artists-in-residence programs, children’s and adults’ music camps and master classes.
The name, The Benderly – Kendall Opera House, recognizes two principal benefactors, Virginia Benderly and John Henry Kendall. The name also aligns the structure with the best traditions of the early West, when small town opera houses provided a much needed and immensely popular form of entertainment. The new Benderly – Kendall Opera House in Patagonia will not only preserve this tradition but also extend to the entire Santa Cruz River Valley the “small town opera house culture,” the fulfillment of a promise and a commitment to the entire region.
For more information about the Inaugural Dedication and Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, January 28 and the 2017 season, visit scfpapresents.org or call: 888-202-1942 or 520-394-0129.
About The Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts
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, historic sites and now at The Benderly – Kendall Opera House, 344 Naugle Ave, Patagonia, Arizona. .