Press Release: Maeve Gilchrist to Perform at Hacienda de Sonoita, Feb 19th

As a child, Edinburgh born Maeve Gilchrist immersed herself in Scottish music and studied voice, Celtic harp and classical piano. As a teen, she discovered jazz and "world music." Now she lists her musical influences as Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Bach, Debussy, Ravi Shankar, Charles Mingus, Nina Simone, Tom Waits, and Miles Davis, among others. She has blended all the above into her own multicultural sound and become a performer described by Dirty Linen Magazine as a "phenomenal harp player who can make her instrument ring with unparalleled purity or bounce with afro-inspired rhythmic playing similar to Senegalese Kora music."

Called by some a Celtic singer, composer, and folk harpist, Gilchrist promises this and more for her concert at Hacienda de Sonoita (34 Swanson Rd, two miles east of Sonoita Crossroads on Hwy 83) on February 19th at 4 PM. Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts (SCFPA) is proud to bring this amazing talent to southeastern Arizona as part of its 2012 Benderly Concert Series.

Tickets and memberships are available online or by calling 520-394-9495. Ticket prices are lower this season: $25 for SCFPA members and $30 for non-members. Champagne reception immediately following the concert.

One Woman's Dream

Poet Nancy Calhoun reflects on SCFPA and Christina Wilhelm in her Poetry in Sonoita blog post dated April 18, 2011.

Benderly Hall Flash Presentation

View our Flash presentation about our vision for Benderly Hall. The Flash video may take a few moments to load depending on your connection speed but we think you'll find it worth the wait!

Volunteer Opportunities

Help make the music happen!
Set up for performances
Locate venue sites where we can hold the performances
Distribute flyers, posters
Join the task force for media, publicity and PR
Spread the word by handing out brochures in your local area

Nogales Rotary Club: The Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts By David Ramirez, April 14, 2011

Christina Wilhelm of The Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts was the special guest speakers today at the Nogales Rotary Club meeting held April 14, 2011. Wilhelm spoke to Rotarians about the amazing work the organization is doing in the community, but the presentation on the new performing arts center was the toast of the luncheon. Benderly Hall, as it is currently titled will be a state-of-the-art recital hall with a capacity to seat 200. Wilhelm spoke about the new possibilities and opportunities that such a location will bring to the community and performers alike. Rotarians and the community were invited to become members, sponsors, volunteers or benefactors of the tremendous project so that it reaches completion. Plans for its location are in Kino Springs.

Accolades/Kudos

“Everyone loved the concert. Your work is such a glory for our area!”
-Mother Miriam

“I have missed quality live music for so long that I continue to be overwhelmed by the variety and quality of all the concerts.  Many, many thanks.”
-John Walsh

“Keep up the great work! I am very please with the blending of venue and music.  Thank you for your efforts and all your work.”
-Caroline Walsh

“I so enjoyed the events.  You bring a much needed addition of culture to the area.  Music heals so much.”
-Susan Lange

“Phil and I think it's wonderful what you are doing in bringing such high caliber performances to our area and hope you are successful in all you do!”
-Sherry Luna

“Thanks for a fine job”
-Sandy Wolf

“The concert was a BIG success and very much enjoyed by everyone! I appreciated the way we are all getting to know each other better. You are doing a wonderful service for Santa Cruz County.”
-Fran Cook

“Truly, I appreciate your efforts and attention to detail in creating a perfect recital hall! You have made an extraordinary contribution to our life. Gracias a la vida!”
-Anne Gibson

“Wonderful program”
-Tom & Nancy Calhoun

“As good as it gets”
-Bernice Pomeroy

“Great music”
-Jeannie Fleming

“Excellent concert”
-Susan Lange

“Excellent cultural event. You do such a great job in bringing culture to this area. Thank you.”
-Horst & Hedy Kniesel

“Very enjoyable”
-El Hinkle

“Special place, special music, perfect evening”
-Linda & Cliff Hirsch

“Lovely to hear such a concert & so close to home” -Barbara Bell

“Wonderful music in such a perfect setting”
-Jan Johnson

“Mil gracias, marvelloso!”
-Analizabeth

“Absolutely wonderful”
-Ros Villa