Christina Wilhelm is President and Executive/Artistic Director for the Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts. (Photo by Eddie McArthur)
Christina and Fred Wilhelm first came to Patagonia at the close of the millennium, winter visitors avoiding Boston’s winters.
Twenty-seven years later, a choral group, a performing arts foundation and an opera house endure, testament to the couple’s dedication to music. And, to the vision of Virginia “Gini” Benderly.
It’s been quite a journey.
Wilhelm, a musician in her own right, had long been a patron of classical music venues in this country and Europe. Additionally, she has formed numerous choral groups, including the Charlestown Chorale in Boston.
Arriving in Patagonia for a few months stay in 1999, she queried Ann Caston if there was “any music around here.” Caston, then-owner of Mariposa Books and More, said no — but she had been trying to get a choral group together.
No need to say more. “Okay, next time I come, if you could get a few people together, I’d be glad to” do something, Wilhelm recalls saying.
A year later, there were 35 voices waiting at her proverbial doorstep to sing. One of them was Virginia “Gini” Benderly. And so began the Santa Cruz Singers.
In no time, she and Benderly were friends, with the latter providing seed money for what would eventually become the Benderly-Kendall Opera House. “It had been her dream,” Wilhelm said. John Kendall contributed extensively to finance the opera house’s completion.
But there were other important milestones before the opera house’s opening:
Incorporation of the Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts (2006)
Purchase of a rental space that has served as the SCFPA office (2015)
While the choral group did not have a performance venue upon formation, the creative minds were at work creating musical opportunities for local residents.
In 2002, they gave their first true concert — a memorial to 9/11 on the Patagonia schools campus.
Still there was no honest to goodness performance space. Not until the “Concert Haul” — a self-contained trailer — arrived in Patagonia. The venue was constructed in Chicago and towed to southern Arizona. It became the organization’s outdoor venue.
Alas, still, no “permanent” home for performances.
But the purchase of the foundation’s former rental space on Naugle Avenue opened the door for just that.
With years of experience in building design relating to good acoustics, the Wilhelms began planning for the venue even before moving to Patagonia permanently in 2019.
Christina wanted a classic “double cube” design patterned after opera houses in Europe, as it provided the best acoustics. In that design both the length and height would be double the width. That proved impossible in Patagonia due to height restrictions. So the building was designed as 20 feet wide, 40 feet long and 20 feet high. More complications arose when it was discovered the location sat in a flood plain, and the entire building had to be elevated. Wheelchair access was required, and a lift became part of the design. This altered the front elevation, and the opposite side was extended to match.
On Jan. 27, 2017, the Opera House officially opened its doors.
Upcoming performances
Nov 1, 3 p.m. – Juanito Pascual
From the evocative melodies of Granada, with harmonies and rhythms that encapsulate the essence of Andalusian music, to the classic flamenco style of alegrías, known for its vibrant and celebratory spirit, Pascual blends lyrical melodies and intricate guitar work to create a reflective, story-like journey.
Nov. 8, 3 p.m. – Butter Quartet
The Butter Quartet is a period-instrument string quartet based in the Netherlands, known for their vibrant, historically informed performances of early string quartet repertoire. The ensemble consists of Anna Jane Lester and Chloe Prendergast (violins), Isabel Franenberg (viola), and Evan Buttar (cello).
Prepaid admission: $35 adult, $17.50 student. At the door (if available): $40/$20.
The 2026-27 Benderly Concert Series begins on Nov. 1 and will feature 14 performances, including a special 10th anniversary concert on Jan. 28. It is one of multiple anniversaries to be celebrated: 25 years since formation of the Santa Cruz Singers and 20 years since the birth of the Foundation.
Fred Wilhelm died last December, but Christina continues as Foundation president and artistic director and carries on its mission of providing a special place for area residents to experience classical music and for young performers to get their start.
Evan Kory was the first “artist-in-residence” and has since played roughly 12 concerts there. He will be returning for the anniversary celebration, as well as another performance in February.
“I met Christina in 2008 in Nogales when I was 22-years old,” Kory said. At the time he was living in New York City, studying piano. “I had come home to perform at some fundraisers for the Santa Cruz Community Foundation.”
The two stayed in touch. And when he returned to live in the area, he would perform at least once a year.
“Having a beautiful venue dedicated to experiencing live chamber music in an intimate setting like the opera house is rare,” said Kory, who has also served on the SCFPA board of directors. “Everyone who performs in the venue shares how good it feels to make music in the space with its wonderful acoustics and how warm and receptive the audience is.”
Kory is a perfect example of what Wilhelm wanted for musicians at the opera house: “To give young performers who choose to make classical music as their career …, give them a showcase to start. Because they’re crazy enough to make music as a career.”
So, she isn’t looking for a Pavarotti?
“No,” she said. “But if he happens to show up at the door, I would be delighted.”
The Foundation is seeking volunteer docents willing to spend one day a month give tours of the Opera House. If interested, contact Wilhelm atscfpaexec@gmail.com.
