Given the current limitations on gathering, the Santa Cruz Foundation for the Performing Arts hopes to help the community feel less isolated by partnering with KPUP to broadcast a new classical music program every Sunday evening at 5 p.m. for the foreseeable future.
The series features performers who have played at the Benderly-Kendall Opera House and house concerts since 2006, that so many locals have enjoyed. The musicians’ CD performances will be broadcast, with an introduction and program notes by Christina Wilhelm.
Wilhelm, the Executive/Artistic Director of the Foundation, is passionate about music’s impact on the human heart and our sense of community. “At this uncertain time in all our lives, music is the one thing that can unite us without physical contact. One of the ways right now to feel hopeful and keep our spirits up is by listening to music.”
Evan Kory, world-class Nogales pianist, was the first artist featured on the series. Kory was Artist-in-Residence for the 2017-18 season at the Opera House.
In introducing his CD performance of Bach on April 5, Christina pointed out, “Musicians must earn their living by performing. They need an audience. Today you are their audience.”
April concerts in the Foundation’s “Stay Tuned” campaign featured Juanito Pascual, Flamenco Guitarist (April 12), Newpoli, Mediterranean Heritage Music (April 19), and Richter/Uzer, Cello/Guitar Duo (April 26). Look for more updates soon, including video performances and ways to support the artists, on the Foundation’s website, www.scfpapresents.org.
“As a community radio station KPUP has been a valuable life-giving source of information and comfort every day in so many ways” Wilhelm said. “This is another great service they are performing, and we thank Mark Nicholson, KPUP volunteer, for his enthusiastic help.”