The Friends of the Performing Arts in Concord (FOPAC) is a non-profit organization which was founded in 1972 to raise money to renovate Veterans Hall and operate it as a center for the performing arts. The resident groups are The Concord Players, the Concord Band, and the Concord Orchestra. There is also a ballet studio upstairs, which is rented to several dance teachers who teach classes ranging from classical ballet and creative movement for children to ballroom dancing.

Vocalist Karyl Ryzcek will perform at Concord Orchestra Pops May 16, 17, 23 and 24

51 Walden is managed by Carole Wayland, who works closely with the Board of Directors. FOPAC provides liaison with the resident performing groups, and hosts special events such as the Veterans Day coffee, Waltz Night, and a community Messiah Sing in December. On April 5 and 6, 2008, the resident groups presented a semi-staged performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore. New this season was a New Year's Eve party featuring the big band Orion.

The shingled Queen Anne-style building now known as 51 Walden, was constructed in 1887 to serve as the town armory. It was recently named to the National Register of Historic Places. and a commemorative brass plaque was unveiled at a ceremony on Veterans Day, November 11, 2007.

During the summer of 2006, we reconstructed the historic but well-worn drama stage floor in order to bring it up to code, modernize the surface, and add a trap zone and paint trap. This project also included renovation of the Green Room, which is directly beneath the stage.

FOPAC received $120,000 in Community Preservation Funds from the Town of Concord thanks to town meeting voters in 2006 and 2007. We raised another $120,000 through private donations and special events last season, including the exciting dance show "Don't Stop the Rock" produced by Karrie Stang, and a costumed concert performance of Pirates of Penzance, a collaboration of the three resident groups conducted by Alan Yost.

In the winter of 2008, we refurbished our musician chairs with assistance from the Sudbury Foundation, which awarded FOPAC a $2000 grant. We are very greatful for their support of this project.

51 Walden is a treasured resource for the greater Concord community; it is used by hundreds of musicians, dancers, and thespians of all ages each week. Our audiences are treated to a wide range of concerts and plays throughout the year. If you'd like to contribute to the operation of the building, please make your check payable to FOPAC and mail it to P.O Box 251, Concord, MA 01742. For further information about how you can help, contact the FOPAC office at (978) 369-7911, or e-mail us at fopac@verizon.net

Revised May 9, 2008