November 24, 2025

Dear Patron of the Arts,

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and all of the Resident Performing Arts Groups here at 51 Walden, I want to thank you personally for your continued support of the varied live performances which we provide to Concord and surrounding communities. We are comprised of scores of local volunteers who are committed to providing you with the best in music, theater, opera and dance. In total we are presenting well-over 60 separate performances each season for close to 8000 audience participants. Each of the groups focuses on expanding its repertoire and all continue to bring in new artists, provide family friendly entertainment, respect the classics and most importantly provide a true sense of community pride, volunteerism, and the magic that only in person experiences can deliver.

As you may know, 51 Walden was originally built as an armory in 1887 and has had many uses for Concord since then. The Concord Players has been in residence since 1919 with the Concord Band finding its permanent home in 1970, the Concord Orchestra coming in 1974, and Opera 51 joining us in 2012 ( although all groups were founded earlier).  We have been on the National Register of Historic Places since 2007. We have not only kept the “old girl” up to code but also continue to improve the facility. Our most recent investment was to completely re-engineer the heating/ventilation system, so we now have actual air conditioning in the hall. Our commitment to our patron’s comfort and enjoyment continues to be paramount for us.

Our annual appeal provides operating funds to keep the lights on, the water flowing, the heat pumping and the AC cooling. It also allows us to do normal maintenance to our historic structure. These funds are vital for the ongoing operations of Concord’s best community arts center. Particularly in this difficult time of budget cutbacks, your help is most welcome. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, your donation may be tax deductible.

We value your support and will continue to provide the highest level of arts performance and entertainment for you, your family, and your neighbors. If you haven’t been here in a while, come on in and enjoy the show!

For more information, please go to www.51walden.org

Yours in gratitude

Jay Newlon

President, 51 Walden Board