The first of three benefit concerts kicks off this weekend in Chilliwack to help Valley Opera reach for the stars.
The first concert on Feb. 25 at St. Paul's Lutheran will see the band One Acre performing an evening of classical folk tunes as a special fundraiser.
Formed in the summer of 2010, One Acre started out as two solo musicians taking turns accompanying each other. Their collaboration began taking on a life and sound of its own. Mark eventually explored the rock and blues side of guitar, while Niki discovered the folk roots of the violin.
The second and third benefit concerts will be in March, says Paula deWit, music director and conductor for Valley Opera.
It's all geared to vital fundraising to allow them to mount the first-class operatic productions with high musical and technical standards, she said.
Chilliwack is known for its generous support of the arts.
"We can't do this without the loving support of our community," says deWit.
Valley Opera, an offshoot of Chilliwack Opera Troupe, will be hosting the concert series this winter and spring to raise money for future projects, specifically Mozart Opera, with the Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra on September 20-23.
It won't be cheap.
"We need funds to assist us in bringing this wonderful project to the stage," she says. "Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley are brimming with incredible talent.
"There is a need for this. The audience wants it and the players want it."
DeWit has the passion, the vision and the patience to put it together, but they need adequate resources to survive.
Once Acre, Saturday, Feb. 25 7:30 pm at St Paul’s Lutheran Church 8871 School Street. Tickets are $12 at the door. http://valleyopera.wordpress.com/february-252012-one-acreclassical-folk/