MIRAMAR BEACH, FLA. (Oct. 4, 2017) – Keeping the tempo at the forefront of the Emerald Coast’s cultural scene since its founding in 2005, Sinfonia Gulf Coast maintains the tradition of a “symphony redefined” as it enters its 12th season.
The region’s only fully professional symphony orchestra, led by Music and Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller, presents a stellar lineup of concerts and educational initiatives. Music lovers venturing to the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast will enjoy a range of “classics” from Broadway’s best, to Motown’s most rockin’ maven, to classical solo performers, to a quirky trailblazing quintet. This season will also bring a marvelous Florida first — the world premiere of America’s most beloved musical.
“Sinfonia proudly impacts all areas of our community with performances and educational outreach of timeless classical masterworks that both engage the highest caliber of award-winning guest artists and provide multiple, free education concert opportunities for area youth,” stated Fuller.
The season begins on a high note on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017, with “An Evening with Chris Mann.” His crystalline voice — which garnered both his place as a finalist on NBC’s “The Voice” and rave reviews in “Phantom of the Opera” — will take you on a musical journey from Broadway to contemporary standards to the Great American Songbook. This delicious evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a four-course wine dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. That will be followed by an intimate cabaret-style performance, in the space located upstairs at 560 Grand Boulevard in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin located in Miramar Beach. Tickets are $195 per person and include dinner, wine, valet, gratuity, and the performance.
The first in the Classical Connections series, presented by Silver Sands Premium Outlets, features cellist Sang-Eun Lee on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, at 7:30 p.m., at Grace Lutheran Church in Destin. Hailed for her expressive artistry and dazzling technique, Ms. Lee has been praised for her performance by the Washington Post who said, “She is a prodigiously talented young artist with powerful technique and musical poise.” She will perform Tchaikovsky’s stunning “Variations on a Rococo Theme.” Also on the program are Mozart’s “Wind Serenade in E-flat” and Antonin Dvorak’s showstopper “Serenade for Strings.” Tickets range from $29.50 to $45 per person.
Mary Wilson of the Supremes is bringing her larger-than-life vocals and amazing energy back to the Sinfonia stage for “A Rockin’ Holiday” concert on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. This Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and multiple award-winning artist will have music lovers dancing in their seats as she takes her fans on a musical journey with everyone’s favorite holiday melodies. She will also perform the sensational songs that made her famous. Sinfonia’s full orchestra will share the stage with Ms. Wilson, and her incredible band, at Destiny Worship Center in Miramar Beach for a most magical concert of the holiday season. Tickets range from $32.50 to $55 per person.
The second installment of the Silver Sands Premium Outlet’s Classical Connections Series is set for Friday, Jan. 26, 2018, at 7:30 p.m., at Grace Lutheran Church in Destin. It features one of the most exhilarating string groups on the scene today. SYBARITE5 has taken audiences by storm across the United States with an exciting ride that engages the senses and redefines the rules. Performing their compilation “Everything In Its Right Place,” a mélange of Mozart to Piazzolla to Radiohead, the quintet will join Sinfonia’s full orchestra. Also on the program is Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 2,” Rossini’s overture to “The Italian in Algiers” and Stravinsky’s whimsical “Suite No. 2.” Tickets range from $29.50 to $45 per person.
The third and final concert of the Silver Sands Premium Outlet’s Classical Connections Series is Saturday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. Violinist Corinne Stillwell is set to perform alongside Sinfonia’s principal musicians. Stillwell, who is on the faculty at both Florida State University and the Brevard Music Festival, will join us as guest concertmaster on Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” (13-instrument version) and Mendelssohn’s “Octet.” She will also be the featured soloist on Piazzolla’s “Las Cuatro estaciones porteñas” (“The Four Seasons”). The superb acoustics in Grace Lutheran Church in Destin will be the pitch perfect backdrop for this performance. Tickets range from $29.50 to $45 per person.
The main concert season culminates with the annual Gala Event on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at 7:30 p.m., at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. That is when Sinfonia Gulf Coast will bring the world premiere of America’s most beloved movie musical to the Emerald Coast. Gloriously restored and projected on the big screen, with unforgettable performances by Shirley Jones and Robert Preston, “The Music Man in Concert” features Meredith Willson’s brilliant songs and score. They will be performed live by Sinfonia Gulf Coast, in their exhilarating and spectacular original Oscar-winning orchestrations by the legendary Ray Heindorf. Emmy winner and five-time Emmy nominee George Daugherty will conduct. Tickets range from $45 to $250 per person. Platinum and Gold table seating includes a special VIP pre-concert reception and preferred seating during the performance.
The classics continue with the final offering of the season. The Alys Beach Pops concert will be presented al fresco on the amphitheater lawn in Alys Beach. The event will take place on Sunday evening of Memorial Day weekend (May 27, 2018). This patriotic, family-friendly concert is free and open to the public and will conclude with a festive fireworks display.
Tickets for all performances are now on sale. Season subscriptions offer a discounted price per ticket and feature preferred seating to all three Classical Connections concerts and the annual holiday concert in December. Patrons can call the box office for special student ticket prices as well as an active duty military discounted ticket program sponsored by Eglin Federal Credit Union. Sinfonia conveniently offers the ability to purchase and print tickets online. Use the free Sinfonia Gulf Coast mobile app for Apple and Android devices and store mobile tickets in Walletini or Apple Wallet. You may also call the box office at (850) 460-8800.
As the region’s only fully professional symphony orchestra, Sinfonia Gulf Coast is committed to presenting high-caliber events and providing much-needed educational initiatives throughout the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast region. Proceeds from all events benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education programs. Those programs include musicians/guest artists in schools, free orchestra concerts, bus transportation for students, the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra program, Arts in Medicine with Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast, LINK UP concerts with third through fifth grades in participation with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Institute of Music, the annual Paint the Music Project and more.
The 2017-2018 season is made possible by the generous support from individuals, local businesses and media partners. Presenting Sponsor for the 2017-2018 season is Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Presenting Concerts Sponsor is Hancock Bank. Classical Connections Presenting Sponsor is Silver Sands Premium Outlets. Presenting Media Sponsor is Vie Magazine. Presenting E-media Sponsor is Sowal.com. Presenting Accommodations Sponsor is Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa and Presenting Discounted Military Tickets Sponsor is Eglin Credit Federal Union.
For more information or to purchase tickets, go to SinfoniaGulfCoast.org and call (850) 460-8800.
Email questions to [email protected]. For information on volunteer opportunities, contact Elaine Tucker at (850) 460-8800 or email [email protected].
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ABOUT SINFONIA GULF COAST
Sinfonia Gulf Coast was founded in 2005 on Florida’s Northwest Gulf Coast with the mission of redefining the symphony experience. Under the guidance of founder and Music Director Demetrius Fuller and a dedicated board of directors, the nonprofit orchestra is in its 12th season of innovative musical programming, designed to entertain, educate and inspire the community. Since its founding, Sinfonia Gulf Coast has presented more than 475 concerts and events and has collaborated with numerous nonprofits and businesses throughout the community. It has also reached more than 100,000 children through its Sinfonia Guest Artists in the Schools program/music education outreach initiatives. For more information on Sinfonia Gulf Coast, visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org, call (850) 460-8800 or e-mail [email protected].
