Memorable Moments

Memorable Momentsthrough the years...During the 2011-2012 season, violins were found not only in the orchestra. To celebrate Sinfonia’s fifth season, ArtStrings: A Painted Violin Exhibit was launched to raise funds and awareness for the Emerald Coast’s only fully professional orchestra. Using real violins as their canvas, 24 local, regional, national and international artists created original works of art, which were displayed at the Grand Boulevard Town Center before being auctioned off. Proceeds benefitted The James A. Fuller Memorial Fund for Music Education, an extension of Sinfonia’s music education initiatives throughout the community.

PITCH PERFECT PATTI LUPONE On March 27, 2014 at a lavish fundraising dinner hosted by Tim Krueger and Jill Cadenhead at their Destin home, Broadway powerhouse Patti LuPone, the guest of honor, shared why she was supporting Sinfonia Gulf Coast, saying, “I went through the public school system on Long Island and when I was growing up in the ‘50s, music education was as important as science, math, history and English. Music is the soul of a nation.”

CELEBRATING WITH SOLE A cadre of Sinfonia Gulf Coast supporters celebrated the 10th anniversary season early by attending Festival del Sole’s opening weekend in Napa Valley in July 2013. Festivities during the 10-day event included exclusive winery tours, al fresco dinners, a world premiere of Gordon Getty (yes, from that Getty family) by the Russian National Orchestra, and a courtyard concert by soprano Nadine Sierra in Calistoga’s Castello di Amorosa, one of Napa’s top destinations. A highlight of the wine, food and fun-filled weekend was a gala headlined by stage and screen star Kevin Spacey.

A SUPREME EVENING Mary Wilson of The Supremes was exactly that when her magnificent Motown vocals and moves transformed Seagar’s Prime Steak & Seafood restaurant into a swank, intimate supper club on October 21, 2010 in honor of the orchestra’s 5th anniversary season. After a gourmet meal by Chef Bruce McAdoo, music lovers were on their feet dancing and singing (yes, even on stage with her) to time-tested classic ‘60s hits Stop in the Name of Love, Can’t Hurry Love, and, of course, I Hear a Symphony.

Memorable Momentsthrough the years...

WINE WOMEN & SHOES KICKS OFF In February 2014, Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s inaugural Wine Women & Shoes fundraiser was a “wellheeled success.” Six vintner dinners – hosted on Friday at private homes and Café Thirty-A restaurant – featured stellar wines and culinary creations by regional chefs such as Tim Creehan, Ken Duenas, Johnny Earls, Dan Pettis, Gary Serafin and Atlanta Restauranteur of the Year Jay Swift enjoyed by 160 patrons. On Sunday afternoon, more than 300 ladies arriving at the majestic Magnolia Ballroom in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort were presented with sparkling wine by gentlemen volunteers fondly called “sole mates.” The inaugural Signature Event featured a stunning silent auction, wine and retail sales, wine tastings and delectable bites and a high-energy fashion show from W by Worth. The event would continue to raise funds for Sinfonia’s music education outreach programs for the next five years. Sip, sip hooray!

CRESCENDO! CRESTS A highlight of the 12th season was the launch of Crescendo!, a cultural and culinary extravaganza. This spirited two-day fundraising event showcased a series of carefully curated vintner dinners held in elegant homes across the Emerald Coast. The inaugural main event was themed “an Audrey Hepburn-inspired affair.” The energy-infused soiree was a sell out and hundreds of guests in ‘50s- and ‘60s-inspired finery filled the Coastal Ballroom at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa to sample world-class vintners, expert spirit purveyors and bid on highend auction items. As guests sipped and savored an elegant seated lunch, they were treated to a live cabaret performance by special musical guest Nicholas Rodriguez, an award-winning star of the stage and screen. This first-year event raised $410,000 for Sinfonia’s music education outreach programs. Another new initiative launched during the 2018 season was the formation of the Treble Makers, an honorary committee of special donors who support Sinfonia Gulf Coast. For a $550 contribution, Treble Makers are invited to the Crescendo! Kick Off Fashion Lunch, enjoy prime stage seating at Crescendo! Main Event, receive special recognition at all Crescendo! events; and an exclusive invitation to attend Sinfonia’s LINK UP performance.

“It is a core value of our practice to be a leader and supporter in our community. We believe in giving back to the area where we live and thrive with our company.

“Sinfonia Gulf Coast does incredible work for the children in our community. It is essential that we keep the arts/music in our schools to keep young minds educated and focused on the cultural significance of these electives. We are proud to serve alongside Sinfonia Gulf Coast in its life-changing endeavors.”

Dennis Lichorwic, D.M.D Owner/CEO The Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Destin Founding Partner & volunteer since 2009

“The quality of performers and performances could rival any destination. I have thoroughly enjoyed Sinfonia since I moved here in 2010. Cheers to another 15 years!”

Scott Russell Santa Rosa Beach Individual Supporter Since 2010

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Sinfonia has performed 82 live season concerts and nearly 500 concerts and events overall.

Since it launched in 2006, Sinfonia has increased its donor base by over 400%.

JEFF DANNELLY Niceville

Senior Vice President, Hancock Whitney Private Wealth Manager Founding Partner, Board President (2017-present)

Q: Why do you have a passion for supporting live music? JD: My mom was a middle school chorus teacher for 30-plus years, so I always knew the importance of having access to music in schools. Growing up in a musical family, we learned to appreciate all kinds of music. Playing the piano early, then saxophone, which I played through college, I always knew music would be part of my life.

Q: How has Sinfonia “redefined” the contemporary orchestra experience in your view? JD: That’s what is great about this organization, while Sinfonia still brings the top talent from around the world to perform with the regions only professional orchestra, it does it with flair. We don’t see this anywhere. And it brings other amazing talent — some to accompany the orchestra, but also many world renown artists — which doesn’t happen often in smaller communities like ours.

Q: Favorite concerts? JD: Kristin Chenowith performance in celebration of the 10-year anniversary and all its Old Hollywood glamour was quite memorable.

Q: What is your favorite instrument in the orchestra? JD: Tough question. Cello probably (or the saxophone if they would have one).

Q: What does Sinfonia add to the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast arts scene? JD: Sinfonia brings talent, musical events and unique concerts to this community — many of which play/perform in cities ten times our size. These events not only entertain us all, but many of these also spend their time bringing their talents into our local schools. Each year, thousands of children are able to have these same experiences — that isn’t replicated elsewhere very often.

Q: What do you hope for Sinfonia in the next 15 years? JD: Sinfonia will continue to add, tweak, and build upon the last 15 years — keeping the type of events and talent it brings fresh and in some ways, cutting edge. But, in addition to that, Sinfonia should play a major role in building our community as a cultural hub — building an even bigger infrastructure to support a much larger presence here — allowing for even bigger acts and a much more diverse offering of cultural events.

Q: Name one word to describe Sinfonia Gulf Coast. JD: Bravo!