Sinfonia Gulf Coast 2022-2023 Season Program

Dream. Create. Inspire.

T h e a r t s i n s p i r e u s a n d e n h a n c e o u r q u a l i t y o f l i f e . We ’ r e p r o u d t o s u p p o r t a r t s p r o g r a m s a n d t h e d r e a m s o f p e o p l e i n t h e c o m m u n i t i e s w e s e r v e . R e a d y t o r e a c h f o r y o u r d r e a m ? L e t ’s t a l k t o d a y. Yo u r D r e a m O u r M i s s i o n

h a n c o c k w h i t n e y

As a proud sponsor of Sinfonia, we applaud the 2022–2023 Season & Maestro Demetrius Fuller.

Welcome to Season 17!

Thank YOU, our many patrons, sponsors and community collaborators. Sinfonia would not be what or where it is today without your support!

Sinfonia has remained steadfast in its mission to entertain, educate and inspire. The 2022-2023 season is no different. From the incomparable Broadway singer and actor Jeremy Jordan to the return of our Sinfonia Gala event, this year featuring the legendary Godmother of Soul Patti LaBelle, to the Southeast U.S. premiere of Get Happy: Celebrating 100 Years of Judy Garland, our Classical Connections series highlighting violinist Geneva Lewis and the regional premiere of Beethoven V. Coldplay, Sinfonia truly has something for everybody!

Our annual Crescendo! extravaganza celebrating musical and culinary arts returns in February 2023 to benefit Sinfonia’s music education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida.

How YOU can help: Did you know that ticket sales only cover a small percentage of Sinfonia’s annual operating costs? Your tax-deductible contribution will enable Sinfonia to continue to provide great music and educational outreach to our community.

We look forward to seeing you this season! In the meantime, send me your own note if you have any questions or comments or just want to say hello! dfuller@sinfoniagulfcoast.org

yours, Demetrius Fuller Music & Artistic Director

Musically

Our region’s ONLY fullyprofessional symphony orchestra

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Creative New Vision

Demetrius Fuller discusses his new role as CEO of MKAF while remaining Director of Sinfonia Gulf Coast�

EPISODE 141 Community Arts Initiatives

Demetrius Fuller provides insight into the importance of art in a community, health benefits & cultural impact.

Hello Frances is a podcast for... curious creatives and nano entrepreneurs who seek knowledge, purpose, and community brought to you by creative firm and solutionist agency, Frances Roy. A lineup of guests, friends, and mentors candidly share their diverse wisdom and experience. This refreshing podcast is an easy addition to your playlist of favorites.

5 Letter from the Maestro

Founding Partners

Season Sponsors

A Note from Our President

Meet the Musicians

Our Donors

Play Your Part

Meet Maestro Demetrius Fuller Music & Artistic Director Biography

Making It Happen Sinfonia Gulf Coast Personnel

A Conversation with the Conductor

On a Mission

Sinfonia Cabaret at Seagar’s An Evening with Jeremy Jordan

Your Support is Instrumental

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Link Up

Sinfonia Education Initiatives

Gala Night An Evening with Patti LaBelle

Sinfonia String Quartet in Residence

The Bride of Frankenstein Film in Concert with Orchestra

10 Reasons to Crescendo!

Treble Makers

Holiday Pops feat. The Doo Wop Project

Get Happy: A Judy Garland Centennial Celebration

Classical Connections feat. Geneva Lewis, Violin

Youth Orchestra

Crescendo!

Beethoven v. Coldplay A Merging of Musical Giants

A STANDING OVATION FOR OUR FOUNDING PARTNERS

Dana & Glenn Armentor

Renee & James Beaman

Janis & Don Bishop

Stephanie & George Brannon

Harriet Crommelin & Stephen Marlette

Lynn & Steve Dugas

Heavenly & Bill Dawson

Maureen & Keith Gamble

Yvonne & Greg Lala

Tammy & Jim Pierce

Lynn & Bill Shearer

Shawn & Richard Tomasello

Tonya & Mark Wallace

Pamela Wellborn

Bobbie & Jack White

Candis & Jack Wilson

Welcome to our patrons and community!

Sinfonia Gulf Coast celebrates its 17th season this year. Fortunately for me, for the last 17 years, Sinfonia Gulf Coast has been a part of my life, first as a supporter and for the last 16 years as a board member. When I moved to Destin, we were both the new kids in town. We both were starting out in a new place. We were both interested in the same things for Sinfonia — providing the highest-caliber artistic and educational music programming.

I love being part of the family.

Under the leadership of our maestro Demetrius Fuller, Sinfonia Gulf Coast continues to provide incredible concert events, extensive educational and community outreach initiatives, and the largest fundraiser Crescendo! for Sinfonia Gulf Coast which benefits music education initiatives throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties.

Our patrons know the quality of concerts and events that Sinfonia Gulf Coast is honored to present to our community. On behalf of the Sinfonia Gulf Coast Board of Directors, our outstanding administrative team, and our phenomenal musicians who comprise the orchestra, thank you for your support and your continued generosity.

I am proud of what we have accomplished, and what Sinfonia Gulf Coast has become over the last 17 seasons. I look forward to growing together in the future and I am one lucky guy to be a part of Sinfonia Gulf Coast.

Steve Barber President of the Board

Sinfonia Gulf Coast

Steve Barber

Amelia Beard Elizabeth Boswell Jerry Brown Jeff Dannelly

Demetrius Fuller

Debra Henry Eric Halter Jennifer Howard Nina Jeffords

Chris Poate Don Roberts Anastasia Stull

2022-2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Photo:

Shanna Magnuson

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

Maestro’s Circle

$50,000+ Dugas Family Foundation

Emeril Lagasse Foundation

Florida Division of Cultural Affairs Maureen & Keith Gamble

Shawn & Richard Tomasello

Conductor’s Circle

$10,000+

Candis & Jack Wilson Charles Alexander & Travis Watkins Corcoran Reverie Courtyard Marriott/ Residence Inn/ Hyatt Place/Grand Boulevard Cumulus Media

Dermatology Specialists |

Aqua Med - SpaDr. Michael Stickler Demetrius Fuller Diane & Jay Geier

Elizabeth & Jared Boswell

ECAR

Emerald Coast Title Services

Florida Power & Light Forever Destin Beach Rentals

Gail Ferguson

Glenda & Dennis Lichorwic

Guy Wallace & Doug Rice

Marisol & Toni Gullo

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WUWF 88.1

Presto $1,000-$2,499 a Boheme

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Beach Liquors

Becky & Casey Peterson

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Bud & Alleys

Podium Partner

$20,000+ Alys Beach Foundation Bart & Micah Begley Dana & Glenn Armentor

Stephanie & George Brannon Hannalore & Richard Lacour Harriet Crommelin & Stephen Marlette Heavenly & Bill Dawson Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa Janis & Don Bishop

Jimmy Choo Corporate Lynn & Steve Dugas Lynn McKenzie & Leonard Olsen Seaside St. Joe Community Foundation

SETCO Services

VIP Destin

Frances Roy Agency Hancock Whitney Bank

Jerry Swanson Lynn & Bill Shearer Marisol & Tony Gullo Nancy & Don Roberts Renee & Jim Beaman Renee Krul - Bijoux de Mer Saltwater Vacations Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort Silver Sands Premium Outlets

Tammy & Jim Pierce

Insurance Zone - Lea & Joe Capers

JR & George Hendricks Jack & Bobbie White

Jane SolomonBarlovento, LLC

Jenna & Stephen Akers

Jennifer & Blevins Howard Joan & Stephen Carter Justin Shane

Krueger, Fosdyck & Associates - Merrill Lynch

Lisa & Denny Peters Lovelace Interiors Malpa Fuller Muriel Dollar

Vivace $2,500- $9,999

Anonymous (7)

Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits - Leslie & Jack McGuckin

Alex & Jerry Brown

Annie & Phillip Stutts

Café Thirty-A Centennial Bank

Debra Finlayson & Dr. Robert Jack Debra Henry Doodlebugger’s

Patti Burcham Pish Posh Patchouli’s Scarlett MagazineSteve Barber

Shelly & Robért Hinojosa Stephanie & George Brannon

Susan Kiley & Wayne Paul

Tamara & Carl Tricoli The Jewel Thirty-A Review

Tim Krueger & Jill Cadenhead

Cathy & Don Hay CLAY Garden & Gift

Diane Neuman

Dr. & Mrs. Robert Jack

Emerald Coast MotorsBunny & Stan Hall

Haley & Ian Blaise

Jon Laible Karen Wade Allen

Lisa Reinking Margaret Stanton

Marla & John Crews Nina Jeffords

Peggy & Thomas Stanton Playground Music Center

Sarah & Horace Noe Scott Russell Shannon Amos Shawn Springfield Tina Clark

Velia Lala

VIllage of Baytowne Wharf Allegro $500- $999 Alex Brown

Anchors Holdings LLC Barbara Johnson

Barry Johnson

Bobbie White

Brooke St. Hilaire

Candis Wilson

Catherine Hay

Connie Yarbro

Cynthia Hyatt

Denise Dobelek

Denise Kendust

Donna Shoditsch

Elaine Tucker

Fuchsia & John

McInerny

Glenda Palmore

Heather Parrish

Heavenly Dawson

J.R. Hendricks

Janis Bishop

Jennifer & Tim Creehan

Joan Carter

Joy Adams

Jovette Mosing

Judy Jones

Kay Crawford Kay Hamilton

Kim Mans Lane Wall

Lee Johnston

Leta Dehon

Lisa Jo Spencer

Lynn Dugas

Lynn Shearer

Marcia Hull

Margaret Depew

Marisol Gullo

Martha Broderick

Martha Casey

Mary Delanois

Maureen Gamble

Muriel Dollar

Mary Hemard

Michele Bailey

Mindy & Dion Moniz

Pam Burge

Pat Clay

Pamela Hagberg

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

Pam Wellborn

Patricia Williams

Patti Burcham

Renee Beaman

Shannon Amos

Shantelle Dedicke

Shawn Tomasello

Stephanie Brannon

Susan Burch

Tabitha Howard

Teresa Bolton

Tonya & Jim Schaifer

Tracy McQuillen Andante $250-$499

Arthur Rolling

Connie Carahalis

David Jefferson

David Krebs

Deborah Elmore Deanna & Thomas Johnson

Helen Driggers

James Bagby

Jeff Harris

Jennifer Crawford Jessica Munn

Kate & Lee Owen

Kim & Keen Polakoff

Lora Pat Clay

Mary Maitland

Richard Michaud in memory of Mary Partlow

Scott Rude Adagio $100-$249

Addison Thompson

Alan Fleming

Amy Milligan

Amy Parrish

Angela & Mike Ragsdale

Ashlee Beard

Ashley Turner Bill McKissick

Brandan Munn

Candis Wilson & Jackson

Carol Rowbo

Carol Zom

Casey & Becky Peterson

Catherine Beach

Charles Alexander & Travis Watkins

Charlie & Danon

McMurty

Charlotte Wright Christine Collier

Dara McLeod

Dawn Johnson

Deb West Debra Henry

Denise Baxter

Dennis & Glenda Lichorwic

Dion & Mindy Moniz

Donald Glower

Frank & Susan McKenzie

Gail Ferguson

Gail Pelto

Garnet Fleming

Gene & Amanda Hurd

Helene Scott

Hugh Stump

Hulda Mahlum

Ian & Haley Blaise

Jane Baryames

Janet Creekmore

Janet Parker

Jaris Buckler

Jennifer L Howard

Jessica Beauchamp

Jim & Renee Beaman

John & Fuchsia

McInerny

Jovette Mosing

Kimberly Balzli Lane Redding

Laura Gerard

Leanne Anderson

Lee & Kate Owen

Leon Wilson Jr.

Linda Maddox

Lisa Jo Spencer

Lisa Turpin

Martina Mason

Mary Hall

Matt & Teri Rogers

Maureen Bierman

Mike & Valerie Thompson

Mitzie Baysden

Monique Simpson

Myra Williams

Nicole Browning

Nicole Demartini

Patti Burcham

Paula Dorris

Rachel Prescott

Ramona Bowman Robert Fiore Ron Wahl

Sam Perman

Savannah Juneau Scott & Julie Ray Shannon Amos Sharyn Owen

Shave Smith

Shawn Springfield Shelly Hinojosa Solange Jazayeri Stacey Young Steve Barber

Tabitha Howard Tonia & Thomas

LaMontagne Tracy Sneed

Travis & Ashley Hollington

Verla Price Young Kim

Looking for a way to help further the mission of the Sinfonia Gulf Coast? There are numerous ways to give that advance the goals of the orchestra while providing meaningful benefits for you and your family.

Qualified Charitable Distributions or QCDs from IRA

IRA charitable giving is a way you can transfer funds from your IRA directly to the orchestra while realizing some important tax benefits. If you were 70 ½ or older before December 31, 2019, or turned 72 or older after December 31, 2019, and own an IRA, you can reduce your taxable income and may lower your taxable Social Security (from your IRA withdrawals).

Additional Benefits of an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution

• Avoid taxes on transfers of up to $100,000 annually

• Reduce your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year

• Help avoid thresholds for net investment income tax or phaseout range for certain itemized deductions

*401(k), 403(b), SEP IRA accounts, and other retirement accounts do not qualify.

*Organizations not currently eligible are certain private foundations and donor advised funds.

Leave a Lasting Legacy

Make a contribution that will benefit future generations of lovers of live symphonic music and music education throughout our community through bequests, trusts, and other planned gifts.

By naming Sinfonia Gulf Coast as a beneficiary in your will or by making other planned gifts, you invest in the future of the organization with the return of possibly realizing significant tax advantages for yourself and your loved ones.

Please consult your tax professional and financial advisor for the most up-to-date information about charitable giving.

Meet Maestro Demetrius Fuller

Innovative and energetic conductor Demetrius Fuller has garnered critical acclaim at home and abroad. The 2022-2023 season marks his seventeenth as Music & Artistic Director of Florida’s Sinfonia Gulf Coast. Fuller has redefined the cultural landscape of Northwest Florida by offering inspiring and artistically inventive performances, exciting critics and patrons alike.

CONDUCTOR

Fuller is an award recipient from the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts, the Werner Foundation, and the International Music Foundation. Fuller trained at the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music, receiving both his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees.

MUSICIAN

As an accomplished clarinetist, Fuller has performed in the Dame Myra Hess Chamber Music Series, sponsored by the International Music Foundation and broadcast live on Chicago’s WFMT 98.7 FM. Festival appearances include the Opera Theater of Lucca (Italy), David Oistrakh (Estonia), Aspen, Cabrillo and Eastern Music Festival (USA). He has appeared in master classes with Gustav Meier, Michael Tilson-Thomas, Daniel Lewis, Marin Alsop, Neeme Järvi, Jorma Panula, Larry Rachleff, David Loebbel, and the late Robert Shaw. Fuller has been fortunate to work with various icons in the music industry including: Roberta Flack, Bernadette Peters, Mary Wilson, Patti LuPone, Kristin Chenoweth, Vanessa Williams, Sharon Isbin, Chris Brubeck and Pink Martini, among others.

ART ADVOCATE

An advocate of contemporary music, Fuller has premiered, commissioned and/or collaborated with composers such as Augusta ReadThomas, Dorothy Hindman,

A versatile conductor, Fuller has been chosen to work with some of the world’s most prestigious conductors and orchestras.

Thomas Schneller, Ricardo Zohn-Muldoon, Joel Hoffman, Moiya Callahan, Samuel Robles, Steven Winteregg, Tan Dun, giving the Southeastern U.S. premier of his Crouching Tiger Concerto and Chris Brubeck, giving the Southeastern U.S. premier of both his violin concerto Spontaneous Combustion and symphonic tribute Ansel Adams: America , which was co-composed with his father, the late Dave Brubeck. Fuller lead the Southeast U.S. premier of Identity – Zhongshan Zhuang , co-composed by Victor Cheng and Michael Gordon Shapiro, co-commissioned and performed the U.S. premiere of Chris Brubeck and Guillaume Saint-James Brothers in Arts and the world premiere of Nico Muhly’s full orchestration of his electric violin concerto Seeing is Believing .

INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM

Abroad, Fuller was invited several times by Maestro Kurt Masur to conduct the l’Orchestre Nationale de France (Paris) in a set of conductor readings. For two seasons, Fuller served as resident conductor of Brazil’s Festival of the Mountains in Poços de Caldas and was one of two conductors selected world-wide to conduct the Iraqi National Symphony and three other Iraqi orchestras in a groundbreaking Unity Academy in Erbil, Northern Iraq sponsored by American Voices and the U.S. Department of State.

Demetrius Fuller

Music & Artistic Director

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Chief Executive & Artistic Officer Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation

LEADERSHIP

Fuller was just recently appointed to the board of directors of the prestigious New York City-based Young Concert Artists (YCA) and will continue to oversee the annual Sinfonia Gulf Coast Prize offered to a winner of the YCA finals each Fall. In 2009, New York City-based Musicians For Harmony appointed Maestro Fuller as one of three Artistic Advisors, an honor shared with musical luminaries Arnold Steinhardt of the renowned Guarneri String Quartet and violinist Cho-Liang Lin.

Locally, Fuller serves as a Trustee of the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, is a past chair of the American Cancer Society’s Cattle Barons’ Ball, has served on the boards of Alaqua Animal Refuge, Cultural Arts Alliance, Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, Okaloosa Arts Alliance, and continues to serve as a grant panelist for the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs.

Culture Builds Florida is a campaign to develop unified awareness for Florida’s cultural community. Led by the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, the campaign will grow public understanding about the comprehensive benefits of arts and culture to Florida.

Arts and culture make substantial contributions to livability in Florida. The cultural industry puts Floridians to work, stimulates tourism and provides accessibility to quality community services that attract skilled workers. It’s an industry that provides jobs, highlights the diversity of our communities and residents, creates connections to our history and heritage and reminds us that Florida is a special place to live and work.

The arts and cultural industry means business. The arts and cultural industry have an annual impact of $3 billion in the state of Florida, and arts and cultural experiences contribute to a better life for Floridians and visitors to the Sunshine State. With a $5 to $1 return on investment for state dollars, arts and culture are an excellent investment. Visitors to our state and residents alike make important contributions to our economy by supporting and consuming art and culture. And beyond the dollars and cents, the cultural industry makes for happier, healthier Floridians and visitors.

Join us as we campaign to make more Floridians aware: Culture Builds Florida.

Beth Clavier Director of Events & Patron Services

A native of the Emerald Coast, Beth Clavier feels a great connection to our area and is happy to be back home, doing what she loves. Having had a career in entertainment spanning over two decades, the industry has taken her far and full circle.

From her humble beginnings as a 20-yearold theater volunteer, to managing the annual marquis events at NBC Universal in Orlando, to opening a dynamic entertainment resort in Singapore, Clavier is thrilled to be a full-time Emerald Coast resident again.

Her early career included working for the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), staging a range of large-scale productions including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, the Ice! sculpture event for Gaylord Palms and well over 100 live music concerts.

In her previous role with Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, Clavier was on the opening team as an Entertainment Production Manager for the resort as a whole, as well as the Universal Studios

Singapore theme park, S.E.A. Aquarium as well as the Maritime Museum within it. Clavier says that she lives to see people enjoying themselves and strives to create and execute events that help people escape, while at the same time benefiting our community by raising funds to expose our local children to quality cultural arts experiences.

You can find Clavier behind the scenes as the Production Manager for Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation as well.

Adventure and travel is how this event planner recharges, as she is always on a mission to experience something new. She really enjoys finding the solace in nature with her wife, Rio, and their daughter, Haegen, and loves spending time with her family when she’s not behind the scenes at your favorite event.

Annalise S.R. Dedicke

Administrative & Programs Coordinator

Annalise S.R. Dedicke began her love of the arts in Cheyenne, Wyoming, as a young violin student rapidly progressing to First Chair in her school orchestra. As a registration and trade show volunteer, she honed her organizational skills while working with Visit Cheyenne, the convention and visitor’s bureau.

Dedicke moved to Boston in 2017 for college, working toward a double major in Marketing and English. She continued her education at Northwest Florida State College while working at the Frances Roy Agency as the Event and Office Coordinator.

A fanatic for logistical coordination, Dedicke executed events such as J. Leon Gallery Sip N’ Strolls and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast Foodie Festivals. She believes in the small details that make the world turn and the power of a strong work ethic.

In 2021, this mentality led her to the innovative team at Sinfonia Gulf Coast as Administrative and Programs Coordinator. In 2022, she is pioneering a dual role as Administrative and Programs Coordinator for both Sinfonia Gulf Coast and the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation.

Dedicke resides in Niceville, Florida, with her partner, Ryan, and their energetic pup, Joseph Talon. In her free time, she can be found on BookTok as a reviewer of literary fiction.

Margaret Gordon Music Director, Sinfonia Youth Orchestras Coordinator of Education & Community Engagement

A native of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Margaret Gordon is pleased to be returning to the Gulf Coast to give back to the community that fostered her musical ability as a child. As a former student in the Sinfonia Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra, she feels honored to lead others in realizing their musical gifts and nurturing the foundational skills needed to create the next generation of musicians.

Gordon has maintained a string and piano studio and teaches all ages. She specializes in the beginning string student and focuses on a positive approach to teaching that instills a sense of pride and self-efficacy in her students. Her personal

approach to teaching allows her students to be curious about their progress and develop the skills necessary to become self-sufficient. Her emphasis on teamwork and collaboration makes her an empathetic listener when directing ensembles.

In addition to directing the youth orchestras, Gordon is eager to promote music education in the surrounding counties and believes that music is an experience that all have the right to partake in regardless of their circumstances.

Gordon received a Bachelor of Music in Performance at the University of West Florida and a Master of Music in Performance at Appalachian State University. Her primary instrument is viola.

Zandra Wolfgram

Director of Marketing & Communications

As a marketing communication professional for more than 30 years, Zandra Wolfgram has promoted the performing arts in Cleveland, cultural tourism in New Orleans; and hotels, resorts, and restaurants throughout Northwest Florida.

A passionate arts advocate, Wolfgram launched her career promoting the performing arts for the Cleveland Playhouse, Theatre League of Cleveland and Great Lakes Theatre. In New Orleans, she was on a two-member team for Arts Tourism Partnership, a national cultural arts pilot program.

After relocating to Northwest Florida in 1999, Wolfgram led the marketing/PR efforts to open resorts, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, golf courses and mixed-use centers. She launched award-winning brand campaigns, established a PR division for a major resort and concepted a magazine, newspaper and television channel — all of which were award winning.

A writer who holds a journalism degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, Wolfgram held the editorship for Emerald Coast magazine for seven years and was a senior writer for both Tallahassee and

850 Business magazines. Her byline has appeared on destination travel stories for dozens of resort publications, Forbes Travel, Visit Florida and VisitSouth. com, for which she was the Destin/Fort Walton Beach Insider.

A founding member and past president of the Northwest Florida Coast Chapter of the Florida Public Relations, her work has earned more than 50 industry awards.

An avid arts advocate, Wolfgram supports national art causes such as Musical Theatre Project, Costume Industry Coalition, and Americans for the Arts. Locally, she served on the Emerald Coast Theatre Company board (2014-2022), and is a proud member of Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and the Arts & Design Society of Fort Walton Beach.

She lives with her husband on a 3-mile barrier island, where she enjoys “shabby chic-ing” vintage furniture, frequenting festivals and kicking back with her sullen bulldog, Hapi.

A CONVERSATION WITH THE CONDUCTOR

Demetrius Fuller Gives His Take on Season 17

By Zandra Wolfgram

Sinfonia Gulf Coast has a stellar 20222023 season line up. From world-renowned vocalists and violinists to Broadway’s brightest stars, Beethoven musically mashed with rock bands. Curating a season that “sings” is an artform and Sinfonia Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller is pitch perfect for the 17th year. With celebrity appearances, classical connections and innovative Northwest Florida debuts, this year’s offerings redefine the symphony experience and offer something for everyone.

ZW: Jeremy Jordan is the Sinfonia Cabaret offering at Seagar’s (Sept. 15). Why did you invite this particular performer to wow us?

DF: Jeremy is really a multifaceted artist. He got his start on Broadway in the original cast of Newsies, which is a wonderful show. He is a Tony and Grammy nominated artist, but more recently, he’s done a lot of film and drama. Most recently with Kerry

Washington in a play on Broadway, and in the hit TV show Supergirl. He’s sort of a “triple threat” — he can sing, act and dance. Plus, he’s just an amazing artist. He transcends all of the music genres: classical, Broadway and pop. Jeremy is a talented artist, a great musician and a nice person. I think people will really love him.

ZW: October 11 is the highly anticipated Gala Event with the incomparable Patti LaBelle. Do tell us more.

DF: Who doesn’t know Patti LaBelle? And to know her is to like her. To bring “the godmother of soul” to the stage with her 60 years in the business is a feather in our cap and an absolute thrill. She’s just as nice as she could be, and she’s simply incomparable. That’s really the only word. There is nobody like Patti LaBelle. We’re honored to be able to present her and her whole band on the Sinfonia stage. She joins our special exclusive Sinfonia sorority joining Vanessa Williams, Roberta Flack,

ZW: What motivated you to create the Gala Event experience? Bernadette Peters was a showstopper for Sinfonia’s inaugural season and set at a very high bar. What prompted you stage a celebrity-studded Gala Event in a major hall like the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center?

DF: It’s a standalone event. It really has separated Sinfonia from anything else, not only in our community but along the Gulf coast, because none of the other regional orchestras bring in the caliber of artists that Sinfonia does. Sinfonia is what I call one-stop symphony shopping. It runs the gamut —we have the gala, which is a pinnacle event, the full orchestra, Pops, chamber orchestra, chamber music, education programs, non-orchestra events, like the Cabaret and Crescendo! and wine events. So, the Gala Event really is just part of the puzzle piece that is sort of the angel on the Christmas tree, so to speak.

ZW: On October 22 the full orchestra will accompany the full film showing of the 1931 horror film based on Mary Shelley’s book, The Bride of Frankenstein. This is a different experience than a typical concert.

DF: The Bride of Frankenstein has one of the most amazing orchestral scores in film history. It’s full orchestra, so we’ll have 65 to 70 musicians on stage in the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s Cultural Arts Village al fresco just before Halloween. It’s about 90 minutes. It will be fun.

ZW: December 9 we have a popular offering that is always changing. Holiday Pops is a tradition, but you always put a twist on it.

DF: Yes, this year, we “doowopify” our Holiday Pops with the Doo Wop Project. This is a group of guys who were originals in the Jersey Boys off Broadway. Doo Wop is just a great art form. It is as much an American musical staple as jazz, and rock and roll. These guys take a piece of music and make it their own. They will perform everybody’s favorite holiday tunes but will also take pop songs and a handful of popular tunes and “doowopify” them. They will perform a wide gamut of songs that people from all age groups are going to know. Plus, the full orchestra will play favorites like Stille Nacht and more, so it will be a great seasonal concert.

ZW: January 21 we shake off the winter blues with Get Happy and celebrate the centennial of Judy Garland’s birth.

DF: Who doesn’t love the legend, Judy Garland? This is a great production because it showcases the string section of the orchestra and basically a jazz band along with Broadway superstar vocalist Morgan James. If you’ve heard her sing, you know she has amazing pipes, and is just a powerhouse. You will feel as though you are seeing Judy Garland singing live with the orchestra. There’s a multimedia component that showcases vintage footage of The Judy Garland Show with tons of outtakes with Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra that make an entertaining trip down memory lane. It will be a fun concert to experience because we are creating a clubby, dinner theater atmosphere with café tables. You can do that or opt for regular seating.

Kristin Chenoweth, Patti LuPone and Bernadette Peters.

ZW: March 11 is the Classical Connections concert featuring violinist Geneva Lewis. Tell us about her.

DF: Classical Connections is the “meat and potatoes” classical portion of what Sinfonia does and Geneva Lewis is an extraordinary young talented violinist. She’s the winner of the 2020 Concert Artist Guild annual competition and a recipient of a 2021 Avery Fisher career grant, which is a major award and a big deal in the classical music world. She’s a remarkable artist and she’s doing Mendelssohn’s Concerto for Violin which is one of the staples of the violin repertoire. Her performance is one not to miss. She is going to working with the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra doing outreach in our local schools as well.

ZW: Capping the season (April 29) is Beethoven versus Coldplay. This sounds like another perfect example of how you are redefining the symphony experience. Tell us what people can expect.

DF: Beethoven is immortal. When you pair or mash Beethoven up with something on the pop scene, like Coldplay it’s unexpected. For this concert, they’re not just playing a piece by Beethoven and a piece by Coldplay side by side. This is a melding, a mashup of the internal, interwoven musical notation with vocalists and it is remarkable. It’s an incredible way to listen to and rethink how music is connected. Steve Hackman, the producer, is a brilliant musician, composer, and arranger. It’s totally unique, but it’s accessible. How many people from the age of 15 don’t know Coldplay? So, again, we hope this innovative offering brings in some new faces.

ZW: At the heart of Sinfonia’s mission is music education. Tell us why.

DF: Our mission states succinctly that we “entertain, educate, inspire the community” and we aim to do that with everything we do. Education is the centerpiece of Sinfonia. It was founded not only for its entertainment value, but for the fact that Northwest Florida needed an organization that could be the proponent for arts education in schools, specifically music education. We all know arts education is on a continual decline in all public schools. We’ve been more fortunate here in Northwest Florida, compared to some areas but in many cases our Link Up program, which is a year-long curriculum, is sometimes the only arts education these students receive.

Demetrius Fuller, Music & Artistic Director Sinfonia Gulf Coast

We have a String Quartet, a resident Brass Quintet, and a Woodwind Quintet in residence — all going out to schools and the community and providing outreach and community engagement.

This year, we are reintroducing the Paint the Music project, which is a great cross-genre program that includes both visual arts and the musical arts. Kids receive a recording of what they will ultimately hear live at a Sinfonia concert, and they visually interpret what they hear on to paper. We take their artwork and display it at a concert. (Look for the Paint the Music exhibit at Get Happy in January.)

The following Monday, the kids will sit in the convention center to see Beethoven Lives Upstairs, a theatrical mini musical featuring actors and singers sharing the lifetime of Beethoven with more than 30 excerpts of his music.

ZW: Congratulations, this is indeed a stellar 17th season.

Stay connected to the Emerald Coast’s latest activities and attractions. Read Emerald Coast Magazine in print and online, plus like and follow on social media for the latest events and happenings.

Bubba Watson’s conscience is his caddy

ART MONTH SOUTH WALTON

Musician’s path carries him hisbeyond gospel roots

IN HARMONY WITH THE COMMUNITY IN TUNE WITH YOUR CLOSINGS

Florida Panhandle’s Most Trusted Title Company

ON A MISSION TO... ENTERTAIN | EDUCATE | INSPIRE

When you hear the hum of 3,700 grade school children clutching recorders and barely able to contain their excitement as a live Link Up concert is about to commence, it’s clear, after 15 years, educational outreach remains at the forefront of Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s mission.

Entertain. Educate. Inspire. These three simple words are a mandate for Northwest Florida’s only fully professional orchestra and its music and artistic director, maestro Demetrius Fuller. And that includes young music makers.

Thanks to the generous support of its community partners, by the end of the 2022-2023 season, Sinfonia will have served more than 180,000 children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties.

If children are not introduced to music at an early age, I believe something fundamental is actually being taken from them.”

— Luciano Pavarotti

Some of the many ongoing initiatives Sinfonia uses music to reach and connect with young people each year:

Sinfonietta Strings

Sinfonia Youth Orchestra

Link Up program in conjunction with Carnegie Hall

Musicians in Schools Guest Artists in Schools

Live orchestra performances for students Arts in Medicine

Paint the Music in partnership with 3rd-8th graders in Okaloosa & Walton Counties

Go to SinfoniaGulfCoast.org/education to learn more about how you can support Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s music education outreach programs.

Membership Keeps Arts FUNded

By Zandra Wolfgram

Looking for fun? You have arrived. As a member of the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), you are already aboard the “bus to fun town.”

Take it from the MKAF’s CEO of Fun, Demetrius Fuller.

children and adults with special needs to veteran and active-duty military service members.

“We’re connecting with and providing creative opportunities for populations that lack access to art,” Moore explains.

To realize our vision to “enhance and inspire every life through arts and culture,” it takes community support. As Fuller explains, individual giving has always been the rock bed of MKAF.

“The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation was initially started from the Arts Guild Lunch attended by local art lovers and evolved into the huge support system of volunteers, patrons and sponsors we have today. Membership is the backbone of MKAF and a direct tie to the community. Taking part as an individual member helps to support the arts education and outreach that Mattie Kelly is known for,” Fuller says.

Melanie Moore is the director of education and couldn’t agree more. This year, she has 108 custom ArtsReach programs already underway. From teaching artists, residencies, workshops touring performances and summer camps, each offering is designed to uniquely benefit a range of diverse populations from the needs of K-12 students,

“We tailor our programs to those who uniquely benefit from different ways of learning innovative and unique programming. We want to share the arts and a love of the arts with everyone we can and with the best programming we possibly can.”

And this is where you come in.

MKAF cannot deliver quality arts programming without your help. So please join us.

“Membership is affordable and the benefits are fun,” assures Fuller. “Where else can you spend $150 and get access to 10 concerts, 4 NEW Fall Flix, a discount on Festival of the Arts merchandise, plus discounts on MKAF wine dinner events? You just can’t.”

This year, there are several new MKAF membership levels from just $75.

“We really want to up our fun factor in all we do … including raising awareness and funding. Our new tagline is Membership Keeps Arts FUNded”

— Demetrius Fuller,

Chief

Executive Officer & Artistic Officer

Join/Renew Now for the 2022 Season

Art Nouveau (40 years old and under) Single $75 – A new category for those 40 years of age and under. Member benefits include admission to all of the Spring and Fall Concerts in the Village and preferred pricing to all MKAF events.

Pop Art – Single $150 or Couple $250 – Member benefits include admission to all of the spring and fall Concerts in the Village and preferred pricing to all MKAF events. This category is available as a single or reduced fee for couple who reside in the same residence.

Renaissance Single $275 – Includes all member benefits of the Pop Art category plus a VIP Table seat at all of the Concerts in the Village, table is assigned upon arrival. (This is a limited membership category and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.)

Impresario Single $500 – Includes all member benefits of the Pop Art category plus a preferred VIP Table seating at all of the Concerts in the Village, plus 10 general admission tickets to use at any Concerts in the Village. (This is a limited membership category and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.)

Plus, pledging your support is easy to do. Simply go to the MKAF website and sign up on the home page.

Supporting MKAF means you are a champion of the arts. Since forming in 1995, MKAF has impacted 337,800 through our ArtsReach programs.

MEMBER BENEFITS

Receive one season pass to our “Concerts in the Village”.

THURSDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES 2023

Annual concert series featuring a diverse genre of music suitable for all ages and families.

Receive one season pass to our four NEW “Fall Flix”.

SEPTEMBER 10 - OCTOBER 1, 2022 Lights, Camera, Action! Join us Saturday evenings in the village for Fall Flix featuring an exciting variety of films.

Receive a discount on “Festival of the Arts” merchandise.

OCTOBER 29 & 30, 2022

Annual arts festival featuring fine artists exhibiting their original art, live music, food trucks, crafted cocktails.

Receive membership rates on MKAF events throughout the year.

WINE

WALKABOUT - NOVEMBER 10, 2022

10th Annual Wine Walkabout at Ruth’s Chris Steak House at Silver Shells Resort in Destin.

Know that your membership fees impact students, veterans and adults of all abilities throughout Northwest Florida.

Become a Member -

JOIN NOW! MKAF.org

Visit www.MKAF.org for updates on events.

SINFONIA CABARET AT SEAGAR’S

An Evening with Jeremy Jordan

Thursday, September 15, 2022 | 5:30 PM

Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood

Tony and Grammy-nominated singer-actor, Jeremy Jordan, portrayed Jack Kelly in “Newsies” on Broadway. Jeremy has been performing his solo cabarets to sold out audiences around the US and London since 2014. On TV he starred in the NBC series “Smash” and CW series “Supergirl”.

PRESENTED BY:

SINFONIA GULF COAST LINK UP

Students in grade 3-5 are given the opportunity to join the orchestra in this highly participatory program, in which they learn to sing and play an instrument in the classroom and perform with a professional orchestra from their seats at a culminating concert with Sinfonia Gulf Coast.

SINFONIA EDUCATION INITIATIVES

Each year in Sinfonia Gulf Coast impacts more than 15,000 students throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties, Florida. Continued support from our education partners throughout the community has enabled the organization to continue to bring the highest quality music education initiatives via live orchestra concerts, musicians and guest artists in the schools, a Youth Orchestra program, and expanded collaboration with Carnegie Hall’s Link Up project.

Continuing Initiatives:

Link Up Program in conjunction with Carnegie Hall

Paint the Music for 3rd-8th graders in Okaloosa and Walton Counties

Live orchestra performances for students

Concert attendance and bus transportation is always provided free of charge to schools and students

Sinfonietta Strings and Sinfonia Youth Orchestra

Musicians in Schools Guest Artists in Schools

Impacted more than 185,000 school children since 2006

Go to SinfoniaGulfCoast.org/education to learn more about how you can support Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s music education outreach programs.

Saturday, October 11, 2022 | 6:00 PM Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Beautiful, simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. As time continues to evolve, the soulful songbird’s name has become synonymous with grace, style, elegance and class. Proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida.

PRESENTED BY:

feat. Patti LaBelle

PATTI LABELLE

Beautiful simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. With chart-topping hits from Lady Marmalade to New Attitude, this soulful songbird’s name has become synonymous with grace, style, elegance and class. Belting out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets have created the unique platform of versatility for which she is known and revered.

In 2017, LaBelle launched a record label, GPE Records, and released her first jazz album, Bel Hommage. Beyond performing music, she has been featured in popular films and television programs including A Soldier’s Story, A Different World, American Horror Story, and starred in her own TV series, Out All Night. She’s also wowed television audiences with unforgettable performances on the hit shows, Dancing with the Stars and The Masked Singer, and starred in Broadway productions of Your Arms are Too Short to Box with God, Fela, and After Midnight.

A celebrated author, LaBelle has written six books: Don’t Block the Blessings, LaBelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing About, Patti’s Pearls, Patti LaBelle’s Lite Cuisine, Recipes for the Good Life and Desserts LaBelle. As an entrepreneur, she launched Patti’s Good Life, a food and lifestyle brand that features a variety of frozen comfort foods, breakfast items and desserts, including her world-famous sweet potato pie.

LaBelle’s humanitarian work is also noteworthy. She remains an advocate for adoption, diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS and many other causes. In 1994, she was diagnosed with diabetes and shortly thereafter became a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association.

The same motivation that had Patricia Louise-Holte blossom from a choir member to lead vocalist for Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles and later, to solo artist, is the same energy that keeps LaBelle’s fire burning at 78.

Each year I grow, and that’s a blessing from God. I do what I can do. It’s not about making money because I don’t need money, but I need to sing.”

— Patti LaBelle

Photo Credit: Whitney Thomas

SINFONIA STRING QUARTET IN RESIDENCE

Founded in Tallahassee, Florida, Carriola Quartet is a dynamic and evolving ensemble. This quartet features violinists Rosalee Walsh and Tyler Tran, violist Miranda Rojas, and cellist Mitchell George. With a passion for community engagement, Carriola Quartet has performed original, interactive concerts in public and private schools, college classes, and community spaces around the North Florida region. The ensemble also performs often at Florida State University, where all four members are students; three are pursuing master’s degrees in music performance,

while one is an accomplished senior performance major. Carriola Quartet is currently the String Quartet-in-Residence for Sinfonia Gulf Coast, and all members also perform regularly with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia Gulf Coast, Valdosta Symphony Orchestra, Panama City Symphony Orchestra, and other surrounding orchestras. They also own private studios and teach at Javacya Conservatory for the Arts, Tallahassee Homeschool String Orchestra, and Tallahassee Youth Orchestras.

PROGRAM NOTES

PGM Productions Film in concert with Sinfonia Gulf Coast The Bride of Frankenstein

Film Credits

CAST

Boris Karloff

The Monster

Colin Clive Baron Henry von Frankenstein

Valerie Hobson Elizabeth von Frankenstein

Ernest Thesiger Dr. Pretorius

Elsa Lanchester Mary Shelley/The Monster’s Mate Gavin Gordon Lord Byron Douglas Walton Percy Shelley Una O’Connor Minnie the Housekeeper

SCREENPLAY BY William Hurlbut

From the novel “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley

DIRECTED BY James Whale

PRODUCED BY Carl Laemmle, Jr.

MUSIC BY Franz Waxman

A Universal Picture

The producer wishes to acknowledge the contributions and extraordinary support of John Waxman (Themes & Variations).

A Symphonic Night at the Movies is a production of PGM Productions, Inc. (New York) and appears by arrangement with IMG Artists.

Production Credits

Producer: John Goberman

Music Consultant: John Waxman Technical Supervisor: Pat McGillen

Music Preparation: Larry Spivack Live Orchestra Adaptation: Pat Russ

TOP 10 REASONS TO CRESCENDO!

Save the dates for the event extravaganza of the season supporting Sinfonia

Gulf Coast

By Zandra Wolfgram

Cre·scen·do

(/krəˈSHenˌdō/)

Even the name is full of fun! It’s such an exciting word — it’s a noun, adverb, adjective and verb.

We love a themed party! This year’s theme is “ebony & ivory.” Whether you want to go black with a touch of cream or white with a hint black — any variation on the elegant theme of Crescendo noir (en blanc) will do.

The chic artwork by international fashion illustrator Lindsey Kate tells us Crescendo! 2023 is going to be a bold, hold-on-to-your hats-ladies-and-gents, affair to remember.

Sinfonia Gulf Coast

is presenting this event … that means … live entertainment! Last year, we were treated to an electric performance by amazing Ezinma. We cannot wait to see what surprises Sinfonia has in store for us this year!

The venue. The event will be held at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, so it is sure to be a swank soiree. You had us at “ballroom.”

We’re starved! With the excitement of this extravaganza, we’ve already worked up quite an appetite. We love a proper Sunday luncheon served at linen clothed tables set with candles and creative decor.

Party prizes! The raffle, the silent auction of art, wine, jewels, excursions and more, plus the live auction of curated A-list travel getaways, you couldn’t possibly plan yourself. Win-win!

Gathering with gal pals and gents. The perfect way to shake off the winter blues and usher in spring with the sizzle of Crescendo!

Treble Makers! As a member of the Treble Makers, you considered a VIP at Crescendo. Your $575 contribution will enable Sinfonia to continue to perform music with 3,500 elementary students throughout Okaloosa and Walton Counties, thanks to Link Up — Sinfonia’s collaborative partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Institute of Music.

Local kids! Proceeds from Crescendo benefit Sinfonia and its music education programs, which include musicians/guest artists in schools, free orchestra concerts, bus transportation for students, Sinfonia Youth Orchestra program, Arts in Medicine initiative with Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast and Link Up.

Crescendo Kick-off Lunch is Thursday, Jan. 26 at Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits in Miramar Beach. Vintner Dinners are Friday, Feb. 24 at stunning homes and venues. Crescendo! Main Event is Sunday, Feb. 26 at Hilton Sandestin Beach. This event will sell out, so reserve your seat today at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.

As a Treble Maker, your contribution will enable Sinfonia Gulf Coast to continue to perform some of its more important music music for our children. Since 2007, Sinfonia has impacted more than 165,000 school children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties.

1 ticket to Crescendo! Kick Off Lunch on January 26, 2023 at Bijoux ($150 Value)

1 ticket to Crescendo! Main Event on February 26, 2023 ($195 Value)

Early VIP entrance to Crescendo! Main Event for Treble Makers only

Special invitation to JIMMY CHOO 2023 event

Special recognition at all Crescendo! events

Special VIP invitation to experience LINK UP 2023 with all of the students on March 8, 2023. An event not available to the public

Knowing that you helped provide music education programs to over 3,500+ children in Okaloosa and Walton Counties this year!

The latest in women’s fashion, beauty, home decor, lifestyle, and health.

The Doo Wop Project begins at the beginning: tracing the evolution of Doo Wop from the classic sound of five guys singing harmonies on a street corner to the biggest hits on the radio today. In their epic shows, The Doo Wop Project takes audiences on a journey featuring foundational tunes from the Crests, Belmonts, and Flamingos through the vocal artistry of Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, and The Four Seasons all the way to DooWopified versions of modern hits from Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz, Maroon 5, and Sam Smith.

Featuring stars from the Broadway hits Jersey Boys, Motown: The Musical, and A Bronx Tale, The Doo Wop Project brings unparalleled authenticity of sound and vocal excellence to recreate—and in some cases entirely reimagine—the greatest music in American pop and rock history.

PROGRAM NOTES

MORGAN JAMES

Morgan James is a Juilliard-trained singer, actress, songwriter, and recording artist in New York City. She recently co-produced and starred in an all-female concept recording of Jesus Christ Superstar entitled She Is Risen. James independently released her studio albums of original soul music, entitled Memphis Magnetic, and A Very Magnetic Christmas recorded to analog tape in Memphis, Tennessee. Other albums include Reckless Abandon, which prompted the Huffington Post to call James the “Brightest breakout artist of the year.” Last year, James took on a full album cover of the Beatles’ iconic White Album to celebrate the 50th anniversary. She also took on Joni Mitchell’s Blue and covered it. James recorded two full-length albums with Epic Records: Hunter, an album of original R&B, and Morgan James Live: A celebration of Nina Simone. On Broadway, James was in five back-to-back original companies: The Addams Family (starring Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth), Wonderland, Godspell and Motown: The Musical, and as a guest at Kristin Chenoweth’s For The Girls.

NICHOLAS RODRIGUEZ

Nicholas Rodriguez has had an extensive career on Broadway (Tarzan), Off Broadway (The Toxic Avenger: The Musical, Almost Heaven: Songs of John Denver, Death for Five Voices) film (Sex and the City 2) and the concert stage. He recently toured the U.S. as Captain Georg Von Trapp in The Sound of Music and traveled the world on tours of Jesus Christ Superstar (Jesus), Evita (Che), and Hair (Claude).

His debut album, based on his one-man show of the same name, The First Time... fuses Rodriguez’s love of theater with the music of jazz, blues, folk and pop. He starred opposite Kathleen Turner in Mother Courage and Her Children at Arena Stage in Washington, DC where he recently played Billy Bigelow in Carousel (Helen Hayes Nomination), Sebastian in the world premier of Destiny of Desire, Freddy in My Fair Lady (Helen Hayes nomination), Fabrizio in Light in the Piazza, and was also seen as Curly in Oklahoma! for which he received a 2011 Helen Hayes Award for “Best Actor in a Musical” and was named “Top 10 Performers of 2010” by Hilton Als of The New Yorker. He made his Carnegie Hall debut in a one night only concert version of Guys and Dolls starring Nathan Lane, Megan Mullaly and Len Cariou.

GET HAPPY, A JUDY GARLAND CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

A phenomenal talent whose feel for classic soul music is bone deep...This woman is on fire.”

— The New York Times

CLASSICAL CONNECTIONS feat. Geneva Lewis, violin Demetrius Fuller, conductor

Saturday, March 11, 2023 | 7:30 PM Destin High School

New Zealand-born violinist Geneva Lewis has forged a reputation as a musician of consummate artistry whose performances speak from and to the heart. Lauded for “remarkable mastery of her instrument” (CVNC) and hailed as “clearly one to watch” (Musical America), Geneva is the recipient of a 2022 Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award, 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant and Grand Prize winner of the 2020 Concert Artists Guild Competition. Deeply passionate about collaboration, Geneva has had the pleasure of performing with prominent musicians such as Jonathan Biss, Glenn Dicterow, Miriam Fried, Kim Kashkashian, Gidon Kremer, Marcy Rosen, Sir András Schiff, and Mitsuko Uchida, among many others.

Geneva Lewis, violin

Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 Felix Mendelssohn

i. Allegro molto appassionato ii. Andante iii. Allegretto non troppo – Allegro molto vivace

Intermission

Symphony No. 2, Op. 61 Robert Schumann

i. Sostenuto assai — Allegro, ma non troppo ii. Scherzo: Allegro vivace iii. Adagio espressivo iv. Allegro molto vivace

PROGRAM NOTES - CLASSICAL CONNECTIONS

Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 Felix Mendelssohn

Born in Hamburg, Germany, February 3, 1809; died in Leipzig, Germany, November 4, 1847

During the years he served as director of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Felix Mendelssohn was blessed with an outstanding concertmaster Ferdinand David, one of the 19th century’s finest and most versatile violinists. As early as 1835, the composer promised David a concerto to show off his remarkable abilities. But the concerto did not appear for nearly a decade, despite the violinist’s frequent reminders, preserved in some charmingly wheedling letters.

This delay was uncharacteristic of Mendelssohn, usually a man who promptly fulfilled his obligations, musical or otherwise. But the early 1840s were particularly trying times for him. Already in demand all over Europe as both a composer and a performer, Mendelssohn in 1841 was summoned to Berlin (his family’s home) by King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia to be his court musician and establish a grandiose new conservatory. For three years, the composer dutifully served the king’s constantly changing whims while longing to return to Leipzig. The enchanting incidental music to A Midsummer Night’s Dream was about the only good thing to come out of this frustrating period. As soon as he could gracefully extricate himself from Berlin, Mendelssohn turned to the long-delayed concerto and completed it in September 1844. It was premiered by David with the Leipzig Gewandhaus on March 13, 1845.

Generations of violinists and audiences can attest that the concerto — one of the most perfect ever written for this instrument — was worth the wait. As Brahms would later do with his Violin Concerto for Joseph

Joachim, Mendelssohn constantly sought David’s advice and scrupulously tailored his concerto to the violinist’s skills and musical personality.

Mendelssohn is usually regarded as a conservative composer, who despite his allegiance to Romanticism, followed the classical forms and feeling of Mozart and Haydn more closely than did his contemporaries. But Mendelssohn was also a true Romantic who felt free to break the rules of the classical concerto.

First Movement: The breaking of old rules begins immediately as the violinist launches the buoyant principal theme in the second measure, dispensing with the customary orchestral exposition. The key of E minor adds a touch of poignancy to this expansive, openhearted melody. The most magical moment of this sonataform movement comes at the end of the development section when in a hushed, mysterious passage the soloist begins searching for the home key. Just he seems to have found it, Mendelssohn pulls a surprise: launching the soloist’s cadenza, which is customarily placed after the recapitulation just before the movement ends. It concludes with chains of rapid arpeggios that continue as the orchestra reprises the principal theme, thus binding cadenza seamlessly to recapitulation.

At movement’s end, we hear a lone bassoon holding onto the pitch B. That note then rises a half step for the new key of C major for the second-movement Andante, which the soloist begins after a brief orchestral bridge passage. This movement is in three-part song form — most appropriate here because Mendelssohn has

Instrumentation: Two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, three trombones, timpani, and strings.

PROGRAM NOTES - CLASSICAL CONNECTIONS

given the soloist one of his “songs without words.” The middle section interjects passionate agitation amid the lyricism.

Another bridge provides harmonic and tempo transition to the E-major finale. Here we have one of Mendelssohn’s celebrated scherzos: a joyous, scampering romp for the soloist. Conjuring up the world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the woodwinds are agile companions to the violin’s gambols.

Symphony No. 2 in C Major, Op. 61 Robert Schumann

Born June 8, 1810, in Zwickau, Saxony (Germany) and died on July 29, 1856, at Endenich, Germany.

Few dispute that Robert Schumann was the most romantic of the Romantics, with musicologists talking of the new “hero” of the Romantic Era. In his approach to composition Schumann was the musical dissenter of his time. He saw little reason to honor the Classical structure because he recognized its strict limitations. As a result the adventurous Schumann was uncertain and melancholy even during his most productive years. He was plagued by personal psychological struggles and held concern for the future of the symphonic form since the most influential innovators of the time, Beethoven and Schubert, were in their graves.

It was in 1841 at the end of one of his many mental and physical convalescent periods that Schumann began working in symphonic form.

In his Symphony No. 2 the movements are interrelated by a recurrence of themes.

First Movement: The first motif appears in the brass during the brooding slow introduction to the first movement and

returns later amid the turbulence of that same movement and is repeated again briefly in the second and fourth movements. Schumann wrote, “It is filled with struggle and is very capricious and obstinate in character.” The brass fanfare is heard simultaneously with a wavy theme pitched low in the strings. That line is as harmonically ambiguous as the brass fanfare is decisive. The music increases gradually, gaining tempo and conflicts erupt and warring elements clash before the finale, giving the impression that the darkness has been momentarily lifted.

Second Movement: This fast scherzo is a happy, spirited showcase for strings. The pace lets up for the movement’s two contrasting trios — the first being a melody shared by strings and woodwinds, while the second is a subdued meditation for strings and woodwinds. In the end, the brasses sing out their fanfare from the first movement.

Third Movement: This movement has long been regarded as one of the composer’s most sublime musical sections. Melancholic and tranquil, solo opportunities are provided for oboe, clarinet and bassoon.

Fourth Movement: From the robust marchlike beginning to the long, optimistic ending, it is clear that Schumann has regained good physical and mental health. The joyful finale sweeps away the clouds that have been hanging over the symphony. The gentle theme (a solo oboe) appearing midway is by Beethoven from his song cycle To the Distant Beloved. The composer is paying tribute to his beloved wife Clara.

Instrumentation: Two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, three trombones, timpani, and strings.

MISSION

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Youth Orchestras’ mission is to provide the highest quality youth orchestra experience to students living in Northwest Florida. The orchestra program strives to create a culture of community, collaboration, and cultivation by ensuring that each member has an empowering musical experience through participation in the orchestras.

The Sinfonia Youth Orchestra program is the premier training orchestra in Northwest Florida and consists of more than sixty students who participate in a variety of ensembles that perform throughout the school year, led by Music Director Margaret Gordon.

CRESCENDO! ARTIST

Some of her renowned clients include Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo, Escada, Ted Baker London, LoveShackFancy, Alice + Olivia, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Four Seasons Hotel & Spa, Bloomingdale’s, Dillard’s, Nordstrom, Shutz, Hugo Boss, Nic + Zoe, Vionic, Le Chateau, Hamilton Jewelers, LaCroix, and L’Oreal.

Constantly exploring new techniques and media, she tailors the style of every project to fit the unique need of each client. Lindsey Kate aims to capture the elegance, beauty, and confidence of the human form in her creations. Finding inspiration within historic illustration, nature, and modern art as well as having a proficient understanding of color theory, textiles, construction, fit, and concept design allows her to successfully illustrate technically accurate designs as well as representational creative fashion figures.

A few of Kate’s favorite things include bridal illustration and creative work for publications and advertisements; however, she has created projects for personal shoppers, stylists, online retailers, patternmakers, as well as fashion and accessory designers. She’s had her work published in a variety of magazines, and even illustrated the cover of a published book about fashion. She also creates accessories, paintings, and logos upon special request. She would love to hear your next idea for utilizing fashion illustration!

Photo Credit: HoughtonPhotography.com

Lindsey Kate is an international Fashion Illustrator who creates custom commissioned projects for individuals and brands, in addition to illustrating live for events.

A Merging of Musical Giants

conductor

Saturday, April 29, 2023 | 7:30 PM

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center

A merging of musical giants, Beethoven V. Coldplay pairs two composer/artists that deal with universal and humanist themes in their music, and asks the musical question- would Beethoven have found meaning in the music of Coldplay? That notion, perhaps oddsounding at first, becomes much more compelling when considering the events surrounding Beethoven’s creation of the Eroica Symphony- an artist desperate to solidify his position as the reigning musical genius in Vienna, but yet still misunderstood and criticized, and a young man in his thirties faced with the reality that he would indeed soon be completely deaf. How, then, would Beethoven have reacted to the Coldplay lyrics ‘Nobody said it was easy?’ or ‘When you lose something you can’t replace…. could it be worse?’

Steve Hackman,

PROGRAM NOTES

BEETHOVEN V. COLDPLAY A MERGING OF MUSICAL GIANTS

Beethoven V. Coldplay transforms the Eroica into an oratorio, weaving the melodies and lyrics of Coldplay into the original Beethoven, pairing them together based on content and context. It is the alternate Eroica Beethoven may have created had he known the music of Coldplay at the time. Three vocalists join the full symphony, and conductor/composer Steve Hackman alternates between conducting the orchestra and playing the piano. Many of Coldplay’s most well-known songs are interpolated, including ‘Yellow’, ‘Viva La Vida’, ‘Clocks’ and ‘The Scientist’.

STEVE HACKMAN

A multi-hyphenate music powerhouse and visionary producer, Steve Hackman is a daring voice leading the charge among a new generation of classical musicians intent on redefining the genre. Equally adept in classical and popular styles, his breadth of musical fluency and technique is uncanny—he is at once a composer, conductor, producer, DJ, arranger, songwriter, singer, and pianist. He uses those wide-ranging abilities to create innovative fusions that blur the lines between high and pop art.

The result is evocative works that are both derivative yet wholly original. He synthesizes Brahms and Radiohead, Bartók and Björk, and Beethoven and Coldplay into epic orchestral tone poems; re-imagines Stravinsky and Shostakovich into original orchestral-electronic concept albums; and samples Verdi and Debussy and interpolates them into hip-hop tracks. His performances of these pieces have surprised and thrilled diverse sellout audiences across the country, including with the orchestras of Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Colorado, Phoenix,

Photo Credit: Rowan Daly

PROGRAM NOTES

BEETHOVEN V. COLDPLAY A

MERGING OF MUSICAL GIANTS

Nashville, Oregon, Indianapolis, Grand Rapids, Columbus, Charlotte, Southwest Florida, Alabama, Colorado Music Festival, and the Boston Pops.

In Fall of 2021 Hackman composed the 60-minute ballet AT WORK in partnership with Jacob Jonas the Company, premiering the piece in consecutive weekends at Century City Park and the Water Gardens in Los Angeles. It was the culmination of a busy two years of composing: he wrote five original scores for the global film initiative films. dance, teaming up with Hilary Hahn, Dave Koz, Voces 8, and musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra in the process; his music was featured on the American Express campaign Stand For Small, alongside the voice of Lin-Manuel Miranda; and during the summer of 2021 he completed recording of a solo piano album.

Hackman has teamed up with some of the biggest pop superstars of today to add a signature virtuosic and classical dimension to their work. He has collaborated frequently with Doja Cat, performing with her at the 2021 VMA’s in Brooklyn, following orchestrating and arranging strings for her performances at the Billboard Music Awards and iHeart Radio Music Awards. In December 2019, Hackman collaborated with Kanye West, the Sunday Service Choir and Access Opera in their production of the opera Mary. Hackman contributed as composer, conductor, and orchestrator. The opera had public performances at Art Basel in Miami, Laskey Mesa in Calabasas and Lincoln Center in New York City.

Photo Credit: Phil Calgary