Celebrate the Classics

Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s 2017–2018 Season

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 “symphony redefined.” The organization, led by music and artistic director Demetrius Fuller, enters its twelfth season with a stellar lineup of concerts and educational initiatives as the region’s only fully professional symphony orchestra.

The season will start on a high note at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 24, with an intimate cabaret-style performance by singer Chris Mann. He has garnered acclaim from his debut on the world’s stage as a finalist on NBC’s The Voice to rave reviews from his PBS Chris Mann in Concert: A Mann for All Seasons performance and landing the lead role in the national US tour of The Phantom of the Opera. Mann and his crystalline voice will take the Sinfonia audience on a musical journey from Broadway to contemporary standards and the Great American Songbook.

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The Silver Sands Premium Outlets’ Classical Connection series features three concerts at Grace Lutheran Church in Destin during the 2017–2018 season:

Thursday, November 9, 2017, featuring cellist Sang-Eun Lee

Hailed for her expressive artistry and dazzling technique, the Washington Post praised her performance saying: “She is a prodigiously talented young artist with powerful technique and musical poise.”

Friday, January 26, 2018, featuring string quintet SYBARITE5

One of the most exhilarating string groups on the scene today, this quintet has taken audiences by storm all across the U.S. via an exciting ride that engages the senses and redefines the rules from Mozart to Radiohead.

Saturday, March 3, 2018, featuring violinist Corinne Stillwell

Stillwell, who is on the faculty at both Florida State University and the Brevard Music Festival, joins Sinfonia’s principal musicians as guest concert master and soloist.

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Mary Wilson of the Supremes is bringing her larger-than-life voice and amazing energy back to the Sinfonia stage at Destiny Worship Center for “A Rockin’ Holiday” concert on Friday, December 15 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 with the sensational songs that made her famous, holiday favorites, and Sinfonia’s full orchestra.

Sinfonia impacts all areas of our community. Our performances and educational outreach programs feature timeless classical masterworks, present the highest-caliber award-winning guest artists, and provide multiple free education concerts for area youth. —Demetrius Fuller, Music and Artistic Director, Sinfonia Gulf Coast

The finale of the main season comes to life during the annual gala event on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. Sinfonia Gulf Coast brings the world premiere of America’s most beloved movie musical to the Emerald Coast: Meredith Willson’s The Music Man. Gloriously restored and projected on the big screen, with unforgettable performances by Shirley Jones and Robert Preston, Willson’s brilliant songs and score 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 the performance.

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Season Tickets offer preferred seating and a discount over single-ticket prices and include all three Classical Connections concerts, plus “A Rockin’ Holiday” with Mary Wilson of the Supremes. Single tickets for all performances are available for purchase by calling the Sinfonia Box Office at (850) 460-8800 or going online to SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.

All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. unless noted otherwise.