A Bold Beginning: Demetrius Fuller’s Vision for Sinfonia

Looking Back on 20 Years of Memories, Milestones and Magical Moments

By Zandra Wolfgram

“I am thrilled to present for you a new sound, a new season and a new symphony. It is my

honor to introduce Sinfonia Gulf Coast as the only full professional orchestra ready to set the

standard for exhilarating entertainment along our Emerald Coast.

Sinfonia will redefine the symphonic experience for both seasoned aficionados and those new

to the classical genre. Talented musicians, amazing guest artists, and premier events will

make this season feel like a breath of fresh air.”

Sinfonia Gulf Coast Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller wrote this gracious, yet bold

prophecy in his first Director’s Letter published in the program for the inaugural season,

2006-2007.

Fast forward, 20 years later, and maestro Fuller has delivered on his prophetic promise …

and more.

And, yes, this 40-something-year-old entrepreneurial music maker is still “thrilled … and

honored” to “set the standard for exhilarating entertainment along our Emerald Coast.”

The first year, Sinfonia launched a series called Coffee with the Conductor to introduce

Fuller to the community and help get the word out about Sinfonia. We invite you to grab a

coffee, settle in to hear from the maestro as he reflects and reminisces about the early days

of Sinfonia Gulf Coast and how it has evolved since it formed 20 years ago.

Q: What does making music mean to you?

DF: Music is a way to share joy, emotion and feelings and a way to convey thoughts that you

can’t use words for. Even before learning piano or clarinet, I was singing along to Sesame

Street.

Q: Do you believe music is a universal truth?

DF: It sounds cliché, but it really is true. You can have a guest artist who doesn’t speak

English, such as SooBeen Lee, a Young Concert Artist violinist. It didn’t matter when we

were rehearsing and playing. It’s almost an existential type of experience that translates

through music.

Q: Why did you want to form Sinfonia Gulf Coast?

DF: It was more than just about the music to me. It was a community endeavor. It was an

educational endeavor. We created Sinfonia, because our area did not have a professional

stand-alone symphony orchestra to serve the community and it did not have an

opportunity for school children to have an outlet to learn a string instrument and

experience quality outreach opportunities. A civilization is only as good as its arts and

culture.