FunFonia and the Future: Why Sinfonia Still Matters

Our special anniversary series Behind the Baton: Looking Back on 20 Years of Memories, Milestones and Magical Moments continues. Enjoy!

By Zandra Wolfgram

Q: What does it mean to you to be celebrating 20 years?

DF: Relevance! It’s a testimony to the overall picture, the orchestra, education outreach, the social events … all managed with support from our board, our staff, and volunteers. It means continued support from an incredibly resilient community that has shown their support and desire for what Sinfonia produces. It all melds and works together.

Q: You have weathered storms, oil spills, economic recessions and a global pandemic. What are you doing as a leader to ensure Sinfonia not only survives, but thrives during tough times?

DF: Overall, we continue to create a product that our audience finds relevant, and we try to be the big thinker in the arts community.

Q: What have you learned?

DF: Patience, which is not my strong point. That the word no doesn’t mean no forever; it means just not right now. Good things come to those who wait.

Q. Why does support for the local arts matter?

DF: The arts matter, period. You cannot have a successful destination with any sort of pulse without arts and culture.

Q: Why has Sinfonia captured the imagination and interest of the community?

DF: We call it FunFonia. That is the biggest key. We pay our musicians well and treat them with respect. They know they are important and valued. We try to make our concerts fun for everyone. We have great energy, and it makes a difference. Our venues are known for cosmos not cough drops.