Discover how Sinfonia Gulf Coast is redefining the symphony experience in their 2024-2025 season — with powerhouse performances, innovative concerts, and can't-miss events — in this exclusive Q&A.
By Zandra Wolfgram
The 2024-2025 season kicks off with a bang. As in a powerhouse performance by Broadway star Alysha Umphress. Why is Cabaret at Seagar’s such a beloved event and what’s in store for this year on September 17?
The Cabaret at Seagar’s transports patrons to another era in its NYC/Cafe Carlyle-esque vibe where you don’t know you are not sitting in the middle of Manhattan listening to some of the most phenomenal talents on the music scene today. This year’s cabaret artist is in a vocal league of her own. I know patrons will be blown away.
For the 19th season you are once again “redefining the symphony experience” with fresh offerings. Tell us about the first concert of the season, Luminescence: Catalyst by Candlelight on November 7.
Sinfonia is no stranger to unique performance offerings and, in fact, staged “candlelight” concerts over 10 seasons ago when we were performing in Rosemary Beach Town Hall. We had the opportunity to perform in the charming Seaside Chapel and the only thing that could illuminate the musicianship and pedigree of Grammy Award-winning Catalyst Quartet is candles. It is the perfect back drop to do this type of presentation in a proper space. It is always important to present this type of concert with the highest caliber of musicians and venue. This sets Sinfonia apart from more recent concerts of others touting the same experience.
Often musicians and vocalists taking the Sinfonia stage are not just performers, they are longtime friends of yours. Singer/songwriter Morgan James returns for Big Band Holiday Toast ‘n Jam on December 8. Tell us why she’s so special to you and why this concert will get us in the spirit.
Isn’t that great? I have been so fortunate to meet and forge friendships with so many incredible people over the last 25 years! It makes it more fun when you have that connection and almost always, even if I am working with an artist for the first time, we leave the concert experience as friends. Morgan. I can write a novel on Morgan James. A really good one. We met by mistake. She was a last-minute replacement for a vocalist for our holiday pops in 2012. She blew the roof off that evening, and we never looked back. She has become one of my best friends, sounding board and collaborator. There is not another voice on this planet that can match Morgan James. It is a very special instrument that is so versatile from coloratura opera to Broadway to pop to soul to jazz to R&B and I can go on. She is presenting her holiday themed big band concert that she debuted at Joe’s Pub in NYC last year. It is FUN!
Two words. The Grinch. Your innovative Film in Concert series has become one of the most popular offerings with families. Why should we not miss this December 14 concert?
Two Words: The Grinch. Three words: Sinfonia Gulf Coast. Three more words: Live in Concert. Aside from being a classic holiday movie, and with all due respect to Jim Carrey, Sinfonia’s orchestra steals the show in these films in concert, but I may be slightly biased. Sinfonia’s Film in Concert series is a great way for families and everyone really, to enjoy live music paired with iconic films. Nostalgia, excitement, joy, all of the emotions can be described as part of the experience.
Bette, Babs & Beyond sounds like a siren call for everyone who loves the music of legends like Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, Adele and Cher. Sounds like January 17 is a party in the making. Tell us more.
We honored Music of the Knights last year with the tribute to Sirs Paul McCartnery, Elton John, and Andrew Lloyd Webber, so it was appropriate to flip the switch and pay tribute to the amazing female voices of our time and this set list is non-stop hit after hit that will feature amazing vocalists, including the return of Jessica Hendy from Music of the Knights and the full orchestra.
February is the season of love and with Crescendo! 2025 Vintner Dinners kicking off February 28 and the Main Event on March 2, we understand Sinfonia will be Painting the Town Red starting with the January 30 Kick Off event. What can we expect this year?
Crescendo! is Sinfonia’s most important event each season because it raises the funds to keep all of our educational outreach and community engagement initiatives free to the school districts that we serve. This includes our Link Up partnership with Carnegie Hall, guest artists in schools, ensembles in residence that provide services throughout our community and our annual Paint the Music program in partnership with Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation. That aside, it is a blast and sets the social scene for the spring and summer. What not to like about incredible vintners paired with celebrity chefs and a big blowout main event all to raise funds for these important initiatives?
Sinfonia’s commitment to music is seen in its support of new works. You have commissioned Howard Levy to create a new concerto for harmonica and piano, which will be a U.S. Southeast premiere. Why is it important to support new music and what can you tell us about your Classical Connections collaboration set for April 4?
Talk about friends in the biz. I first worked with Howard in 2003 in Cincinnati where he and pianist Anthony Molinaro were guests on a series that I curated for the Cincinnati Contemporary Art Museum. Sinfonia performed the Southeast U.S. premiere of his first concerto for harmonica and when he asked if I was interested in being involved with his newest offering, I could not refuse. Howard is one of those rare musicians that come along too infrequently, whose skills on harmonica are unparalleled in this universe, but to add piano, for which he is also scarily gifted on, it was a no brainer. Sinfonia will perform the world premier of this new work for harmonica and piano with Howard performing.
New music and commissions and orchestrations of other existing works is critical to the survival of the orchestra art form. Sinfonia has always been on the forefront of this and while I would love to participate more in this realm, we are limited to the number of concerts that we do each season; however, it is always important to support new artists, new works and collaboration is key!
Sinfonia has a history of surprising and delighting its audience with bold, innovative offerings. Composer Steve Hackman is known for his unexpected music pairings. Tell us how you plan to cap the Main Event season on May 18?
Relevance. That is a big word being tossed around these days. Why do orchestras who only offer classical music suffer from declining ticket sales … they are not relevant. Sinfonia has always been one-stop shopping for the entire genre of orchestral offerings to include masterworks, pops, chamber orchestra, chamber music and unique events incorporating other musical and art forms.
Sinfonia’s season concludes with Tchaikovsky X Drake. Whether you are familiar with either name, it is a concert that you can attend and thoroughly enjoy from the sheer vantage point that it is an incredible concert experience. Steve Hackman is an impresario of the mash up. Like his presentation of Beethoven X Coldplay that Sinfonia performed several seasons back, this takes Tchaikovsky’s epic 5th symphony and weaves elements of Drake’s music and lyrics in an ingenious manner. You have to experience it to understand how brilliant it is from the pure orchestral joy that radiates from Tchaikovsky to the vocalists and rap artist that correspond to Drake’s offerings, it is like nothing else you have witnessed.
You have expanded Sinfonia’s Music Education program this year by offering even more string programs, which are not offered in schools. As a musician, why should parents consider Sinfonia’s programs for their kids?
Sinfonia continues to fill a void by providing incredible and much-needed education offerings to our community, primarily in our Okaloosa and Walton County school districts. Our expanded beginning strings programs and youth orchestra programs have hit record enrollment numbers this school year and it is a program that is not offered by either district. In some cases our Link Up curriculum is the only arts education several schools have. It is important to continue to develop these programs and the support of our patrons enables this. In fact, we have hired two additional instructors for the strings and youth orchestra programs and will need several more if the trajectory of expansion continues. It is very rewarding to know that your organization is making an important difference in the community and enlightening young minds.
This year, the state of Florida cut $32 million from the cultural arts budget impacting organizations statewide. What can music lovers do to support Sinfonia Gulf Coast?
To be clear: the state of Florida did not cut these funds, Governor Ron DeSantis singlehandedly vetoed this line item from the state budget, directly going against the work of his state colleagues who, for months, diligently collaborated to approve funding for all of the arts organizations in Florida. Politics aside, this was a very short-sighted endeavor that has impacted 600 organizations and Florida’s economy considering cultural tourism provides nearly $6 billion to the economy each year.
There are many ways to play your part. Beyond donating funds, you can show support by attending our concerts and events, or by sponsoring a single event or the entire season, whether as an individual or business owner. We also welcome volunteers and inquiries about joining our music education social group, the Treble Makers, or exploring leadership opportunities on our Board of Directors. Visit our website
(SinfoniaGulfCoast.org) and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get to know us and learn more.
By Bridget Gorder
On Sunday, May 26, the music of Sinfonia Gulf Coast will fill the streets of Alys Beach for
friends and families alike. There will be dancing, laughter, and a whole lot of fun, and the best
part about it is – drumroll, please – it’s completely free.
This year, Sinfonia Goes Pops! will bring you a wide variety of music including “lite” classics,
Broadway’s best, popular pop hits and your favorite patriotic pieces. There surely will be
something for all audience members to enjoy. Set in the stunning Alys Beach Amphitheatre, it’s
the perfect way to kick back, relax, and enjoy music performed by the region’s only fully
professional orchestra.
This performance will be conducted by guest artist Aaron King Vaughn, an accomplished music
educator and orchestral conductor from Tallahassee, Florida. When asked about the concert,
Vaughn said, "We’re looking forward to making some great memories this coming Memorial
Day weekend at Alys Beach with Sinfonia Goes Pops! It has become a beloved local tradition,
and we hope to see you all there."
The Alys Beach Amphitheatre, located on Scenic 30A across from the Gulf of Mexico, is a
beautiful park lined with stately canary palms — the perfect place to gather with family and
friends. Remember to bring a low back chair or blanket to snag a spot on the green. The doors
will open at 6 p.m. and the music will begin at 7:30 p.m.
The Concert Truck, a unique traveling music venue, is set to visit Okaloosa and Walton County schools, presented by Sinfonia Gulf Coast and the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, and sponsored by Grand Boulevard as part of its Coastal Culture series.
Pianists Nick Luby and Susan Zhang have transformed a 16-foot box truck into a mobile concert hall, complete with lights, sound system, and piano. Their mission is to redefine the concert experience and make live music accessible to everyone. From city streets to schools, parks, and festivals, The Concert Truck brings music to diverse communities across the country.
Partnering with renowned organizations like the Kennedy Center and Aspen Music Festival, The Concert Truck shares music with communities and mentors young artists in community engagement. Their online children's show, in collaboration with the Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival, reached over 55,000 students in North Carolina schools alone.
The Concert Truck's upcoming performances will feature variations of Susan Zhang and Chelsea de Souza on piano and Austin Fisher on cello. Internationally acclaimed for her dynamic artistry, Chelsea de Souza is equally at home in traditional and new music. Austin Fisher, praised for his virtuosity, refinement, and style, is a versatile chamber musician, orchestral player, and soloist.
After visiting Okaloosa and Walton County schools as part of Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Music Education outreach program and Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s ArtsReach program, The Concert Truck will offer free public performances at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach.
The schedule is as follows:
Friday, March 15 at 6:30 PM
Grand Boulevard in Grand Park
Saturday, March 16 at Noon
During Grand Boulevard Farmer’s Market
Chris Brubeck is much like the music he writes — serendipitous, unpretentious, and
joyful.
Brubeck, 71, is a lauded American musician and composer, both in jazz and classical
music. As a musician, he mainly plays electric bass, bass trombone, and piano. The
son of noted jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck, in 1972 he joined his father
and brothers Darius and Daniel in The New Brubeck Quartet. He later formed The
Brubeck Brothers Quartet with his brothers and performed in jazz venues and with
symphony orchestras around the world.
Brubeck has toured for more than 30 years. Onstage his irrepressible enthusiasm is
matched by his fluid command of jazz, blues, folk, funk, pop, and classical musical
styles. He continues to perform and record with his two groups, The Brubeck
Brothers Quartet, and Chris Brubeck’s Triple Play. He has worked with many
diverse artists, including Frederica von Stade, Benjamin Luxon, Dawn Upshaw, Bill
Crofut, Meryl Streep, Willie Nelson, B.B. King, Gerry Mulligan, Bela Fleck, Bobby
McFerrin, Stephane Grappelli, Bobby Womack, Tower of Power, and Patti Labelle.
A much sought after Grammy-nominated composer, Brubeck continues to
distinguish himself as an innovative performer and composer who is clearly tuned
into the pulse of contemporary music. Many of his "classical" compositions contain
strong hints of the jazz influence of his father. John von Rhein, the music critic for
The Chicago Tribune, said Brubeck is “a composer with a real flair for lyrical melody
— a 21st Century Lenny Bernstein.”
Among some of Brubeck’s commissions are: Quiet Heroes: A Symphonic Salute to the
Flagraisers at Iwo Jima, a moving piece for full orchestra and narrator; Mark Twain’s
World: A Symphonic Journey with Genuine Thespians (a genre-breaking piece for
orchestra and actors based on the life of Mark Twain) and the exciting Interplay for
3 Violins and Orchestra, with performances by violinists Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg
(classical), Eileen Ivers (Irish) and Regina Carter (jazz).
Brubeck’s compositions have been performed by orchestras all around the world.
His second symphonic CD, Convergence, on Koch International Classics features the
Czech National Symphony Orchestra and is entirely comprised of his original
compositions including Frederica von Stade singing River of Song. The CD also
includes Brubeck performing his second major trombone work, Prague Concerto for
Trombone and Orchestra. Reviewing Convergence, Fanfare Magazine wrote:
“Brubeck’s skill both as composer and soloist is extraordinary.”
Born in Los Angeles, Brubeck currently lives in Connecticut with his wife, Tish. We
caught up with him on a sunny winter day. He was writing holiday cards and
anticipating a visit from his grandkids. Here are a few highlights from our
conversation with one of America’s finest contemporary composers.
ZW: You are the son of a world-renowned jazz musician. Undoubtedly, you
were surrounded by music. Did you always have a jazz mindset?
DB: It was definitely organic — the influence of music in general. The fact that there
are six kids born to my parents, Dave and Iola, and four of us are accomplished
musicians and the other two also play music … that was the kind of family
environment I had.
ZW: Was there any thought of doing anything other than music?
DB: I never hated jazz or anything. I appreciated my dad’s position in life and liked
it. I thought he was immensely successful in that world. But as a kid in seventh
grade, where you go through theoretical rebellion periods I used to think rock and
roll on the radio was really stupid and primitive, but then the Beatles and The Beach
Boys came and I thought now we’re getting somewhere. So that kind of music really
interested me.
During this time Chris was taking piano and trombone lessons and picking up the bass.
He was in the youth orchestra in the region, so clearly, he was interested in classical
music. But then a “very pivotal moment” happened.
CB: I didn’t make the freshman basketball team. I was crushed. I thought if I can’t do
basketball, I want to go to music school.
Chris attended the famed Interlochen Arts Academy and the national music camp in
the summer — which produced the likes of clarinetist David Shifrin, violinist Nick
Avakian, and, a couple of years later, singers Jewel and Josh Grobin among others.
Suffice to say, Chris was already shoulder-to-shoulder with a select group of talented
musicians.
CB: The jumpstart in my life was, while most kids were screwing around learning
how to drink beer in high school, I was playing all this wonderful music — so that
was a life changer.
ZW: Sinfonia has the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra. What advice do you have for
young musicians?
CB: Unlike my generation, we didn’t have all these devices to bury our heads in.
Most kids have to practice. It doesn’t come by magic. You have to work like crazy.
And, you have to have God-given gifts, be grateful and then you have to develop
them and challenge yourself. I would also say, don’t narrow yourself down. Listen to
all kinds of music.
ZW: And what do you say to emerging composers?
CB: Really love what you want to do and if you do all the work you have to put into it
to get good at it won’t feel like work.
Chris organized a rock group with other kids who were classical musicians who also
loved rock and roll. He continued to work, record and release records until about 1975.
A few years later he joined his dad’s group as the bass player. He only stopped the
group, because his son actually made the basketball team and Chris wanted to watch
his games.
ZW: Clearly, you were innovative from the start with your interest in
combining your classical core with other types of music that interested you,
like Rock. I understand that after you wrote the violin concerto, Spontaneous
Combustion, for Nick Kendall, that Time For Three wanted you to write a piece
for the entire group. What was that process like?
CB: I went to Philadelphia to hang out with Time for Three to see what really
interests them and find out what they get a kick out of, so we jammed together for a
few days and I recorded the jam sessions. Obviously, if things came out in a jam
session, they are intrinsically in their music-making wheelhouse. So, I analyzed
these different elements and then organized the music. I call them little islands. It
may be just four bars of music, and then figure out how to bridge from one island to
the other and you keep going until you have a piece. I’m thrilled because they’ve
played it all over the world. One of the coolest gigs was when Time For Three played
it at Royal Albert Hall with the BBC Royal Orchestra in London and people just went
nuts. Then, it kind of came full circle when I was in Europe on tour and I got a video
from Nick and the guys saying, ‘Hey Chris, we’re doing the piece.’ They back up and I
realize the entire Interlochen summer orchestra is playing it. That was cool.
ZW: All of your stories are incredible examples of how interconnected the
music community is.
CB: Yes, and I have to say part of the reason that I’ll be coming back is Demetrius did
Spontaneous Combustion with Nick Kendall. He also did Ansel Adams: America and
the U.S. premiere of Brothers in Arts: 70 Years of Liberty, with a group of French
musicians to commemorate the 70th anniversary of World War II. Demetrius is very
connected to things I do and invited me to share another piece, so I told him I wrote
Fanfare for a Remarkable Friend, and I think you qualify! We’re also going to do one
of my dad’s most famous pieces, Blue rondo à la Turk and Take Five, which Time For
Three has never played before.
ZW: What should audiences listen for?
CB: With Travels in Time for Three, I would say to be conscious of how elements of
the personality of the players are projected into the music. Anyone who knows Nick
Kendall probably figures he is a deadly serious person, which he isn’t — he’s
hilarious. My music is very eclectic — there are elements of funk, rock and roll,
Debussy, and Bach and it sort of sneaks in somehow and stews up together, and
hopefully, they’ll find it fun. They won’t find it stuffy, that’s for sure.
Chris Brubeck and Time For Three will take the stage at Village Church in Destin on
Saturday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets online at sinfoniagulfcoast.org.
