Pianist Ying Li makes her Sinfonia Gulf Coast debut during the orchestra’s 20th anniversary season

By Zandra Wolfgram

As Sinfonia Gulf Coast celebrates its 20th anniversary season, each concert offers an opportunity to reflect on the artistry, ambition and sense of discovery that have defined the orchestra for two decades. On Saturday, Feb. 7, that spirit takes center stage with Classical Connections featuring Ying Li, piano—an evening that brings together timeless masterworks and one of today’s most compelling young pianists.

Making her Sinfonia Gulf Coast debut, Ying Li is an artist on a remarkable ascent. Winner of the 2021 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, Li has quickly earned international recognition for performances that combine technical brilliance with expressive depth. She has appeared as a soloist with major orchestras across the United States and Europe, including The Philadelphia Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony and Orlando Philharmonic, and has been praised for her ability to bring clarity, warmth and emotional insight to the music she performs.

At the heart of the program is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488, one of the composer’s most beloved works. Graceful, luminous and deeply expressive, the concerto showcases Mozart’s gift for melody while allowing the pianist to shine as both soloist and collaborator. The work’s radiant outer movements frame a slow movement of striking intimacy—music that invites listeners into a moment of reflection and quiet beauty.

The program also includes Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21, a piece that marks the composer’s confident arrival as a symphonist. While rooted in classical tradition, the symphony hints at the bold originality that would soon reshape the musical landscape. Together, these works create a program that bridges elegance and innovation—perfectly aligned with the spirit of Sinfonia’s Classical Connections series.

Led by Music Director Demetrius Fuller, the Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra brings these masterworks to life at Destin High School at 7:30 p.m. The evening is not only a celebration of great music, but also a reflection of Sinfonia’s mission over the past 20 years: to entertain, educate and inspire through exceptional live performances.

Ticket purchases do more than support the concert experience itself. Proceeds from Sinfonia Gulf Coast performances help fund the organization’s expansive music education and outreach initiatives, which reach more than 250,000 children across Northwest Florida through programs such as Sinfonia Guest Artists in the Schools, youth orchestras, after-school strings instruction and partnerships with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Institute of Music.

Whether you are a longtime classical music lover or attending your first symphony concert, Classical Connections featuring Ying Li, piano offers a welcoming and meaningful way to experience the power of live orchestral music. With tickets priced at just $35, this concert is an exceptional opportunity to be part of Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s milestone season while directly supporting music education in our community.

Tickets are available now at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or by calling the box office at (850) 460-8800. Join us Feb. 7 and celebrate 20 years of music, community and unforgettable performances.

Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Link Up Hits the Right Notes for Students

By Zandra Wolfgram

On March 12, the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center transformed into a kid-inspired jazz festival. Nearly 3,000 energetic 3rd to 5th graders, recorders in hand, swayed, clapped, and played along with Sinfonia Gulf Coast for its 13th Link Up performance, "The Orchestra Swings." With a lively program conducted by Aaron King Vaughn and featuring classics like Duke Ellington’s It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) and George Gershwin’s I Got Rhythm, this year’s performance was a high-energy celebration of music education at its finest.

For many of these students, this was their first time experiencing a live symphony orchestra. Some had never held an instrument before Link Up. "For most of these kids, they’ve never even seen a symphony orchestra," said Sinfonia Treble Maker and former Sinfonia Gulf Coast employee Elaine Tucker. "They don’t even realize what they’re getting to do." But as the performance unfolded, any nervousness faded into sheer joy as young musicians found themselves immersed in the music.

The Link Up program, a national initiative by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, pairs professional orchestras with students in a year-long curriculum exploring rhythm, melody, and musical expression. Locally, it serves as the only music education some students receive all year.

"Link Up is my favorite concert of the year because it's a culmination of all of our partnership activities with Carnegie Hall in the schools," said Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Music & Artistic Director, Demetrius Fuller. "And while it's the craziest sound you've ever heard, it’s just a wonderful amalgamation of music, theory, and learning how to play the recorder. And often, it’s the only arts education these kids get, so it’s very important that we continue to support this."

For students like 9-year-old Cecilia Owen, the experience was pure magic. "I was most excited to play my recorder," she said, grinning ear to ear. "And the dance moves! We practiced at school!" That enthusiasm is echoed by teachers who witness firsthand the impact of Link Up on their students. "As soon as we get here, the environment, the atmosphere—it’s just lively, it’s fun," said Katie McCullen, a teacher at Butler Elementary. "Music helps their thinking skills and problem-solving. It’s amazing to see how much they enjoy it."

Music educator Shalyce Kauzlarich, a longtime Link Up hostess, has seen that joy for nearly a decade. "I love seeing the joy on the kids' faces when it combines the recorder with the orchestra," she said. "This has become a tradition. I look forward to it every year."

But for all its joyful noise, Link Up also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of funding music education. With school budgets tightening, programs like these are critical to ensuring students still have access to the arts. "If we cut music programs, we’re hurting ourselves," said Tucker. "Music and science and math are all connected. When we lose one, we limit opportunities for our kids."

Thanks to the support from the St. Joe Community Foundation, the Dugas Family Foundation, and the Emeril Lagasse Family Foundation—along with funding from Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Crescendo! annual fundraiser, Treble Makers (an honorary membership committee of Crescendo!), and community donors—Link Up has grown into Sinfonia’s largest education outreach program. And if this year’s performance is any indication, it is hitting all the right notes for students, educators, and the community alike.

"It’s all about giving kids an experience they’ll never forget," Fuller said. "Who knows? Maybe one of them will be inspired to become a musician. But at the very least, they’ve had a moment where they connected with music in a way that will stay with them forever."

With instruments packed away and the echoes of swing music still lingering, one thing is clear: Link Up is more than just a concert—it’s a movement, keeping the rhythm of music education alive for the next generation.

By Zandra Wolfgram

Get ready to “Paint the Town Red” as Sinfonia Gulf Coast brings its annual cultural and
culinary extravaganza, Crescendo! 2025, to life. On Sunday, March 2, at 11:30 a.m., the
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa will host a spectacular event extravaganza
featuring a sparkling wine reception, vintner pourings, a delicious, seated lunch, enticing
auctions, and jaw-dropping entertainment during lunch by none other than Violectric, the
internationally renowned electric string ensemble.

Violectric, the dynamic string rock quartet hailing from Windermere, Florida, is set to
deliver an electrifying performance that will leave the audience buzzing. Led by Grammy-
nominated founder, producer and artist Michelle Jones, the ensemble combines cutting-
edge technology with unparalleled musicianship to create custom arrangements of iconic
rock and pop hits. Whether it’s classics from The Beatles or contemporary chart-toppers by
The Weeknd, Violectric’s unique and proprietary charts promise a performance like no
other.

With members who boast over 20 years of experience in prestigious orchestras and groups,
Violectric is the perfect synthesis of artistic excellence and creativity. Each member
contributes a distinct flair—from the fiery five-string violins of Michelle Jones and Lexy
Parsons to Madison Harding’s heavenly electric harp, and finally, to the resonant cello of
Yamilet Trujillo. Together, they deliver a soundscape that bridges the gap between
traditional string performance and modern rock energy.

Since their formation in 2008, Violectric has wowed audiences across the globe. From their
unforgettable performance at Orlando’s Hard Rock Live to opening for legends like Sting,
Ne-Yo, and Josh Groban, their reputation as a must-see act continues to grow. Beyond their
exhilarating shows, Violectric is deeply committed to music education, bringing their
expertise to classrooms in the U.S. and Asia through master classes and collaborative
performances.

Don’t Miss This Mission-Driving Celebration

Music lovers, this is your chance to experience Violectric’s illuminating artistry and be part
of a day that celebrates the transformative power of the arts. Tickets for the Crescendo!
2025 Main Event are $225 per person and are available now at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or
book direct here.

Proceeds from Crescendo! 2025 benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s mission to redefine the
symphony experience and provide exceptional music education. Programs supported
include support of Sinfonia’s signature music education program, musicians in schools, free

orchestra concerts, transportation for students, and partnerships with Carnegie Hall’s Link
Up initiative and Ascension Sacred Heart’s Arts in Medicine program and more.
Mark your calendar, gather your friends, and prepare to be dazzled. Crescendo! 2025 is
calling—answer with your love for the arts and secure your tickets today.

By Zandra Wolfgram

Prepare to be inspired as Bradley Copeland, a rising star in the world of visual arts, takes center stage at Crescendo! 2025. On Sunday, March 2, at 11:30 a.m., Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Main Event at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa will feature this 27-year-old Santa Rosa Beach artist in a live painting demonstration that promises to captivate and amaze.

With an artistic inventory exceeding 600 pieces, Copeland’s prolific output is matched only by her deep connection to creativity. “I love creating art because it’s where I feel the most free,” she said. “It reminds me that everything happens for a reason, that perfection is neither possible nor desirable, and that the real magic is in the mistakes and unexpected moments.”

Copeland first discovered her passion for painting during her studies at Auburn University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in art in 2018. After apprenticing under an Alabama artist, she moved to Florida’s Emerald Coast in 2020, where her career flourished. Since then, she has showcased her work in solo and group exhibitions, completed a striking public mural on 30A, and in 2023 was named Walton County Artist of the Year, an honor recognizing her impact on the regional arts community.

For Copeland, art is more than a profession—it is a vital means of processing, healing, and connecting. “Artists are essential,” she explained. “Creativity is how we process, heal, and connect—it’s one of the most fundamental aspects of being human. Yet, in our world, especially in Western culture, we’re often discouraged from truly feeling things.” Her dedication to using art as a transformative tool led her to partner with the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County to launch an innovative prison art program at Walton Correctional Institution, where she teaches weekly art classes, helping residents explore their own creative voices.

Music also plays a crucial role in Copeland’s artistic process. “I absolutely love music,” she said. “It transforms a space, a mood, even an entire mindset. I’m always listening to music while I paint because it helps me set the pace for my day and escape my own thoughts, which can move too fast and overwhelm me. Music lets me be present.”

At Crescendo! 2025, Copeland will offer an intimate glimpse into her creative process through a live painting demonstration that aligns perfectly with the event’s “Paint the Town Red” theme. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore her pop-up art gallery, which will showcase the breadth and depth of her work.

Crescendo! 2025 is more than an event—it’s a celebration of art, music, and community. Proceeds support Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s music education and outreach programs, ensuring that creativity continues to thrive across Northwest Florida. In the words of Sinfonia Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller, “Crescendo! is a celebration of our community’s commitment to the arts.”

Save Your Seats for Fun-fonia Today!

Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the arts or newly inspired to explore creative expression, Crescendo! 2025 is an event you won’t want to miss. Tickets for the Main Event are $225 per person and are available now at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.

Come for the exquisite cuisine, stay for the incredible live auctions, and leave inspired by the artistry of Bradley Copeland. Your support is instrumental to our success—secure your tickets today and be part of an unforgettable celebration of creativity!