It’s Time to Crescendo!

By Zandra Wolfgram

It’s February — the season of love. We love nothing more than to support Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its important mission to not only make amazing music, but to be a champion of music by providing exciting education outreach programs throughout our community.

How can you show Sinfonia love? Come join us for Crescendo! 2022 —the event extravaganza of the year.

On Friday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. Crescendo! weekend will begin with a series of carefully curated vintner dinners hosted in elegant homes and venues throughout the Emerald Coast, which pair the talents of local and regional “celebrity” chefs with some of the country’s most acclaimed vineyards for a delicious evening of food and wine.

Participating wineries include Darioush, Fleury Estate, Oakville Ranch, Chateau Gaby, Frias Family Vineyards and Thompson31 Fifty. Chefs include Jude Tauzin, Executive Chef of Tony Chachere, Jack McGuckin, owner of Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits, Tim Creehan, owner of Cuveé 30A, Dan Vargo of Fine Coastal Cuisine, Hugh Acheson, Chef at Ovide, Hotel Effie and Fleetwood Covington, Executive Sous Chef of Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood.

Vintner Dinner tickets are $350 per person and include all food, wine and gratuities. These delicious opportunities will sell out, so snag your seat at the table today!

Cre·scen·do (/krəˈSHenˌdō/). Even the name is full of fun! It’s such an exciting word — it’s a noun, adverb, adjective and verb. This year, beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 27, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa will be transformed into a colorful Carnivale atmosphere.

You can do your part by dressing the part. Whether you want to go full-on showgirl with a feather headdress or channel New Orleans Mardi Gras — any colorful variation on the festive theme of Carnivale will do. So, bead up and plan to shake those tail feathers.

This energy-infused event experience will celebrate the cultural and culinary arts by showcasing world-class vintners, expert spirit purveyors, amazing auction items. One of the many highlights of this event extravaganza will be a live musical performance by world renowned violinist Ezinma. This musician, film producer and global influencer has performed with the likes of Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, Yo Yo Ma to name a few. Yes, Sinfonia is taking us next level, people. So, strap in for big fun.

Guests enjoy reserved table seating, hors d'oeuvres, a full, seated lunch, live and silent auctions, and an all-inclusive afternoon of incredible fun. Tickets to Crescendo! 2022 are $175 per person and include all food, wine, reserved table seating, the performance and valet parking. Bring your spouse or Galentine, or feel free to come alone to meet some new friends. Reserve a table of 10 and celebrate the season of love by filling it with friends and colleagues.

Fun is at the heart of a fun-raiser and no event exudes a sense of celebration more than Crescendo! The purpose of this event is heartwarming. Proceeds benefit Sinfonia and its music education programs, which include musicians/guest artists in schools, free orchestra concerts, bus transportation for students, Sinfonia Youth Orchestra program, Arts in Medicine initiative with Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast and Link Up.

Call (850) 460-8800 today or visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org to reserve your seats at the event extravaganza of the season.