Sinfonia Kicks Off Crescendo! 2021 in Fine Style

By Zandra Wolfgram

Spring has sprung! We know this because Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Crescendo! 2021 has officially kicked off with a fabulously festive lunch at Bijoux Restaurant + Spirits in the Market Shops in Miramar Beach.

The sold-out event, held on March 25, drew an animated coterie of music lovers who were thrilled to finally step out and (safely) socialize on a fresh spring day.

Très chic guests mingled, chatted, sipped Crescendo custom-labeled white and red white … and shopped the Pop Up Shop—tables filled with trays of “must-have” designer accessories of the season by The Jewel.

Before being seated for lunch (served both indoors and al fresco on the courtyard patio), Sinfonia fans registered for dazzling raffle prizes on display atop the bar.

Sinfonia board president Jeff Dannelly, in a dashing dark blue suit, warmly welcomed the crowd, saying, “It's great to see so many friendly faces, and people that we haven't seen in a long time. For those of you that are new, welcome. Welcome to a phenomenal lunch experience but also an event to showcase and get ready for Crescendo!—the biggest fundraiser for Sinfonia, raising funds for music programs and education.”

The fete began with a music-themed three-course wine-paired lunch beautifully prepared by award-winning chef/co-owner Jack McGuckin. The menu featured an Overture of Bibb greens; the Featured Work was marinated and roasted Joyce Farms chicken breast, Gruyere mashed potatoes, charred broccoli with a satsuma beurre blanc sauce. The Finale of Profiterole, dark chocolate crème patisserie, cherry puree, and warm Mexican chocolate sauce was enough to make anyone break out in song.

We spoke to a few of the lunch bunch and here is what they had to say about why they came:

“I'm here because Sinfonia Gulf Coast brings so much to our local community and the surrounding areas as far as cultural arts, which I believe is important not only for us as adults to support, but also it helps make our children more aware of the different aspects of the arts that they can be involved in,” said Lauren Gall draped in classic black.

Myra Williams dressed in a fine animal print sheath, agreed, saying: “The main reason I’m here is to support of the arts. It’s important in the world today. People need inspiration in their life, every second of the day.”

Deb Nissley, director of operations for Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), clad in a black and white print paired with black jacket was eyeing the raffle and the jewelry on display. “I’m excited to be partnered with Sinfonia now that our new CEO is Demetrius Fuller. I have never been to this before and I decided to come out and enjoy the party.”

Her MKAF colleague, Melanie Moore, in an abstract red/white wrap dress, seconded the sentiment saying, “I've been hearing about this event for years. I came to enjoy the festivities and support our partner in the arts Sinfonia Gulf Coast. What a great way to support that collaboration to enjoy the unique offerings with the jewelry and the raffle and the culinary arts here in Bijoux, which is always fantastic.”

As an arts educator, Moore was especially happy to hear the event benefited Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s music education programs. “It really warms my heart to see so many people out to support arts education and arts in our community. And furthermore, it's a great place to people watch, and I'm seeing some really creative outfits as well, so I know these are people who really enjoy the arts, fashion design and culture.”

Crescendo! is a multi-event cultural extravaganza, so be sure to save all the special dates.

This year, the Crescendo! Vintner Dinners will be hosted at various elegant venues (private homes and restaurants) on Friday, April 30 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $295 per person.

The signature main event for Crescendo! is set for Sunday, May 2 at 11:30 a.m. at Hilton Sandestin Golf Resort & Spa. Tickets are $150 per person. With a “Moulin [vin] Rouge” theme, this heartening event—swathed in a luscious backdrop of all things rouge (red)—promises to be pure revelry. Feel free to join in the party by channeling “19th century Paris” and/or adding a touch of “rouge” to your ensemble. Yes, you can-can!

For more event details and to reserve tickets for each of the Crescendo! events, visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.