Sinfonia Gulf Coast announces violinist Ezinma to headline the 2022 Crescendo! Main Event on Sunday, February 27, 2022.
Meredith Ezinma Ramsay, professionally known as Ezinma [Eh-zeen-mah], is a violinist, film composer, and educator. She has worked with renowned artists including Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, Kendrick Lamar, Joshua Bell, Yo Yo Ma and Clean Bandit to name a few. As a composer, Ezinma has scored national advertisements, documentaries, short films, and was even part of the “Black Panther” (2018) soundtrack. Additionally, she has partnered with global brands including Gucci, Chanel, Adidas, Ferrari, Ray Ban and more.
In addition to her music, Ezinma is an advocate for music education. In 2020, she launched her nonprofit foundation, HeartStrings, a music-based youth development program for children K-5 of diverse backgrounds. At HeartStrings Academy, each child is equipped with a quality instrument, outstanding music instruction, community engagement activities, access to world renowned concerts, and performance opportunities. Ezinma yearns to increase visibility and access for children of color so more kids can feel like they can be seen and heard in classical spaces.
“We are thrilled to be able to present Ezinma and the level of artistry that she will bring to the Sinfonia stage,” stated Sinfonia Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller. “Her partnerships with global brands and artists has propelled her in to the spotlight, but it is her work in music education that makes her the perfect fit for our event and the fact that she will take time to work with our Sinfonia Youth Orchestra while in residence in Destin.”
On Friday, Feb. 25 at 6:00 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, Chadwick Donelson, Chef of Bitterroot Destin 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.
This year’s main event is themed, “Carnivale” and is set for Sunday, Feb. 27 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in Miramar Beach. This energy-infused event experience will celebrate the cultural and culinary arts by showcasing world-class vintners, expert spirit purveyors, amazing auction items, and a musical performance. 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, performance and valet parking. Tables of up to 10 guests may be reserved by calling (850) 460-8800. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Proceeds from Crescendo! will 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 Sacred Heart Hospital and LINK UP concerts for third through fifth graders in partnership with Carnegie Hall.
Crescendo! is made possible by the generous support of local businesses including the following co-presenting sponsors: Dermatology Solutions | Aqua Med Spa, The Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, SETCO Services, and Visit South Walton.
For more information on how you can join Sinfonia’s team of volunteers, contact Beth Clavier at (850) 460-8800 and bclavier@sinfoniagulfcoast.org.
Tickets for Crescendo! 2022 are now on sale. For more information or to purchase tickets for Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Crescendo! events, visit www.sinfoniagulfcoast.org or call (850) 460-8800.
ABOUT SINFONIA GULF COAST: Sinfonia Gulf Coast was founded in 2005 on Florida’s Northwest Gulf Coast with the mission of redefining the symphony experience. Under the guidance of founder and Music Director Demetrius Fuller and a dedicated board of directors, the nonprofit orchestra is in its 16th season of innovative musical programming, designed to entertain, educate and inspire the community. Since its founding, Sinfonia Gulf Coast has presented more than 600 concerts and events that have reached over 410,000 patrons, has collaborated with numerous nonprofits and businesses throughout the community and has reached more than 165,000 children through its Sinfonia Guest Artists in the Schools program/music education outreach initiatives. For more information on Sinfonia Gulf Coast, visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org, call (850) 460-8800 or e-mail info@sinfoniagulfcoast.org.
