“Visionary conductor/composer Steve Hackman allows us to “rethink how music is connected”

SINFONIA GULF COAST PRESENTS BEETHOVEN V. COLDPLAY: A MERGING OF MUSICAL GIANTS, APRIL 29

DESTIN, FL (March 30, 2023) – Sinfonia Gulf Coast once again redefines the symphony experience with Beethoven V. Coldplay: A Merging of Musical Giants, on Saturday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center in Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

A merging of musical giants, Beethoven V. Coldplay pairs two composer/artists that deal with universal human themes in their respective music. Visionary conductor/composer Steve Hackman transforms Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony into an anthem, weaving the melodies and lyrics of contemporary rock band Coldplay into Beethoven’s score based on content and context. It is the Eroica Beethoven may have created had he known the music of Coldplay at the time. Awe-inspiring vocalists join Sinfonia Gulf Coast to perform interpolations of many of Coldplay’s most beloved songs, including Yellow, Viva La Vida, and The Scientist.

“When you mash up Beethoven with something on the pop scene like Coldplay, it’s unexpected. This concert is a melding of interwoven musical notation with amazing vocalists that makes for a remarkable concert,” says Sinfonia Gulf Coast music & artistic director Demetrius Fuller. “It’s an incredible way to rethink how music is connected. Steve Hackman is a brilliant musician composer and arranger and this piece is totally unique, but also totally accessible.”

A multi-hyphenate music powerhouse and visionary producer, Steve Hackman is a daring voice leading the change among a new generation of classical musician intent on redefining the genre. Equally adept in classical and popular styles, his breadth of musical fluency and technique is uncanny — he is at once a composer, conductor, producer, DJ, arranger, songwriter, singer, and pianist. Hackman uses his wide-ranging abilities to create innovative fusions that blur the lines between high and pop art. The result is evocative works that are both derivative yet wholly original. He synthesizes Brahms and Radiohead, Bartók and Björk, and in this concert, Beethoven and Coldplay, into epic orchestra poems.

General admission seating tickets range from $30-$55. Proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida. Purchase tickets online at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or by calling the box office at (850) 460-8800.

The 2022-2023 season is made possible by generous support from individuals, local businesses, and media partners. Presenting Concerts Sponsor is Hancock Whitney Bank. Classical Connections Presenting Sponsor is Silver Sands Premium Outlets. Presenting Media Sponsor is Visit South Walton. Presenting E-media Sponsor is Sowal.com. Presenting Discounted Military Tickets Sponsor is Eglin Federal Credit Union.

For information on volunteer opportunities, email Sinfonia at info@sinfoniagulfcoast.org or call (850) 460-8800.

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CALENDAR LISTINGS What: Sinfonia Gulf Coast Presents Beethoven V. Coldplay: A Merging of Musical Giants When: Saturday, April 29, 2023 | 7:30 p.m. Where: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center Box Office: SinfoniaGulfCoast.org | (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 17th season of innovative musical programming, designed to entertain, educate and inspire the community. Since its founding, Sinfonia Gulf Coast has presented more than 650 concerts and events that have reached over 450,000 patrons, has collaborated with numerous nonprofits and businesses throughout the community, and has reached more than 185,000 children through its Sinfonia Guest Artists in the Schools program/music education outreach initiatives.

Media Contact: Zandra Wolfgram Director of Marketing & Communications (850) 218-8805 zwolfgram@sinfoniagulfcoast.org Hillaree Durso Senior Director of Content and Marketing Mobile: 850.543.8526

SINFONIA GULF COAST PRESENTS BEETHOVEN V. COLDPLAY