Sinfonia Gulf Coast, the vanguard of Northwest Florida’s performing arts scene, announces an extraordinary highlight for its annual fundraiser, Crescendo! 2026: A Cultural & Culinary Extravaganza — an unforgettable live performance by internationally celebrated Pink Martini, accompanied by the full Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra.
Set for Sunday, March 1at 3 p.m. in the Magnolia Ballroom at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, the Crescendo! Signature Main Event will mark multiple milestones: the first time Sinfonia Gulf Coast has performed live at Crescendo! and, notably, what is believed to be the first full professional orchestra ever staged in the Magnolia Ballroom.
Now celebrating more than three decades on the global stage, Pink Martini is renowned as a powerhouse ensemble whose concerts are vibrant, theatrical, and irresistibly fun. Often described as a “little orchestra,” the group blends classical, jazz, Latin, and old-school pop influences into a high-energy, genre-defying sound. Performing in more than 25 languages, Pink Martini’s shows are joyful, inclusive celebrations that invite audience participation and resonate across generations.
Founded by pianist Thomas Lauderdale, Pink Martini is frequently fronted by powerhouse vocalist Storm Large, whose bold, genre-crossing performances and dramatic stage presence have captivated audiences worldwide since her break out on Rock Star: Supernova and wow performance on America’s Got Talent. The internationally renowned ensemble has dazzled audiences at legendary venues including Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, Royal Albert Hall, and the Sydney Opera House. Critics consistently praise Pink Martini’s musicianship, glamorous arrangements, and ability to transform concerts into unforgettable, party-like experiences. Paired with the lush sound of the full Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra, this Crescendo! performance promises a must-not-miss musical moment — bold, sophisticated, and exhilarating.
As part of Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s 20th anniversary season, this year’s Crescendo! Main Event elevates the gala experience to new heights. Guests will enjoy reserved table seating, hors d’oeuvres, an elegant seated late lunch, curated wines and spirits, exciting auction offerings, and an all-inclusive afternoon of music, food, and fabulous fun — all in support of Sinfonia’s mission.
For those who enjoy dressing to theme, the color palette for Crescendo! 2026 invites guests to sparkle in emerald and pink. Emerald symbolizes growth and renewal, reflecting Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s 20 years of artistic impact and its continued commitment to inspiring the community through music, while pink offers a playful nod to the evening’s special guest artists.
“Crescendo! is unlike any other event we produce,” says Sinfonia Gulf Coast Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller. “Bringing Pink Martini together with our full orchestra for the first time at Crescendo! — perfectly captures the bold, celebratory spirit of our 20th anniversary while directly supporting the education and outreach programs at the heart of our mission.”
As a reminder, Crescendo! 2026 unfolds as a three-part celebration of culture, cuisine, and community. Festivities kick off Friday, Jan. 23, with the Crescendo! Kick Off Lunch at Hotel Effie. The celebration continues Friday, Feb. 27, with a series of exclusive Vintner Dinners hosted in elegant homes and venues throughout the Emerald Coast. The weekend culminates with the Signature Crescendo! Main Event on Sunday, March 1, featuring Pink Martini live with the full Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra.
Tickets are on sale now. Crescendo! Main Event tickets are $250 per person, including reception, lunch, wine, gratuity, and live entertainment. Tables seating 10 are available for reservation.
Proceeds from Crescendo! benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s music education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida, including musicians and guest artists in schools, free orchestra concerts, student transportation, the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra, Link Up concerts in partnership with Carnegie Hall, Paint the Music (with Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation), Arts in Medicine with Sacred Heart Hospital, and more.
Crescendo! is made possible by the generous support of the following presenting sponsors: JP Boswell Consulting, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Marisol Gullo Interiors, RJ Hinojosa & Associates and Sandestin Investments.
For Crescendo! sponsorship inquiries, contact Klara Mikolai at kmikolai@sinfoniagulfcoast.org.
Are you a “treble” maker? If so, Sinfonia Gulf Coast invites you to join this honorary committee. For a $650 contribution, Treble Makers will receive one ticket to the Crescendo! Kick Off Lunch and Main Event, recognition in the event program, a reserved seat at the closed-to-the-public student Link Up performances on March 11, 2026, at the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, invitations to private events, a special Treble Maker gift, and more.
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 and sponsorship opportunities are available at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or by calling the box office at (850) 460-8800.
