Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Sinfonia Youth Orchestra (SYO) invites the community to its highly anticipated Spring Concert on Sunday, May 3 at Destin High School. After School Beginning Strings and Sinfonietta Ensembles will perform at 2 p.m. an Intermediate and Advanced Symphony Orchestras will perform at 5 p.m. The concerts continue the celebration of Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s 20th anniversary season.
This free, family-friendly performance marks an exciting new chapter for the program under the direction of newly appointed SYO Director Dr. Thomas Roggio, a conductor, violinist and educator whose dynamic background bridges classical tradition and contemporary repertoire.
Dr. Roggio currently serves as graduate assistant conductor of the Florida State University orchestras, where he studies under Alexander Jiménez, and is music director of the Studio Orchestra Society at FSU, an ensemble dedicated to film and video game music. As a violinist, he has performed with professional ensembles including the Tallahassee Symphony, Sinfonia Gulf Coast, Panama City Symphony and Tallahassee Bach Parley. His experience also includes work with The Next Festival of Emerging Artists and performances of new works by contemporary composers, reflecting a passion for both innovation and education.
The 2026 concert program blends beloved film scores with classical masterworks, offering something for every generation. Audiences will enjoy selections from How to Train Your Dragon, Jurassic Park, and a creative, crowd-pleasing piece that fuses Rossini’s The Barber of Seville with the iconic theme from Jaws. The program also features one of classical music’s most recognizable works, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, showcasing the range and artistry of the young musicians.
The performance highlights students across Sinfonia’s music education programs, from developing players to advanced ensemble members, offering a full spectrum of musical growth and achievement.
“This program is designed to inspire both our musicians and our audience,” Roggio said. “We’re bringing together music that students love — from cinematic favorites to cornerstone classical repertoire — and challenging them to perform at a high level while connecting emotionally with the audience. It’s about storytelling through music and creating an experience that resonates.”
In addition to the performance, the concert will celebrate graduating seniors and recognize their contributions to the program, continuing a meaningful SYO tradition.
“Education is the centerpiece of Sinfonia,” said Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller. “The Sinfonia Youth Orchestra provides an invaluable opportunity for young musicians to grow artistically and personally. These students represent the future of music in our community, and we invite everyone to come out and support them.”
For more information on Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s Sinfonia Youth Orchestra, email info@sinfoniagulfcoast.org or call (850) 460-8800.
CALENDAR LISTING
What: Sinfonia Youth Orchestra Spring Concert
When: Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Where: Destin High School, Destin
Cost: Free and open to the public
