Follow the Yellow Brick Road — under the stars — as Sinfonia Gulf Coast opens the Main Event concert series of its 21st season with The Wizard of Oz: Film in Concert Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. at the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Dugas Pavilion in Destin.
For generations, The Wizard of Oz has been more than a movie. For many, it brings back childhood memories of gathering around the family television — perhaps even a black-and-white set — waiting for Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion to make their way down the Yellow Brick Road. There was the wonder of Munchkinland, the mystery of the Emerald City, the frightening Wicked Witch and, of course, the first unforgettable notes of “Over the Rainbow.” Now, those memories can be shared with children and grandchildren in an entirely new way.
The beloved 1939 classic will unfold on the big screen as Sinfonia’s full professional orchestra performs the score live. Featuring new orchestral transcriptions of Harold Arlen’s music alongside Judy Garland’s original studio recordings, the outdoor concert offers audiences a chance to experience Oz in an entirely new way.
“Film in concert is such an exciting way to experience a symphony orchestra because it brings together two art forms audiences already love and allows them to hear and see them in an entirely new way,” Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller says. “And presenting The Wizard of Oz outdoors makes the experience even more special. You have this extraordinary film on the big screen, our full orchestra performing live and an audience gathered under the stars. It really embodies what we mean by ‘Your symphony … redefined.’”
Created by Emmy Award-winning producer John Goberman, producer of Live From Lincoln Center and creator of A Symphonic Night at the Movies, the production premiered in 2005 to sold-out audiences at Wolf Trap and the Ravinia Festival.
From “Over the Rainbow” and Dorothy’s first steps along the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City and beyond, the evening revisits the music and moments that have enchanted generations. The Wizard of Oz received six Academy Award nominations, including best picture, while “Over the Rainbow,” composed by Arlen with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, won the Oscar for best original song.
Lawn seating is $25 per person, $15 for students and $20 for military. Table seating is $45 per person. Tickets are available at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or by calling (850) 460-8800.
Proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast and its music education and community engagement initiatives throughout Northwest Florida.
