Friday, Nov. 14 | 6 p.m. | Hotel Effie, Sandestin
Sinfonia Gulf Coast celebrates its 20th anniversary season in style with An Evening with the Legendary Chaka Khan—a gala event set for Friday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. in the Juniper Ballroom at Hotel Effie in Sandestin.
“The Gala Event supports Sinfonia’s most important work in the community: bringing quality music to school children at no cost to them or their schools,” said Sinfonia Gulf Coast Founder and Music Director Demetrius Fuller. “We are thrilled to celebrate Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s 20th Anniversary of bringing the highest quality orchestra, award-winning artists and music education to Northwest Florida.”
A 10-time Grammy Award winner with 22 nominations, Chaka Khan’s legendary career spans more than five decades and includes timeless hits such as I’m Every Woman, Ain’t Nobody, Tell Me Something Good, and I Feel for You. Known for her dynamic stage presence and extraordinary range, Khan has left her mark across R&B, jazz, pop, rock and gospel genres.
General admission tickets start at $250 per person, including valet service, cocktail reception, dinner, wine service, gratuities, cash bar, silent and live auctions, and an unforgettable live performance by the Queen of Funk herself. Tables of 10 are also available for purchase.
Proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s community programs, including in-school musician visits, free orchestra concerts, bus transportation for students, the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra, the Arts in Medicine partnership with Sacred Heart Hospital and Link Up concerts for third- through fifth-graders in collaboration with Carnegie Hall.
Tickets: SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or call (850) 460-8800.
NFB & NFSO Present the 46th Annual Nutcracker
Nov. 21–23 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Niceville
The Northwest Florida Ballet (NFB) returns to the Mattie Kelly Arts Center for its 46th annual production of The Nutcracker—a beloved holiday tradition—on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21–22 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 23 at 2:30 p.m.
Featuring live accompaniment by the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra (NFSO) under the direction of NFB Music Director and Conductor David Ott, this is the area’s only full-length, live-orchestra performance of the classic ballet.
“The Nutcracker is a cherished holiday tradition for families across our region, and each year we strive to bring fresh artistry and excellence to the stage while honoring its timeless magic,” said NFB Artistic Director and CEO Todd Eric Allen. “From our talented local dancers to our world-class guest artists and live orchestra, this production represents the best of who we are.”
This year’s cast of 140 includes international guest artists and more than 100 local children. Evelyn Thai stars as Clara, joined by Tyler Ruhland as Fritz. Allen reprises his role as Drosselmeyer for the 30th time, and Lindsey White returns as the spirited Mouse Queen.
Guest artists Daynelis Muñoz and Joseph Gatti perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, with Nikolas Gaifullin and Hannah Powell dancing as the Snow King and Queen. Powell also performs as the Dew Drop Fairy. Additional guest artists include Telmen Munkherdene as the Harlequin Doll and Lead Russian Dancer, and John Aaron Wiggins in the Arabian Pas de Trois alongside Sophia Killelea and Gaifullin.
NFB alumnus Max Murdock takes on the dual roles of Nutcracker Prince and lead Spanish Dancer, performing with company member Aaliyah Guthrie. Company member Maille Blow leads the Dance of the Reed Flutes.
Ott, a Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award nominee, will conduct the NFSO for all performances. Now in his 10th year as NFB Music Director, Ott is among America’s most-performed contemporary composers.
Tickets: $48 adults | $22 children (12 and under).
Purchase online at NFBallet.org/the-nutcracker or call the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office at (850) 729-6000.
