By Deborah Carloni
The 2021 Emerald Coast Music Alliance (ECMA) Festival is a resounding success despite the challenges of presenting live concerts while safeguarding its audiences and performers in the era of Covid. With 58 performances that began January 7th and will continue until the 22nd for our local schools, special needs populations, seniors and more, the 5th year of offering free, high quality musical concerts in Northwest Florida is now our most ambitious.
The talented musicians participating this year represent six countries; Brazil, China, Indonesia, Israel, Italy and the U.S. Concerts include solo performances and duets on piano, flute and viola. This year, two of our brass quintet members invited distinguished musicians from the U.S. Army Band to accompany them. A special vocalist performs a duet with piano, the first time the ECMA has incorporated a vocalist.
This year’s concert performances are live streamed through Zoom. Musicians stream their concert performances and then interact with the audience; answering questions and showing off their instruments. Our musicians are delighted to respond to the many thoughtful questions asked by school children, and their interest in the dynamics of the instruments.
Please visit emeraldcoastmusic.org to read about our mission, see our musicians and to watch videos of this year’s performances. Donations are welcome and tax deductible through our website which goes to support the expenses of our musicians in bringing “Carnegie Hall” to the people. For more information, email deb.carloni@gmail.com.
