Acclaimed pianist Ying Li takes the stage as Sinfonia Gulf Coast celebrates 20 years of redefining the symphony experience
By Zandra Wolfgram
As Sinfonia Gulf Coast celebrates its 20th anniversary season, each concert offers an opportunity to reflect on the artistry, ambition and sense of discovery that have defined the orchestra for two decades. On Saturday, Feb. 7, that spirit takes center stage with Classical Connections featuring Ying Li, piano—an evening that brings together timeless masterworks and one of today’s most compelling young pianists.
Making her Sinfonia Gulf Coast debut, Ying Li is an artist on a remarkable ascent. Winner of the 2021 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, Li has quickly earned international recognition for performances that combine technical brilliance with expressive depth. She has appeared as a soloist with major orchestras across the United States and Europe, including The Philadelphia Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony and Orlando Philharmonic, and has been praised for her ability to bring clarity, warmth and emotional insight to the music she performs.
At the heart of the program is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488, one of the composer’s most beloved works. Graceful, luminous and deeply expressive, the concerto showcases Mozart’s gift for melody while allowing the pianist to shine as both soloist and collaborator. The work’s radiant outer movements frame a slow movement of striking intimacy—music that invites listeners into a moment of reflection and quiet beauty.
The program also includes Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21, a piece that marks the composer’s confident arrival as a symphonist. While rooted in classical tradition, the symphony hints at the bold originality that would soon reshape the musical landscape. Together, these works create a program that bridges elegance and innovation—perfectly aligned with the spirit of Sinfonia’s Classical Connections series.
Led by Music Director Demetrius Fuller, the Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra brings these masterworks to life at Destin High School at 7:30 p.m. The evening is not only a celebration of great music, but also a reflection of Sinfonia’s mission over the past 20 years: to entertain, educate and inspire through exceptional live performances.
Ticket purchases do more than support the concert experience itself. Proceeds from Sinfonia Gulf Coast performances help fund the organization’s expansive music education and outreach initiatives, which reach more than 250,000 children across Northwest Florida through programs such as Sinfonia Guest Artists in the Schools, youth orchestras, after-school strings instruction and partnerships with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Institute of Music.
Whether you are a longtime classical music lover or attending your first symphony concert, Classical Connections featuring Ying Li, piano offers a welcoming and meaningful way to experience the power of live orchestral music. With tickets priced at just $35, this concert is an exceptional opportunity to be part of Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s milestone season while directly supporting music education in our community.
Tickets are available now at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or by calling the box office at (850) 460-8800.
