Oct. 17 to Open 2026-2027 Season of Main Events
Beloved cinematic classic comes to life on the big screen with Sinfonia Gulf Coast performing live under the stars
DESTIN, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2026) — Follow the Yellow Brick Road as Sinfonia Gulf Coast launches the Main Event concert series of its 21st annual season with The Wizard of Oz: Film in Concert on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7 p.m. at the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Dugas Pavilion in Destin.
One of the most beloved films of all time comes to life in a magical new way as the full Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra performs live with the brilliantly restored classic on the big screen. The production features new orchestral transcriptions of Harold Arlen’s score, accompanying Judy Garland’s original 1939 studio recordings and transporting audiences of all ages to Oz.
Presented outdoors on the Dugas Pavilion green, the evening offers a distinctly different way to experience both a symphony concert and a timeless movie — exactly the kind of unexpected programming that has become a hallmark of Sinfonia Gulf Coast and Music & Artistic Director Demetrius Fuller.
As the area’s only fully professional orchestra, Sinfonia continues to push beyond the traditional concert hall, and The Wizard of Oz: Film in Concert is a fitting example of how Fuller brings the organization’s mantra, “Your symphony … redefined,” to life.
“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,” 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.’”
The production was created by Emmy Award-winning producer John Goberman, producer of Live From Lincoln Center and creator of the acclaimed A Symphonic Night at the Movies. It premiered in summer 2005 to sold-out crowds 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, audiences can rediscover the music, characters and unforgettable moments that have enchanted generations.
Released in 1939, The Wizard of Oz earned six Academy Award nominations, including best picture. Over the Rainbow, composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, won the Academy Award for best original song.
The concert marks the first Main Event of Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s 2026-2027 season and continues the orchestra’s tradition of pairing world-class musicianship with innovative programming designed to make symphonic music accessible, relevant and engaging.
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.
Calendar Listing
What: Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents The Wizard of Oz: Film in Concert
When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 | 7 p.m.
Where: Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Dugas Pavilion, Destin
Tickets: Lawn seating $25; students $15; military $20; table seating $45
Information: SinfoniaGulfCoast.org | (850) 460-8800
Photography
Link to photo gallery here.
About Sinfonia Gulf Coast
Sinfonia Gulf Coast was founded in 2005 on Florida’s Northwest Gulf Coast with the mission of redefining the symphony experience. Under the guidance of founder and Music Director Demetrius Fuller and a dedicated board of directors, the nonprofit orchestra is celebrating its 21st season of innovative musical programming, designed to entertain, educate, and inspire the community. Since its founding, Sinfonia Gulf Coast has presented more than 800 concerts and events that have reached over 600,000 patrons, has collaborated with numerous nonprofits and businesses throughout the community, and has reached more than 275,000 children through its Sinfonia Guest Artists in the Schools program/music education outreach initiatives. For more information on Sinfonia Gulf Coast, visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org, call (850) 460-8800 or e-mail info@sinfoniagulfcoast.org.
Media Contact
Zandra Wolfgram
Director of Communications
(850) 218-8805
zwolfgram@sinfoniagulfcoast.org
