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Composer
Adolphus Hailstork
Adolphus Hailstork received his doctorate in composition from Michigan State University, where he was a student of H. Owen Reed. He had previously studied at the Manhattan School of Music, under Vittorio Giannini and David Diamond, at the American Institute at Fontainebleau with Nadia Boulanger, and at Howard University with Mark Fax.
Dr. Hailstork has written numerous works for chorus, solo voice, piano, organ, various chamber ensembles, band, orchestra, and opera.
Among his early compositions are: CELEBRATION, recorded by the Detroit Symphony in 1976; OUT OF THE DEPTHS (1977), and AMERICAN GUERNICA (1983), are two band works which won national competitions. CONSORT PIECE (1995) commissioned by the Norfolk (Va.) Chamber Ensemble, was awarded first prize by the University of Delaware Festival of Contemporary Music.
Significant performances by major orchestras (Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York) have been led by leading conductors such as James de Priest, Paul Freeman, Daniel Barenboim, Kurt Masur, Lorin Maezel, Jo Ann Falletta and David Lockington. This March, Thomas Wilkins conducted Hailstork’s AN AMERICAN PORT OF CALL with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
The composer’s second symphony (commissioned by the Detroit Symphony, and second opera, JOSHUA’S BOOTS (commissioned by the Opera Theatre of St. Louis and the Kansas City Lyric Opera) were both premiered in 1999. Hailstork’s second and third symphonies were recorded by the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra (David Lockington) and were released by Naxos. Another Naxos recording, AN AMERICAN PORT OF CALL (Virginia Symphony Orchestra) was released in spring 2012.
Recent commissions include RISE FOR FREEDOM, an opera about the Underground Railroad, premiered in the fall of 2007 by the Cincinnati Opera Company, SET ME ON A ROCK (re: Hurricane Katrina), for chorus and orchestra, commissioned by the Houston Choral Society (2008), and the choral ballet, THE GIFT OF THE MAGI, for treble chorus and orchestra, (2009). In the fall of 2011, ZORA, WE’RE CALLING YOU, a work for speaker and orchestra was premiered by the Orlando Symphony. I SPEAK OF PEACE commissioned by the Bismarck Symphony (Beverly Everett, conductor) in honor of (and featuring the words of) President John F. Kennedy was premiered in November of 2013.
Hailstork’s newest works include THE WORLD CALLED (based on Rita Dove’s poem TESTIMONIAL), a work for soprano, chorus and orchestra commissioned by the Oratorio Society of Virginia (premiered in May 2018) and STILL HOLDING ON (February 2019) an orchestra work commissioned and premiered by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He is currently working on his Fourth Symphony, and A KNEE ON A NECK (tribute to George Floyd) for chorus and orchestra.
Dr. Hailstork resides in Virginia Beach Virginia, and is Professor of Music and Eminent Scholar at Old Dominion University in Norfolk. Visit www.adolphushailstork.com
Amy Marcy Cheney Beach
Amy Marcy Cheney Beach(September 5, 1867–December 27, 1944) was an American composer and pianist. She was the first successful American female composer of large-scale art music. Her “Gaelic” Symphony, premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestrain 1896, was the first symphony composed and published by an American woman. She was one of the first American composers to succeed without the benefit of European training, and one of the most respected and acclaimed American composers of her era. As a pianist, she was acclaimed for concerts she gave featuring her own music in the United States and in Germany. Her mother, Clara Imogene (Marcy) Cheney, was a talented amateur singer and pianist. Young Amy was a true prodigy who memorized forty songs at the age of one and taught herself to read at age three. She played four-part hymns and composed simple waltzes at age four. By the age of six, she began studying piano with her mother and performed her first public recitals one year later, playing works by Handel, Beethoven, Chopin, and some of her own pieces. In 1875 the family moved to Boston, where Amy studied with the leading pianists. She made her Boston debut in 1883, and two years later played her first performance with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Wilhelm Gericke conducting Chopin’s Concerto in F Minor.
In 1885, she married Henry Harris Aubrey Beach (1843-1910), a physician, Harvard University lecturer, and amateur singer. Her husband requested that she limit her public performances, so she focused her musical energies on composing. She had only one year of formal training in harmony and counterpoint with Junius W. Hill. Beyond that, she embarked on a course of independent study, analyzing the compositions of master composers as models and translating theoretical works such as Berlioz’s treatise on orchestration.
In 1892, Beach achieved her first notable success as a composer with the performance of her Mass in E-flat by Boston’s Handel and Haydn Society. She became the first American woman to achieve widespread recognition as a composer of large-scale works with orchestra. Beach’s national reputation grew through her equally well-received Symphony, op. 32; Violin Sonata, op. 34; and Piano Concerto, op. 45.Following the success of her Mass in E-flat, Beach received important commissions for vocal and choral works. In 1892, the Symphony Society of New York premiered her concert aria, EilendeWolken, op. 18, the first composition by a woman played by that orchestra. For the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, she wrote the Festival Jubilate, op. 17. The 1898 Trans-Mississippi Exposition in Omaha commissioned her Song of Welcome, op. 42.After her husband’s death in 1910, Beach sailed for Europe to establish her reputation there as both a performer and composer. She received enthusiastic reviews for recitals in Germany and for her symphony and concerto, which were performed in Leipzig and Berlin. She returned to the U.S. in 1914, where she concertized in the winters and composed in the summers. In 1921 she became a fellow at the MacDowell Colony in Peterborough, New Hampshire, where she composed most of her later works.
Beach assumed many leadership positions, often in advancing the cause of American women composers. She was associated with the Music Teachers National Association and the Music Educators National Conference. In 1925, she was a founding member and first president of the Society of American Women Composers. Following her death on December 27, 1944, Beach’s royalties were given to the MacDowell Colony, as prescribed in her will.-Library of Congress
Antonín Dvořák
Antonín Leopold Dvořák (8 September 1841 – 1 May 1904) was a Czech composer, one of the first to achieve worldwide recognition. Following the Romantic-era nationalist example of his predecessor Bedřich Smetana, Dvořák frequently employed rhythms and other aspects of the folk music of Moravia and his native Bohemia. Dvořák’s own style has been described as “the fullest recreation of a national idiom with that of the symphonic tradition, absorbing folk influences and finding effective ways of using them”.
Dvořák displayed his musical gifts at an early age, being an apt violin student from age six. The first public performances of his works were in Prague in 1872 and, with special success, in 1873, when he was aged 31. Seeking recognition beyond the Prague area, he submitted a score of his First Symphony to a prize competition in Germany, but did not win, and the unreturned manuscript was lost until rediscovered many decades later. In 1874 he made a submission to the Austrian State Prize for Composition, including scores of two further symphonies and other works. Although Dvořák was not aware of it, Johannes Brahms was the leading member of the jury and was highly impressed. The prize was awarded to Dvořák in 1874 and again in 1876 and in 1877, when Brahms and the prominent critic Eduard Hanslick, also a member of the jury, made themselves known to him. Brahms recommended Dvořák to his publisher, Simrock, who soon afterward commissioned what became the Slavonic Dances, Op. 46. These were highly praised by the Berlin music critic Louis Ehlert in 1878, the sheet music (of the original piano 4-hands version) had excellent sales, and Dvořák’s international reputation was launched at last.
Guest Artists
Barry Ross
Dr. Barry Ross grew up in the Boston area and was the first violinist to receive a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Yale University. In Michigan, he served as Assistant Conductor and Concertmaster of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra for 35 years, during which he introduced the Family Discovery Concerts series and built the Kalamazoo Symphony Youth Concert programs.
Ross is Emeritus Professor of Music from Kalamazoo College, where he founded the Kalamazoo College and Community Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, now the Kalamazoo Philharmonia. He has appeared as Conductor, Concertmaster and Violin Soloist all over the country.
In Michigan Barry presently teaches at the Crescendo Academy of Music and performs regularly as guest Violinist, Concertmaster, and lecturer. He has published numerous articles and books on music and music-making. In his retirement from the symphonic realm he now appears regularly in classical recitals and tours improvising jazz classics with his BLT Jazz Trio.
Julie Bearden Carver
Julie Bearden Carver is a professional musical director, voice and acting coach, orchestrator and arranger. Julie made her Broadway debut playing Piano 1 for Mary Poppins at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City and has accompanied Actors Equity Association principal and ensemble auditions and classes at New York University and Barnard-Columbia. At the Juilliard School and Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall (Lincoln Center) and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra (Florida) Julie has played with notable conductors, composers and vocalists that include Andrea Bocelli, Bernadette Peters, Eric Whitacre, and others.
As Founding Artistic Director of The Callback Company, Julie prepares vocalists for a variety of performances, competitions, and college auditions. This consulting service also hosts Broadway talent who provide masterclasses in musical theatre and acting to her students. Her roster of piano and voice students have been accepted to the most prestigious college voice, piano, and musical theatre programs across the country. Julie’s wide experience includes vocal coaching in Chicago, Naples, Florida and New York City with singung actors from the stages of the Metropolitan Opera, Broadway, national tours and regional productions.
As a collaborative pianist, Julie has performed concerts with Richard Tucker 2015 Award-winner and 2013 Cardiff Singer of the World, Jamie Barton, world-renown soprano Indra Thomas, and soprano Dr. Jeanie Darnell, the head of vocal studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. Julie regularly accompanies the Atlanta SETC/USITT Auditions and judges regional Literary events including solo and ensemble categories as well as dramatic interpretation. As a ballet accompanist, Julie has played for classes at University of Illinois and the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. In Rome, Georgia, she served as the choral master for the February 2017 presentation of Rosini’s La Cenerentola, co-produced by the Rome Symphony Orchestra and Peach State Opera and the future presentation of Bryan Wilbur Grundstrom’s Children of Zeus.
Musical direction credits include her own revue “It’s the Talk of the Town: The Music of Jerry Livingston” at the Laurie Beachman and Triad Theatres in New York City as well as multiple local and regional productions including Berry College Theatre Company’s production of Dogfight, The Fantasticks for the Rome Shakespeare Festival, Matilda and The Spongebob Musical for The Grand Theatre. Former college positions range from Adjunct Instructor of piano and voice to Assistant Professor and Musical Theatre Specialist. Most recently, she was staff accompanist and musical director for Berry College and vocal coach/accompanist for Kennesaw State University’s Department of Theatre and Performance Studies in Spring 2021.
Julie’s new orchestrations and music for Rome Shakespeare Festival’s production of Two Gentlemen of Verona were premiered in 2018. A Shakespeare Cabaret, starring Indra Thomas, Sherri Sutton, and Jill Hames with music compiled and arranged by Julie Carver, was premiered in May 2021.
Julie has recently relocated to Southwest Florida with her husband Bryan, three children, and a furchild named Mochi where Julie serves in the music ministry of Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church in Naples. Music direction credits in Southwest Florida include: Young Frankenstein, Next to Normal, and Forever Plaid and the upcoming “Let Them Hear You” Cabaret at FGCU featuring students in the vocal program. Julie performs regularly with violinist Barry Ross. Come and see their performance at the MACC on March 26th!
Aaron Merritt
Praised by the Miami Herald for his “eloquent” and “cathartic” playing, Aaron Merritt enjoys a varied career of teaching and performing. He currently performs with Miami’s Nu-Deco Ensemble, the Palm Beach Opera, and the Naples Philharmonic, and has performed with the Florida Grand Opera and New World Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas from 2004-2008. He has performed across the United States, Austria and the Netherlands and he performs at the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder and the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in Santa Cruz, California during the summer months. With his colleagues in the Sona String Quartet, Mr. Merritt has presented over one hundred educational concerts for underserved schools and communities in the Greater Miami area. He is Adjunct Professor of Cello at Miami’s New World School of the Arts. His students have been laureates and participants at national and international competitions, including the Sphinx and Tchaikovsky. Mr. Merritt studied at Indiana University (BM) and Rice University (MM). Principal teachers include Lynn Harrell, Emilio Colón and Helga Winold.
Production Team
A.J. Mendini
AJ Mendini is thrilled to be making his debut with the Gulf Coast Symphony. A NJ native and recent SWFL transplant, he is an accomplished performer and arts educator, having worked professionally throughout the Northeast. Recent credits include Dogfight (Eddie), Hair (Claude), Godspell (Jesus), Avenue Q (Princeton), and Les Miserables (Enjolras) among many others. AJ currently teaches vocal and acting lessons for Gypsy Playhouse at RDA in Cape Coral, FL and serves as the group ticket and ad sales manager for Players Circle Theater. Upcoming: A Grand Night for Singing (Gulf Coast Symphony), Lightning Thief (Gypsy Playhouse), and Godspell (Players Circle Theater) Much love and gratitude to Brian and Monty. @ajmendin
Aaron Merritt
Praised by the Miami Herald for his “eloquent” and “cathartic” playing, Aaron Merritt enjoys a varied career of teaching and performing. He currently performs with Miami’s Nu-Deco Ensemble, the Palm Beach Opera, and the Naples Philharmonic, and has performed with the Florida Grand Opera and New World Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas from 2004-2008. He has performed across the United States, Austria and the Netherlands and he performs at the Colorado Music Festival in Boulder and the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music in Santa Cruz, California during the summer months. With his colleagues in the Sona String Quartet, Mr. Merritt has presented over one hundred educational concerts for underserved schools and communities in the Greater Miami area. He is Adjunct Professor of Cello at Miami’s New World School of the Arts. His students have been laureates and participants at national and international competitions, including the Sphinx and Tchaikovsky. Mr. Merritt studied at Indiana University (BM) and Rice University (MM). Principal teachers include Lynn Harrell, Emilio Colón and Helga Winold.
Composers
Guest Artists
Swearingen & Kelli
Swearingen & Kelli
In addition to their successful careers as established songwriters with multiple albums, the duo is also on a mission to share this iconic music with audiences around the country. Both artists were heavily inspired by the great 70s singer-songwriters and their ability to channel the sounds of that era are immediately apparent at when you hear them perform live.
The duo’s brand new album, Cold-Hearted Truth, bridges the gap between folk singers and country rebels. Recorded in a series of live takes with Grammy Award-winning producer Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay, JJ Heller, The Blind Boys of Alabama), this third LP has been featured on Americana Highways, Cowboys and Indians, and Red Line Roots.
Swearingen & Kelli have shared the stage with artists including David Bromberg, Crystal Gayle and Kenny Rogers. Swearingen’s song “You’re Not Here With Me” was recorded by folk icon Tom Rush featuring Nanci Griffith on his album, What I Know.
More on Swearingen & Kelli: www.swearingenandkelli.com
Hannah Cruz
Hannah Cruz
Hannah is 16 years old and is in her sophomore year at Bishop Verot HighSchool. Performing has always been her passion and her little 3 year-old self would be so proud to see how far she has come! She has done a variety of shows in a variety of places including at school, Florida Rep, Gypsy Playhouse, Fort Myers Theatre, & Broadway Palm. Some of her performing credits include — Miss Jones – How to Succeed in Business… (Verot), Katherine – Newsies Jr (Fl Rep), Little Gloria – On Your Feet (Broadway Palm), & Carmen Diaz – Fame! (FMT). She is beyond excited to be apart of this show! She would like to thank her family, teachers, & everyone who supports her in doing what she loves!
Hope you enjoy the show! 🙂
@hannah.cruz03
Cara Chumbley
Cara Chumbley
Cara is so excited to be here at Gulf Coast Symphony. This is her third time in Nunsense, but her first time playing Robert Anne! Cara recently moved from Chicago to New York City and has been performing regionally for years. She would like to thank her parents, friends and family for all their love and support. All my love to my 20lb cat Guinness. Enjoy the show!
Carachumbley.com
Kiki Sanchez
Kiki Sanchez
The extraordinarily Peruvian producer, composer, arranger, educator and pianist Luis Enrique “Kiki” Sanchez can capture the hearts of many through his variations of skillful and unique style that have filled the airwaves with a distinctive blend of soulful jazz, tropical, and afro-Peruvian fusion. This gifted musician was born and raised in Lima, Peru where he studied piano with Coco Macedo and Edermi Chavez and started playing professionally at the age of 11. He became a well-rounded musician by playing with his father’s band “Orquesta Majestic” doing corporate venues in Lima. Later he moved to Miami, FL where he has worked with several Jazz and Latin Jazz Artists. He continued to expand his knowledge and education at the Florida Atlantic University where Sanchez earned a Master Degree in Music Composition.
As an educator, Sanchez has also released an Educational DVD titled “The Real Latin Piano and Introduction to Afro-Peruvian Rhythms” (2009) published by ADG Productions and the book “The Real Latin Piano Book” published in 2012 by ADG Productions. Kiki has been doing music clinics and workshops in the States and overseas. He is currently a Music professor at Miami Dade College and also he has been teaching music technology courses at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Sanchez is very active as an artist, producer, arranger, educator, and pianist. He performed at the inauguration of the Larry Rosen “Jazz Roots” at the Arsht Center in Miami, FL. He also has been the music director of several musical theaters in South Florida. Kiki also has performed in several Jazz Festivals such as: Montreux, St. Lucia, Grenada, Ohio Jazz and Rib and others. He also has been the music director for “Noches Tropicales” Jazz series at Miami Dade County Auditorium. Recently, Sanchez has been performing locally and overseas, during the summer of 2015, he performed at the SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco, CA, Instituto Cervantes in New York, Centro Cultural Kichner in Buenos Aires, Argentina and several other places. Kiki is also the Music Outreach Director of Beauliere Academy of Music in Haiti, where he goes every summer to provide music education.
Kiki was the Director of Music Department at Hurst Chapel A.M.E Church in Riviera Beach, Florida and currently he is the Director of Music Department at Ebenezer United Methodist Church located in Miami, Florida.
In the near future Kiki plans to release two Latin Jazz singles titled “Sanchez’s Blues” and “It is a Peruvian Thing” by Diola Entertainment. Additionally he will also release two other Gospel singles “I Praise You Lord” and “I Want to Give You My Best”.
Finally, Sanchez is so exciting about his 501C3 Non-Profit Organization “PW (Praise and Worship) for the Arts” where the mission is to help and provide music education to kids from less fortunate families and communities. One of Sanchez' dreams is to make a difference through Arts/Music education and to expose its benefits through “PW for the Arts” journey.
Ruth Stokes
Ruth Stokes
Ruth Stokes is a cellist invested in musical collaboration and innovation. Her playing is characterized by a rich, passionate sound and dynamic interpretations. Currently Ruth is working and studying at Penn State University as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for cello and a Master’s student in cello performance. Originally from Minnesota, she received her Bachelor’s degree in 2022 from Frost School of Music at the University of Miami where she was a Stamps Distinguished Ensemble Scholar with the Stamps String Quartet from 2018-2022.
Throughout her undergraduate degree Ruth performed extensively throughout South Florida as well as in New York, South Carolina, and Georgia with the Stamps Quartet. She has spent the summers at music festivals in Ohio, Massachusetts, New York, Minnesota, California, and Pennsylvania, as well as overseas in Germany and Poland.
Ruth has been playing as a principal of the Chamber and Philharmonic Orchestras at Penn State School of Music and won the 2023 Penn State Concerto Competition playing Ernest Bloch’s Schelomo. She also currently plays with the Altoona and Williamsport Symphony Orchestras, and performs solo, chamber, and outreach concerts. Ruth has taught at Penn State since fall 2022 and teaches outside the school both privately and as a faculty member at the State College Academy of Music. She has also recently given performance classes at Concordia Academy in MN and Altoona Area High School in PA.
Ruth’s recent projects include performing Shades for solo cello by Daijana Wallace for the Penn State African American Music Festival, Tan Dun’s Elegy: Snow in June for solo cello and percussion ensemble, Postludium DSCH by Valentin Silvestrov for a Ukrainian sister city benefit concert, ensemble performances featuring piano quartets and trios by Chausson, Brahms, and Mahler, and premieres of both solo and ensemble works by student composers at Penn State. Ruth is currently at work on a variety of fresh solo and chamber projects.
Natalie Brouwer
Natalie Brouwer
Natalie Brouwer is thrilled to be in her first show at Gulf Coast Symphony! She performs professionally as an actor & singer throughout the east coast, and recently made SWFL her permanent base. Some recent shows include I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; Laughter on the 23rd Floor (Players Circle Theatre), Miracle on 34th Street (Beach Street Repertory Theatre), Bright Star and Working: The Musical (Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre), and multiple singing engagements with Brian Gurl Productions. MFA in Acting ‘16 (UNC Greensboro). Big thank you to this wonderful and dedicated cast and crew! Special thanks to MM and her family & friends.
Eliette Rogers
Eliette Rogers
Eliette Rogers is a performer living in the Florida panhandle. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a BA in Theatre Performance and a minor in Videography. This is Eliettes first time performing with the Gulf Coast Symphony, and she is so excited to be a part of this show! Some of her credits include touring the U.S with Bright Star Touring Theatre, playing a dancer/combatant in Unto These Hills, Daniela in In The Heights, Anita in West Side Story, and a Dynamite in HairSpray! Special thanks to her faith, family, and friends.
Avalyn Calandra
Avalyn Calandra
Avalyn is delighted to be performing in the Gulf Coast Symphony’s production of Gypsy. Recent credits include Susan Waverly in White Christmas, Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka, Jr., and Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Jr. She is a 7th grade student and attends Middle School in Cape Coral, FL. Avalyn thanks her family and friends for all their ongoing support.
Patrece Bloomfield
Patrece Bloomfield
Patrece is excited to make her debut on this stage. When not working on a production for theater or her craft as an actress in film and TV, you can find her casting spells as Celestina Warbeck, the “Singing Sorceress” in Diagon Alleyat Universal Studios.
Patrece has co-starred on HBO’s “The Outsider”, portrayed “Delores Van Cartier” in “Sister Act”, portrayed Armelia in “Aint Mis-Behavin”, performed multiple cabarets, and her favorite role to date, portraying the legendary “Billie Holiday” in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” at The Dr. Phillips performing arts center. Patrece is grateful to the support of her loving family and friends.
Whitney Grace
Whitney Grace
Whitney Grace, a Punta Gorda native, has been giving audiences the old Bazazz since she was 5 years old. Whitney’s journey has taken her across the vibrant stages of Florida’s regional theaters. She was most recently seen playing the role of Sister Hubert in the musical Nunsense with the Gulf Coast Symphony.
Whitney’s star has also shone brightly at esteemed venues like Palm Beach Dramaworks in The Science of Leaving Omaha (Ruth Ellen), the Maltz Jupiter Theater in Hairspray, Mamma Mia, and How to Succeed.., Gablestage in White Guy on the Bus (Molly), The Wick Theatre in Milk and Honey (Barbara), Cinderella (Gabrielle), Brigadoon, Crazy For You, and West Side Story (Minnie), TheatreZone in The Secret Garden (Martha), and The Show Palace in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Sarah).
Rave reviews have poured in for Whitney’s captivating one-woman cabaret musicals. “Showstopper: A Love Letter To Broadway” and “The Lullaby of Broadway: A Tribute to the City That Never Sleeps” have taken audiences on unforgettable journeys through the magic of song. Her cabaret shows, filled with heart and soul, have graced stages such as Cape Cabaret, The Ascot Experience, The Charlotte Harbor Events Center, and prestigious country clubs throughout Florida. In 2022, Whitney won the ‘Punta Gorda Chamber’s Got Talent’ Show, further solidifying her reputation as a dynamic and captivating performer.
Currently, Whitney is immersed in rehearsals for the upcoming production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, where she is set to embody the role of Judy Haynes with the Fort Myers Theatre. The show will open November 30th and will tour in Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, and Marco Island.
Beyond the spotlight, She also owns and operates Growing With Grace Studios; a performing arts school nestled in Arcadia, FL. A homeschool graduate and alumna of Palm Beach Atlantic University, Whitney’s commitment to excellence was acknowledged with the prestigious Women of Distinction Award. With gratitude in her heart, she extends special thanks to her director Mark, her parents Tom and Linda, her fiancé Daniel, and the Lord. For sweet Myra. Psalm 77:11-12
Whitney Grace, a Punta Gorda native, has been giving audiences the old Bazazz since she was 5 years old. Whitney’s journey has taken her across the vibrant stages of Florida’s regional theaters. She was most recently seen playing the role of Sister Hubert in the musical Nunsense with the Gulf Coast Symphony.
Whitney’s star has also shone brightly at esteemed venues like Palm Beach Dramaworks in The Science of Leaving Omaha (Ruth Ellen), the Maltz Jupiter Theater in Hairspray, Mamma Mia, and How to Succeed.., Gablestage in White Guy on the Bus (Molly), The Wick Theatre in Milk and Honey (Barbara), Cinderella (Gabrielle), Brigadoon, Crazy For You, and West Side Story (Minnie), TheatreZone in The Secret Garden (Martha), and The Show Palace in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Sarah).
Rave reviews have poured in for Whitney’s captivating one-woman cabaret musicals. “Showstopper: A Love Letter To Broadway” and “The Lullaby of Broadway: A Tribute to the City That Never Sleeps” have taken audiences on unforgettable journeys through the magic of song. Her cabaret shows, filled with heart and soul, have graced stages such as Cape Cabaret, The Ascot Experience, The Charlotte Harbor Events Center, and prestigious country clubs throughout Florida. In 2022, Whitney won the ‘Punta Gorda Chamber’s Got Talent’ Show, further solidifying her reputation as a dynamic and captivating performer.
Currently, Whitney is immersed in rehearsals for the upcoming production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, where she is set to embody the role of Judy Haynes with the Fort Myers Theatre. The show will open November 30th and will tour in Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, and Marco Island.
Beyond the spotlight, She also owns and operates Growing With Grace Studios; a performing arts school nestled in Arcadia, FL. A homeschool graduate and alumna of Palm Beach Atlantic University, Whitney’s commitment to excellence was acknowledged with the prestigious Women of Distinction Award. With gratitude in her heart, she extends special thanks to her director Mark, her parents Tom and Linda, her fiancé Daniel, and the Lord. For sweet Myra. Psalm 77:11-12
Production Team
Swearingen & Kelli
Swearingen & Kelli
In addition to their successful careers as established songwriters with multiple albums, the duo is also on a mission to share this iconic music with audiences around the country. Both artists were heavily inspired by the great 70s singer-songwriters and their ability to channel the sounds of that era are immediately apparent at when you hear them perform live.
The duo’s brand new album, Cold-Hearted Truth, bridges the gap between folk singers and country rebels. Recorded in a series of live takes with Grammy Award-winning producer Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay, JJ Heller, The Blind Boys of Alabama), this third LP has been featured on Americana Highways, Cowboys and Indians, and Red Line Roots.
Swearingen & Kelli have shared the stage with artists including David Bromberg, Crystal Gayle and Kenny Rogers. Swearingen’s song “You’re Not Here With Me” was recorded by folk icon Tom Rush featuring Nanci Griffith on his album, What I Know.
More on Swearingen & Kelli: www.swearingenandkelli.com
Hannah Cruz
Hannah Cruz
Hannah is 16 years old and is in her sophomore year at Bishop Verot HighSchool. Performing has always been her passion and her little 3 year-old self would be so proud to see how far she has come! She has done a variety of shows in a variety of places including at school, Florida Rep, Gypsy Playhouse, Fort Myers Theatre, & Broadway Palm. Some of her performing credits include — Miss Jones – How to Succeed in Business… (Verot), Katherine – Newsies Jr (Fl Rep), Little Gloria – On Your Feet (Broadway Palm), & Carmen Diaz – Fame! (FMT). She is beyond excited to be apart of this show! She would like to thank her family, teachers, & everyone who supports her in doing what she loves!
Hope you enjoy the show! 🙂
@hannah.cruz03
Cara Chumbley
Cara Chumbley
Cara is so excited to be here at Gulf Coast Symphony. This is her third time in Nunsense, but her first time playing Robert Anne! Cara recently moved from Chicago to New York City and has been performing regionally for years. She would like to thank her parents, friends and family for all their love and support. All my love to my 20lb cat Guinness. Enjoy the show!
Carachumbley.com
Kiki Sanchez
Kiki Sanchez
The extraordinarily Peruvian producer, composer, arranger, educator and pianist Luis Enrique “Kiki” Sanchez can capture the hearts of many through his variations of skillful and unique style that have filled the airwaves with a distinctive blend of soulful jazz, tropical, and afro-Peruvian fusion. This gifted musician was born and raised in Lima, Peru where he studied piano with Coco Macedo and Edermi Chavez and started playing professionally at the age of 11. He became a well-rounded musician by playing with his father’s band “Orquesta Majestic” doing corporate venues in Lima. Later he moved to Miami, FL where he has worked with several Jazz and Latin Jazz Artists. He continued to expand his knowledge and education at the Florida Atlantic University where Sanchez earned a Master Degree in Music Composition.
As an educator, Sanchez has also released an Educational DVD titled “The Real Latin Piano and Introduction to Afro-Peruvian Rhythms” (2009) published by ADG Productions and the book “The Real Latin Piano Book” published in 2012 by ADG Productions. Kiki has been doing music clinics and workshops in the States and overseas. He is currently a Music professor at Miami Dade College and also he has been teaching music technology courses at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Sanchez is very active as an artist, producer, arranger, educator, and pianist. He performed at the inauguration of the Larry Rosen “Jazz Roots” at the Arsht Center in Miami, FL. He also has been the music director of several musical theaters in South Florida. Kiki also has performed in several Jazz Festivals such as: Montreux, St. Lucia, Grenada, Ohio Jazz and Rib and others. He also has been the music director for “Noches Tropicales” Jazz series at Miami Dade County Auditorium. Recently, Sanchez has been performing locally and overseas, during the summer of 2015, he performed at the SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco, CA, Instituto Cervantes in New York, Centro Cultural Kichner in Buenos Aires, Argentina and several other places. Kiki is also the Music Outreach Director of Beauliere Academy of Music in Haiti, where he goes every summer to provide music education.
Kiki was the Director of Music Department at Hurst Chapel A.M.E Church in Riviera Beach, Florida and currently he is the Director of Music Department at Ebenezer United Methodist Church located in Miami, Florida.
In the near future Kiki plans to release two Latin Jazz singles titled “Sanchez’s Blues” and “It is a Peruvian Thing” by Diola Entertainment. Additionally he will also release two other Gospel singles “I Praise You Lord” and “I Want to Give You My Best”.
Finally, Sanchez is so exciting about his 501C3 Non-Profit Organization “PW (Praise and Worship) for the Arts” where the mission is to help and provide music education to kids from less fortunate families and communities. One of Sanchez' dreams is to make a difference through Arts/Music education and to expose its benefits through “PW for the Arts” journey.
Ruth Stokes
Ruth Stokes
Ruth Stokes is a cellist invested in musical collaboration and innovation. Her playing is characterized by a rich, passionate sound and dynamic interpretations. Currently Ruth is working and studying at Penn State University as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for cello and a Master’s student in cello performance. Originally from Minnesota, she received her Bachelor’s degree in 2022 from Frost School of Music at the University of Miami where she was a Stamps Distinguished Ensemble Scholar with the Stamps String Quartet from 2018-2022.
Throughout her undergraduate degree Ruth performed extensively throughout South Florida as well as in New York, South Carolina, and Georgia with the Stamps Quartet. She has spent the summers at music festivals in Ohio, Massachusetts, New York, Minnesota, California, and Pennsylvania, as well as overseas in Germany and Poland.
Ruth has been playing as a principal of the Chamber and Philharmonic Orchestras at Penn State School of Music and won the 2023 Penn State Concerto Competition playing Ernest Bloch’s Schelomo. She also currently plays with the Altoona and Williamsport Symphony Orchestras, and performs solo, chamber, and outreach concerts. Ruth has taught at Penn State since fall 2022 and teaches outside the school both privately and as a faculty member at the State College Academy of Music. She has also recently given performance classes at Concordia Academy in MN and Altoona Area High School in PA.
Ruth’s recent projects include performing Shades for solo cello by Daijana Wallace for the Penn State African American Music Festival, Tan Dun’s Elegy: Snow in June for solo cello and percussion ensemble, Postludium DSCH by Valentin Silvestrov for a Ukrainian sister city benefit concert, ensemble performances featuring piano quartets and trios by Chausson, Brahms, and Mahler, and premieres of both solo and ensemble works by student composers at Penn State. Ruth is currently at work on a variety of fresh solo and chamber projects.
Natalie Brouwer
Natalie Brouwer
Natalie Brouwer is thrilled to be in her first show at Gulf Coast Symphony! She performs professionally as an actor & singer throughout the east coast, and recently made SWFL her permanent base. Some recent shows include I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time; Laughter on the 23rd Floor (Players Circle Theatre), Miracle on 34th Street (Beach Street Repertory Theatre), Bright Star and Working: The Musical (Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre), and multiple singing engagements with Brian Gurl Productions. MFA in Acting ‘16 (UNC Greensboro). Big thank you to this wonderful and dedicated cast and crew! Special thanks to MM and her family & friends.
Eliette Rogers
Eliette Rogers
Eliette Rogers is a performer living in the Florida panhandle. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a BA in Theatre Performance and a minor in Videography. This is Eliettes first time performing with the Gulf Coast Symphony, and she is so excited to be a part of this show! Some of her credits include touring the U.S with Bright Star Touring Theatre, playing a dancer/combatant in Unto These Hills, Daniela in In The Heights, Anita in West Side Story, and a Dynamite in HairSpray! Special thanks to her faith, family, and friends.
Avalyn Calandra
Avalyn Calandra
Avalyn is delighted to be performing in the Gulf Coast Symphony’s production of Gypsy. Recent credits include Susan Waverly in White Christmas, Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka, Jr., and Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Jr. She is a 7th grade student and attends Middle School in Cape Coral, FL. Avalyn thanks her family and friends for all their ongoing support.
Patrece Bloomfield
Patrece Bloomfield
Patrece is excited to make her debut on this stage. When not working on a production for theater or her craft as an actress in film and TV, you can find her casting spells as Celestina Warbeck, the “Singing Sorceress” in Diagon Alleyat Universal Studios.
Patrece has co-starred on HBO’s “The Outsider”, portrayed “Delores Van Cartier” in “Sister Act”, portrayed Armelia in “Aint Mis-Behavin”, performed multiple cabarets, and her favorite role to date, portraying the legendary “Billie Holiday” in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” at The Dr. Phillips performing arts center. Patrece is grateful to the support of her loving family and friends.
Whitney Grace
Whitney Grace
Whitney Grace, a Punta Gorda native, has been giving audiences the old Bazazz since she was 5 years old. Whitney’s journey has taken her across the vibrant stages of Florida’s regional theaters. She was most recently seen playing the role of Sister Hubert in the musical Nunsense with the Gulf Coast Symphony.
Whitney’s star has also shone brightly at esteemed venues like Palm Beach Dramaworks in The Science of Leaving Omaha (Ruth Ellen), the Maltz Jupiter Theater in Hairspray, Mamma Mia, and How to Succeed.., Gablestage in White Guy on the Bus (Molly), The Wick Theatre in Milk and Honey (Barbara), Cinderella (Gabrielle), Brigadoon, Crazy For You, and West Side Story (Minnie), TheatreZone in The Secret Garden (Martha), and The Show Palace in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Sarah).
Rave reviews have poured in for Whitney’s captivating one-woman cabaret musicals. “Showstopper: A Love Letter To Broadway” and “The Lullaby of Broadway: A Tribute to the City That Never Sleeps” have taken audiences on unforgettable journeys through the magic of song. Her cabaret shows, filled with heart and soul, have graced stages such as Cape Cabaret, The Ascot Experience, The Charlotte Harbor Events Center, and prestigious country clubs throughout Florida. In 2022, Whitney won the ‘Punta Gorda Chamber’s Got Talent’ Show, further solidifying her reputation as a dynamic and captivating performer.
Currently, Whitney is immersed in rehearsals for the upcoming production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, where she is set to embody the role of Judy Haynes with the Fort Myers Theatre. The show will open November 30th and will tour in Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, and Marco Island.
Beyond the spotlight, She also owns and operates Growing With Grace Studios; a performing arts school nestled in Arcadia, FL. A homeschool graduate and alumna of Palm Beach Atlantic University, Whitney’s commitment to excellence was acknowledged with the prestigious Women of Distinction Award. With gratitude in her heart, she extends special thanks to her director Mark, her parents Tom and Linda, her fiancé Daniel, and the Lord. For sweet Myra. Psalm 77:11-12
Whitney Grace, a Punta Gorda native, has been giving audiences the old Bazazz since she was 5 years old. Whitney’s journey has taken her across the vibrant stages of Florida’s regional theaters. She was most recently seen playing the role of Sister Hubert in the musical Nunsense with the Gulf Coast Symphony.
Whitney’s star has also shone brightly at esteemed venues like Palm Beach Dramaworks in The Science of Leaving Omaha (Ruth Ellen), the Maltz Jupiter Theater in Hairspray, Mamma Mia, and How to Succeed.., Gablestage in White Guy on the Bus (Molly), The Wick Theatre in Milk and Honey (Barbara), Cinderella (Gabrielle), Brigadoon, Crazy For You, and West Side Story (Minnie), TheatreZone in The Secret Garden (Martha), and The Show Palace in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Sarah).
Rave reviews have poured in for Whitney’s captivating one-woman cabaret musicals. “Showstopper: A Love Letter To Broadway” and “The Lullaby of Broadway: A Tribute to the City That Never Sleeps” have taken audiences on unforgettable journeys through the magic of song. Her cabaret shows, filled with heart and soul, have graced stages such as Cape Cabaret, The Ascot Experience, The Charlotte Harbor Events Center, and prestigious country clubs throughout Florida. In 2022, Whitney won the ‘Punta Gorda Chamber’s Got Talent’ Show, further solidifying her reputation as a dynamic and captivating performer.
Currently, Whitney is immersed in rehearsals for the upcoming production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, where she is set to embody the role of Judy Haynes with the Fort Myers Theatre. The show will open November 30th and will tour in Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, and Marco Island.
Beyond the spotlight, She also owns and operates Growing With Grace Studios; a performing arts school nestled in Arcadia, FL. A homeschool graduate and alumna of Palm Beach Atlantic University, Whitney’s commitment to excellence was acknowledged with the prestigious Women of Distinction Award. With gratitude in her heart, she extends special thanks to her director Mark, her parents Tom and Linda, her fiancé Daniel, and the Lord. For sweet Myra. Psalm 77:11-12
Tentative Program
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