with Maestro Demetrius Fuller, Music Director & Conductor
www.SinfoniaGulfCoast.org
Innovative and energetic young conductor, Demetrius Fuller is garnering
critical acclaim at home and abroad. Entering his third season as Music Director of Florida’s Sinfonia Gulf Coast, Demetrius has redefined the symphony experience for the Northwest Florida region offering inspiring and artistically evocative performances and exciting critics and patrons alike.
Serving as Music Director of the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra for four seasons, Demetrius is credited with significantly raising that symphony’s artistic level and visibility within the region. A versatile conductor, he has been chosen to work with some of the world’s most prestigious conductors and orchestras. He is an award recipient from the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts, the Werner Foundation, and the International Music Foundation.
I caught up with Demetrius for this week's SouthWaltonScene.com Q&A. Enjoy!
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How long have you lived in South Walton? You were born and raised in....?
I have lived full time in South Walton since 2005, but was raised in Ft. Walton Beach. My parents moved us there when I was two. Minus my almost eight year stint in Cincinnati for school and to start my career, I have been here most of my life.
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You already live at the beach - where do you vacation?
I am fortunate to travel with my job, so I end up in very off-the-beaten places like Estonia or Erbil, Northern Iraq. I have strategically placed friends all over the world, so I can visit them whenever they let me. I like the mountains and have spent quite a bit of time in Europe.
What book(s) is on your nightstand?
"Selected Essays of Gore Vidal" and a pile of (musical) scores for repertoire that I want to perform next season...the scores usually sit there for months as I always hope they will just be absorbed into my brain while I am sleeping...don't think that it has worked yet, but I am not giving up.
Actually, I have books strewn all over the house and read several at a time. Another interesting one by Gerry Spence, based on the rise and risks of the conservative hate culture (think Ann Coulter, Nancy Grace, Bill O'Reilly, etc) appropriately titled "Bloodthirsty Bitches and Pious Pimps of Power." HA!
If you were to come back as someone else, who would you be?
I have no idea...I hate questions like this...really no clue. Sort of like if you could have dinner with one person, who would it be? Does it matter, as long as you have a great chef and excellent bottle of wine?
What is your single greatest achievement so far?
Sinfonia Gulf Coast. I am very proud of the community initiatives that we have established throughout the community.
What is your favorite restaurant in South Walton?
Fire's Sunday brunch can't be beat!
What 2 things can you not live without?
South Walton Scene, is there anything else? =) ...I am very attached to my iPhone, too, and ScanPan cookware...
What would you do if you won $1 million?
Would save some for retirement and play money and then start a charitable foundation to help with all of the worthy causes in our area.
If you could change one thing about yourself, it would be...
I tend to procrastinate more than I should...(didn't you send this to me like two weeks ago?)
You are granted one wish. What is it?
For quality of life and to be healthy, not only for myself, but for friends and family. I have seen far too many people close to me suffer.
The best thing about South Walton is....
The people. The beaches and scenery aren't bad either, but I don't care for sand.
What is the greatest love in your life?
This is tough...not sure I can pinpoint one thing. I am happy with so many aspects of my life.
What are the most important qualities in a friend?
Loyalty and understanding
Would you say happiness is found or made?
Both. Happiness is a process. You create your own destiny.
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To read more SouthWaltonScene.com Q&A's, visit the People & Celebrities page.
