News: Boston University College of Fine Arts Welcomes Four New Professors

Boston University College of Fine Arts (CFA) is proud to announce the appointments of full-time professors joining the arts faculty at Boston University for the coming academic year. Boston University School of Music welcomes Sarah Ioannides as Associate Professor of Music, Orchestral Conducting and Boston University’s new Director of Orchestral Activities.

“Our community of exceptional educators and accomplished artists is growing. I am thrilled to welcome these gifted faculty to CFA” – Harvey Young, Dean of BU College of Fine Arts.

Concert Wrap-Up: Symphony Tacoma’s “Portraits”

Symphony Tacoma’s final concert of the season “Portraits,” was a delightful and enriching experience. Under the adept direction of Music Director Sarah Ioannides, the evening showcased classical masterpieces, each performed with a nuanced touch that highlighted the distinct character and emotion of the works.

Just as the audience was settling into the gorgeous theater, it was time to open the evening with Coleridge-Taylor’s Ballade in A minor. The musicians of Symphony Tacoma brought out the lush harmonies and sweeping melodies with precision and heartfelt expression, drawing the audience into the evocative soundscape crafted by Coleridge-Taylor. Next on the program was Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D Major, featuring the virtuoso Kristin Lee. Her technical prowess and deep musicality brought Brahms’ intricate passages and soaring themes to life. The audience was left in awe, responding with a standing ovation that echoed the admiration felt throughout the theater.

After intermission, the evening concluded with  Elgar’s Enigma Variations, a piece renowned for its emotional depth and intricate orchestration. Ioannides gave an in-depth explanation of Elgar’s poignant piece before leading the orchestra through each variation with keen insight, drawing out each section’s unique character and mood. The famous Nimrod variation was particularly moving, performed with a tenderness that filled the hall with a profound sense of reflection and serenity. The performance was a fitting end to the concert and season, leaving the audience with a lingering sense of wonder and appreciation for the evening’s musical journey.

As we have come to expect, Sarah and the musicians of Symphony Tacoma closed a phenomenal season with a masterfully curated performance. It was an evening that celebrated the power of music to paint vivid portraits of the human experience.

Concert Wrap-Up: Symphony Tacoma’s “Dreams & Dances” 

Concert Preview: Symphony Tacoma presents “Portraits”

Join Symphony Tacoma on Saturday, May 11 (7:30pm) for their season finale, Portraits, and experience why they have a reputation as one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier orchestras. Audiences who have attended any part of Symphony Tacoma’s 2023/24 season can tell you about the musical jewel in the heart of the Pantages Theater. Over the last 10 years, under Music Director Sarah Ioannides’ baton, the orchestra has grown musically and artistically, reaching new heights of excellence. With each performance, Symphony Tacoma continues to inspire, educate, and uplift the Tacoma community.

Opening this season finale is Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Ballade in A Minor (1898), a captivating piece hailed for its rich melodies and profound emotional depth, showcasing the composer’s exceptional talent and enduring legacy. As the resonant notes of Coleridge-Taylor’s Ballade fade into the concert hall, the stage is set for another timeless masterpiece, Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D Major. Its intricate interplay between soloist and orchestra continues to inspire musicians and stir the hearts of listeners worldwide. Closing not only the evening but also Symphony Tacoma’s 2023/24 Classic Concert Series is the timeless beauty of Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations, a cornerstone of the orchestral repertoire.

Joining Symphony Tacoma for Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D Major is celebrated violinist Kristin Lee. Renowned for her virtuosic technique and deeply expressive interpretations, Lee is hailed as one of today’s most dynamic performers. She brings a fresh perspective and unparalleled energy to the stage with a repertoire spanning from classical masterworks to contemporary compositions. Lee’s dedication to musical excellence and her innate ability to connect with audiences make her a standout figure in the classical music world. Whether performing as a soloist with leading orchestras or collaborating with fellow musicians in chamber settings, Kristin Lee consistently delivers performances that leave a lasting impression, solidifying her reputation as a rising star in the classical music scene.

Symphony Tacoma’s Portraits (May 11th, 7:30pm) promises to be an unforgettable evening of musical artistry and expression celebrating the culmination of another remarkable season.

Concert Preview: Symphony Tacoma presents “Dreams and Dances”

Symphony Tacoma invites audiences to Dreams and Dances (April 20, 2024), a musical odyssey highlighting an eclectic fusion of classical masterpieces and contemporary gems. This lively evening promises to be an unforgettable journey of symphonic exploration when the brilliant horn virtuoso Leelanee Sterrett takes center stage for Strauss Concerto No. 1 and renowned local mezzo- soprano Dawn Padula delivers a mesmerizing performance in De Falla evocative Suite from El Amor Brujo. Adding to the allure of the evening is the world premiere of local composer, Gina Gillie’s Reverie, a composition brimming with innovation and intrigue. And rounding out the program, promising to ignite the senses and leave hearts racing with excitement are Kodály’s enchanting Dances of Galánta and the infectious rhythms of Arturo Márquez’s Danzón No. 2.

Headlining this exceptional evening is Leelanee Sterrett, one of today’s foremost horn players, who brings a blend of passion, precision, and innovation to the world of classical music. Beyond her exceptional musicianship, Sterrett is well-known for her dedication to education and outreach, inspiring young musicians through masterclasses, workshops, and community engagement initiatives. Sterrett joins Symphony Tacoma for Richard Strauss’s Concerto No. 1 for Horn and Orchestra, a pinnacle of the horn repertoire that beautifully showcases the instrument’s lyrical beauty and technical prowess. From the tender lyricism of the opening movement to the exuberant energy of the finale, Strauss demonstrates his keen understanding of the horn’s capabilities, crafting a work that continues to fascinate audiences and inspire horn players worldwide, remaining a timeless testament to the enduring beauty and versatility of the horn.

Symphony Tacoma is honored to present the world premiere of local composer Gina Gillie’s Reverie, which is sure to emerge as a poignant addition to the contemporary orchestral repertoire. Gillie’s new composition promises to enchant audiences with its evocative melodies and rich harmonies. Drawing inspiration from the ethereal realm of dreams and imagination, Reverie unfolds like a musical tapestry, weaving together moments of tranquility and introspection with bursts of emotional intensity.

Concert Wrap-Up: Symphony Tacoma’s “Transformation”