A captivating blend of dynamic rock-inspired energy, soulful compositions, lush string melodies, and vibrant rhythms from across the Americas and beyond. A symphonic reimagining of the grunge anthem that defined a generation, pulsating with raw energy and evocative nostalgia. Powerful and radiant work inspired by ancient Egyptian mythology, brimming with rhythmic intensity and vibrant orchestral colors. Barber’s timeless and deeply moving masterpiece is revered for its soaring, achingly beautiful lines and emotional poignancy. A spirited and joyous celebration of Panamanian dance rhythms, alive with infectious melodies and rhythmic vitality. Go on a tango-infused journey through the seasons of Argentina, blending fiery rhythms and expressive passion in Piazzolla’s signature style.

Cascade Conducting Masterclass offers composers & conductors a unique & highly diverse array of opportunities and by popular request will extend the course yet again from June 13th to June 21st, 2025. Led by orchestra conductor Sarah Ioannides, chorale conductor Dr. Geoffrey Boers, and this year joined internationally recognized conductor and composer, Ayis Ioannides, the Cascade Conducting Masterclass offers orchestral and choral conductors an incredible array of opportunities. With the motto “Excellence through Equity”, we welcome participants from diverse ethnic and professional backgrounds to join us. More than $10,000 worth of scholarships and financial aid are available.

Symphony Tacoma invites audiences on a mesmerizing journey through myth, magic, and music with Mythical Landscapes, an enchanting concert featuring internationally acclaimed pianist Xiaohui Yang. This captivating performance on Sunday, February 23rd, at 2:30pm is an exceptional afternoon performance showcasing storytelling works by Sibelius, Grieg, Mahler, and Stravinsky.

Symphony Tacoma musicians are thrilled to share the Pantages stage with internationally acclaimed pianist Xiaohui Yang for Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor. A winner of the prestigious 2017 Naumburg International Piano Competition, Yang has captivated audiences across four continents with her refined artistry and dazzling virtuosity. Praised as a “magician of sound and virtuosity” (La Libre, Belgium), she has performed at renowned venues, including Carnegie Hall, Tel Aviv Museum of Art, and the Seoul Arts Center. With an impressive roster of collaborations, she has appeared as a soloist with the Milwaukee Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, and New Jersey Symphony, among others.

A passionate chamber musician and festival artist, Yang has graced the stages of Marlboro, Tanglewood, and Ravinia, performing alongside esteemed musicians such as Peter Wiley and Charles Neidich. Her musical journey began in China before she earned degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music and The Juilliard School. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at Peabody Conservatory Yang while calling Tacoma home, along with her husband and baby girl. Symphony Tacoma audiences can anticipate an afternoon of breathtaking artistry as Yang brings her expressive depth and technical brilliance to the Mythical Landscapes program.

Symphony Tacoma Music Director Sarah Ioannides carefully curated this program to include a true gem of the classical repertoire: Igor Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite. A brilliant blend of myth, magic, and music, this dazzling masterpiece catapulted the young composer to international fame. Also on the concert are Jean Sibelius’ Pan and Echo, Dance Intermezzo No. 3, and Mahler’s Blumine movement, a hidden gem from his Symphony No. 1. 

Building community through music Symphony Tacoma is a dynamic professional orchestra composed of local musicians dedicated to making great music accessible to all. Led by Music Director Sarah Ioannides, the orchestra is committed to engaging, educating, and inspiring the community through transformative musical experiences.

Kicking off the Spring 2025 semester, Boston University Symphony Orchestra presents a collection of works that demonstrate kaleidoscopic evolution of nature, harmony, romance and sound. Led by conductor Sarah Ioannides.

Starting in Finland with Jean Sibelius’ Pan and Echo (1906) the work is best described by Siblelius’ biographer, Andrew Barnett: “poetic, full of feeling, and scored with great sensitivity.” Next, we feature one of our Fall 2024 winners of the Concerto Competition, Xueying Fan, with Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in D-flat major. This concerto is a lively and playful work that combines virtuosic piano passages with bold orchestral textures. The concerto features contrasting sections, from the jazzy, rhythmic opening movement to the lyrical, introspective second movement. The energetic finale concludes with whimsical, humorous themes, showcasing Prokofiev’s distinctive style and technical brilliance. Closing out the concert will be a continuing celebration of Anton Bruckner 200th birthday (born in 1824) with his first major success; Symphony no. 4 ‘Romantic’ (Second Edition, 1878.) Come & discover the “Romantic” tale hidden in its music described by the composer as tales of Medieval knights on horseback, forest murmurs, and bird song.