Concert Preview: Symphony Tacoma presents “Transformation”

Concert Preview: Symphony Tacoma presents “Transformation”

Concert Preview: Symphony Tacoma presents “Transformation” 

Sarah Ioannides | Symphony Tacoma Music Director | Female Conductor and Composer

 

On Saturday, March 16th (7:30pm), Symphony Tacoma takes audiences on a journey of Transformation, traversing the landscapes of emotion and expression, illuminating the profound changes that music ignites within the soul. With the backdrop of timeless masterpieces, this concert promises an immersive experience that transcends the ordinary. From the hauntingly evocative strains of Andrée’s Intermezzo to the virtuosic fervor of Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and closing with the four most famous notes in the classical repertoire, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.

 

Liszt wrote drafts of his second piano concerto during what is known as his virtuoso period (1839-1840). He then put away the manuscript for a decade before revising and scrutinizing it repeatedly for another decade, with the final set of revisions ending in 1861…It takes a deft hand and unique ability to bring such a nuanced concerto to life. Joining Symphony Tacoma to do just that is Tacoma resident and Brazilian pianist Ronaldo Rolim. Acclaimed for his “consummate elegance” (New York Concert Review), Rolim has performed extensively over four continents (including the Liszt Academy in Budapest) and claimed top prizes at numerous prestigious international competitions.

News: Symphony Tacoma Announces Contract Extension of Music Director Sarah Ioannides

News: Symphony Tacoma Announces Contract Extension of Music Director Sarah Ioannides

News: Symphony Tacoma Announces Contract Extension of Music Director Sarah Ioannides

Sarah Ioannides | Symphony Tacoma Music Director | Female Conductor and Composer

Symphony Tacoma has officially announced the extension of Music Director Sarah Ioannides’ contract through the 2028-2029 Season, marking a significant continuation of her transformative influence on the orchestra since 2014. Recognized for her dynamic and authoritative conducting style, Ioannides has played a pivotal role in redefining the orchestra’s artistic direction, focusing on innovative programming that includes works by lesser-known and living composers, and introducing new interpretations of familiar symphonic music.

Under Ioannides’ leadership, Symphony Tacoma has embarked on a journey of artistic rejuvenation, blending traditional symphonic works with contemporary pieces to reflect the diverse community it serves. Rick Meeder, Symphony Tacoma Board President, highlighted Ioannides’ ability to stretch both the orchestra and its audience with her creative programming and dynamic performances. The orchestra’s evolution under Ioannides has not only elevated its performance standards but has also garnered national recognition, receiving numerous awards for artistic excellence and creativity from prestigious organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the League of American Orchestras.

Ioannides’ influence extends beyond the local community, with a distinguished international career that has seen her conduct orchestras across seven continents. Her experiences bring a global perspective to Symphony Tacoma, enriching its artistic vision and connecting it to broader musical dialogues. Looking forward, Ioannides expressed excitement about leading the orchestra through its next phase of development, promising more memorable moments and musical highlights in the seasons to come. Her continued leadership signifies a promising future for Symphony Tacoma, as it strives to build community through music and foster a deeper appreciation for symphonic works among diverse audiences.

News: 2024 Heritage Award for Special Programs and Collaborations

News: 2024 Heritage Award for Special Programs and Collaborations

News: 2024 Heritage Award for Special Programs and Collaborations

Sarah Ioannides | Symphony Tacoma Music Director | Female Conductor and Composer

“Every year at our annual meeting, the Heritage League of Pierce County recognizes the outstanding heritage work carried out in our county by museum and community professionals. The goal of these awards is to recognize achievement among our members and affiliates doing heritage work in Pierce County.

The Heritage League of Pierce County is pleased to announce that the Tacoma Method opera, Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation, Tacoma Opera, and Tacoma Symphony have been selected for a 2024 Heritage Award in the category of Special Programs & Collaborations.  Our board members particularly wish to honor the cooperation between so many individuals and organizations to educate our community about this important and tragic chapter of Tacoma’s history.” – Heritage League of Pierce County

BIG THANKS TO the Heritage League of Pierce County for the award. And all who worked hard to bring this incredible piece to life. 

Concert Preview: Symphony Tacoma presents “Remembrance”

Concert Preview: Symphony Tacoma presents “Remembrance”

Concert Preview: Symphony Tacoma presents: “Remembrance”

Sarah Ioannides | Symphony Tacoma Music Director | Female Conductor and Composer

 

Tacoma, WA — This year celebrates the 150th anniversary of Verdi’s Requiem, his monumental choral masterpiece that transcends the traditional boundaries of the Requiem mass with its dramatic intensity and emotional depths. Symphony Tacoma proudly joins the celebration with its premiere performance of this epic piece at Remembrance on Saturday, February 24th. Symphony Tacoma, Symphony Tacoma Voices, and four renowned soloists means over 160 musicians will be on the Pantages stage.

The Requiem premiered on the first anniversary of Manzoni’s passing and was immediately labeled a masterpiece. One review commented, “To follow the movement one by one would be quite impossible; but we will say, nevertheless, that all applauded with rapture. The ‘Dies Irae’, with all the episodes which it comprises, was received with extraordinary favor. But at the ‘Offertorium’, the enthusiasm knew no bounds, and the public insisted on the repetition of this admirable quartet with chorus … At the ‘Agnus Dei’, the applause grew louder, and suppressed shouts broke out during the performance, so powerful was the inspiration which it revealed … After the ‘Offertorium’ had been repeated, a silver crown was presented to Verdi on a velvet cushion, whilst the public applauded with rapture.”

Symphony Tacoma Music Director, Sarah Ioannides comments, “Something like Verdi’s Requiem can have a lasting effect on you. The conveyance of the emotions that surface when you hear something like this; when you have so many forces on stage, and such a direct communication with the composer himself. With Verdi’s passion, feelings of grief, loss, and sadness but also at the same time with hope, and lightness, and joy. That moment of loss is also the moment of rebirth. So, let’s come together and celebrate life and humanity!”

News: 2023 4BR Conductor of the Year Nomination

News: 2023 4BR Conductor of the Year Nomination

News: 2023 4BR Conductor of the Year Nomination

Sarah Ioannides | Symphony Tacoma Music Director | Female Conductor and Composer

Very much a reflection of what of the success the bands under their command achieved on various artistic stage throughout the year, it was also a battle between two heavyweight contenders for the accolade of ‘4BR Conductor of the Year’.

The final podium spot goes to Sarah Ioannides who made such a remarkable impression with the National Youth Band of Great Britain this year, and who just pipped Prof Nicholas Childs of Black Dyke.