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”

Concert Preview: Symphony Tacoma presents “Transformation” 

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

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.