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

On April 20th, the Pantages Theater was transformed into a vibrant hub of music and surprises for Symphony Tacoma’s Dreams & Dances. The evening kicked off with a burst of color and passion as flamenco dancers welcomed the audience; their graceful movements and the sounds of Spain set the stage for the night. This was just the beginning of a series of unique experiences that made the event truly special.

New York Philharmonic horn player Leelanee Sterrett stepped into the spotlight and closed the first half of the evening with a spellbinding performance of Strauss’s incomparable Horn Concerto No. 1. Sterrett expertly demonstrated the horn’s capabilities, effortlessly navigating through challenging passages. Her deft performance on one of the most difficult instruments in the orchestral family was truly inspiring. Based on the crowd’s enthusiastic response, they agreed.

After a short intermission, Symphony Tacoma Music Director Sarah Ioannides welcomed us back to the concert and introduced local composer Gina Gillie. The following performance was the world premiere of Gillie’s piece Reverie. Originally commissioned by a professional horn player needing to rehab an injury, Gillie explained the inspiration for this intense piece was the ethereal realm of dreams and imagination. Sterrett once again joined the orchestra to bring this captivating piece to life, and she did just that! Hearing such a beautiful piece composed by a local musician was an honor.

The energy was palpable, and Sarah put the audience exactly where she wanted us as she moved into Arturo Márquez’s Danzón No. 2.Could Sarah have programmed anything more perfectly to close this rhythmic evening? No! Márquez’s spirited piece perfectly summed up the night and left many of us bobbing our heads and tapping our toes in the hall. Spirits ran high as we all streamed to the lobby and into the beautiful spring night. This was another outstanding success for our Symphony Tacoma and Sarah Ioannides!