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.