Music can bring people together – mind, heart, and soul. Sarah Ioannides
Treat yourself to the joys of a live symphony orchestra as Tacoma pays tribute to the final season with Sarah Ioannides, who has been leading the organization for the past 12 years.
“Sarah’s tenure leaves a great legacy. The symphony has grown by leaps and bounds under her baton,” says Jenn Cargile, Marketing Manager. The season is titled The Era of Sarah – The Final Flourish. “Sarah is a small (in height) but mighty force as she guides 80-200 musicians.”
The Tacoma Symphony is comprised of dedicated musicians who are on a pay-for-service basis. Their participation is in addition to other jobs and responsibilities they maintain. This dedicated group of people brings their talents and love of music to share with the greater community. “They tackle the repertories with grace and style. We may be a small community, yet our musicians are fantastic,” note Cargile.
The 2025-26 season brings variety, classics, voices, and selections with personal meaning to Ioannides. In October, music gets underway with guest artist Bella Hristova, violinist. The February concert welcomes local Sarah Viens on the trumpet along with Symphony Tacoma Voices. The spring concert, Passion & Grace, features Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet” and “Swan Lake.” May’s Grand Finale will have pieces you may not be as familiar. “But they will become your new favorites,” suggests Cargile. During that concert, the stage will include members of Ioannides’ family, her husband, Scott Hartman, a renowned trombonist and Yale professor, as well as their three children, who play various instruments.
The Tacoma Symphony is looking for a new music director to build on the strong foundation that Ioannides leaves behind. The process culminates with the 2027 season as five final candidates take turns as guest conductors.
The Pantages Theater originally staged vaudeville performances. Over time the building has been professionally retrofitted for acoustical enhancement. “It sounds fabulous!” says Cargile. Come and experience the excitement of live music. Previous experience or knowledge of music is not a requirement for attending or for total enjoyment. Wear what’s comfortable and experience the thrilling sounds of a symphony.
For more complete information and tickets, visit the Tacoma Symphony website – symphonytacoma.org
By Mary Ellen Psaltis