Symphony Tacoma

Inspiring audiences with live musical experiences that transcend tradition, Symphony Tacoma has been a vital part of Tacoma’s cultural landscape for 75 years. We are deeply committed to our role as one of the hubs of Tacoma’s cultural sector and dedicated to the belief that the community is made stronger and more vibrant by experiencing great music together.

Established in 1946 with 30 volunteer musicians from the University of Puget Sound, the organization was professionalized in 1993 under the leadership of Harvey Felder, now conductor laureate. In 2014, we welcomed music director Sarah Ioannides, whom the Los Angeles Times called “one of six female conductors breaking the glass podium.” Currently, our eighty-plus orchestral musicians and volunteer chorus of 70 performs annually for nearly 20,000 citizens throughout Pierce County and the Greater Puget Sound area.

Our core season includes six main-series classical concerts, holiday choral pops, an annual performance of Handel’s Messiah and a spring choral concert. These concerts are primarily held in the historic Pantages Theater, where we have been one of the primary resident arts organizations for more than 30 years.

We engage our community through our trio of education programs: Mini Maestros, Simply Symphonic, Symphony2U and Eternal Light expanding access to classical music outside of the concert hall.