–by Elizabeth Culp
For almost eight decades now, there has been a symphony right in the heart of Tacoma that is composed of members of our community. That’s right – those we see at the grocery store, walking their dogs, driving the streets of downtown Tacoma – are people who play in the Symphony!
Changing Names
However, before Symphony Tacoma was Symphony Tacoma, it was “College of Puget Sound Symphony Orchestra” back at its very first concert in 1946. Then, in 1959, the Orchestra was renamed to “Tacoma Symphony Orchestra” where most members referred to it as “TSO” or “the Symphony.” But, with the 70th anniversary of the Orchestra, the name got changed once again to the name it now goes by – Symphony Tacoma! Third time’s the charm, I guess. It was part of a rebranding effort and desire to bring a new look to the Symphony as a whole. With the 80th year anniversary approaching, one can wonder whether “Symphony Tacoma” may decide to rename or just update their logo, but only time will tell.
Predecessors and Present
A few years ago Symphony Tacoma celebrated their 75th (also known as “diamond”) anniversary of putting out professional orchestra music for Tacoma’s community. Knowing the history of this long-standing group is important to their heritage and of music in general. Olaf Bull, a Swedish-American violinist and conductor saw the opportunity to make an orchestra happen here in Tacoma way back in 1890. However, due to struggles with getting funds to support the efforts of the first “Tacoma Symphony”, it never managed to make it far. Then, in 1925, the “Tacoma Civic Orchestra” was formed by David P. Nason (who worked heavily with music in the Tacoma Public Schools) and it was community-focused, just like the modern Symphony Tacoma. His background allowed him to garner more support from professional and gifted student musicians alike. Despite Nason’s efforts and partnership with local radio stations and music stores, the Orchestra fell apart in 1928.
In 1933, Conductor Eugene Linden made it from Portland, Oregon to Tacoma with just $5 and hopes of starting up his own orchestra. His perseverance through the Great Depression helped him stay optimistic, even when only three musicians showed up to the first rehearsal – it later grew to 65! Although the members were far from professionals, the community welcomed them and many came to watch the performance of the “Tacoma Philharmonic Orchestra.” By 1951, budget issues caused the Orchestra to decide that they can only support musicians that were on tour and no longer those that were in the community, therefore ending this group’s legacy.
Even with these three Orchestra’s failures, in 1946, a performance of Handel’s The Messiah by College of Puget Sound Symphony Orchestra at the College of Puget Sound conducted by Raymond Vaught changed the history of community music in Tacoma for many decades (and hopefully many more to come). From leadership changes to changes to venues – Symphony Tacoma (as it’s now called) has taken quite the journey to be able to stay together even through difficult times in history.
In the News!
A Cityline interview from a couple of months ago between host Amanda Westbrooke and Symphony Tacoma Executive Director Jenni Warren discuss upcoming details surrounding the Orchestra. So, what is new with Symphony Tacoma you may ask? Pretty big news – the Symphony’s Music Director will be stepping down, but Warren confirms that the search for a new Director will not be made hastily and involve essentially every aspect of Symphony Tacoma – from the Orchestra to Board members. Even community members from Tacoma will be able to give feedback and input on Guest conductors as they look for a replacement to make sure as many voices are heard as possible since this change is rather large and impactful for the Symphony! Outside of the change in leadership, Warren discusses how Symphony Tacoma employs educational programs for schools who may not receive adequate funding or support in their music department. They do this by sending professional (yes, professional!) musicians to these schools and even have Elementary students come to the Pantages Theater – where Symphony Taocma performs – to play their instruments at showings.
Here’s a screenshot of some of the Symphony Tacoma’s upcoming concerts, including their Voices section too!
Big Podium to Fill
As mentioned above, after 12 dedicated years to Classical music and Tacoma’s community, Music Director and Conductor Sarah loannides will be resigning following the conclusion of the 2025-2026 concert season. Her commitment allowed for unique experiences for Symphony Tacoma through collaborations and even “internationally acclaimed artists” to join them! The Symphony has been able to gain local and national awards, with Pierce County and the City of Tacoma having a “Sarah loannides” day. As for after loannides departure, the 2026-2027 concert season will be full of guest Conductors to see who will fill the large gap left behind.
There are two groups within the Symphony Tacoma – Symphony Tacoma Voices and Symphony Tacoma Orchestra or Instrumental. Both groups have video performances on their YouTube channel alongside other news and updates surrounding their other programs and involvement.
Symphony Tacoma Voices
Shine on Me is a song that I believe to be a good representation of light in a dark time. As shown in the video and description of the YouTube video, “is a popular African American blues-gospel” hymn. Recorded at First Presbyterian Church on Tacoma Ave S and down in Point Ruston, the video encapsulates popular locations in Tacoma while holding true to the religious aspects of the song. Also, the song was chosen a year after the COVID-19 pandemic as seen by the masks and release date (May 2021), but I believe the song’s message rings ever true nowadays.
Symphony Tacoma Orchestra
A thrilling journey and performance of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances (Movement 3) by Symphony Tacoma with Conductor Sarah loannides with her leadership and command. Performed at the Pantages Theater right off Broadway and 9th, on October 15th 2022, the piece takes the audience through moments of soft gentle glides from the strings to powerful, triumphant beats from the brass and percussion. The performance makes sure that each section is included and heard at one time or another – a great one to listen to!
For more information about Symphony Tacoma’s upcoming concert, blog, ways to volunteer or donate, and much more, you can visit here.
About the Author
Elizabeth Culp prepared this blog post as the final project for T ARTS 225: Musical History of Tacoma, taught by Professor Kim Davenport at the University of Washington Tacoma in Spring Quarter 2025; at the time, she was a senior majoring in Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences.
Tacoma Music History 
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