Causes Célèbres

Tacoma Symphony

This is an anniversary year for concert music in Tacoma. A triple anniversary celebration is in progress, in fact, with the Northwest Sinfonietta in its 15th year, the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra marking its 60th and the Tacoma Philharmonic celebrating 70 years in the game. We salute you all, musicians, staff, boards of directors and audience members on your crystal, diamond and platinum anniversaries, respectively.

15 Patricia Wooster, immediate past president of the board, Northwest Sinfonietta: “I first heard the Sinfonietta performing with the Tacoma Opera. I was intrigued by the collaboration. I’ve attended many concerts since then. It’s not often when I’m watching a concert that every single piece of music really speaks to me. That’s happened often over the years with the Sinfonietta.”

60 Karla Timmerman-Epperson, cellist, Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, 1959 - 2003, current board member: “I always feel so proud to think ‘I was a part of that’ and to see my friends still playing. Performing is so exhilarating. When I left the orchestra, I didn’t know how I’d like sitting in the audience. But I loved it the first time and I still love it.”

70 Dr. David Sparling, Tacoma Philharmonic subscriber since 1960, current board member: “I moved here because of the Tacoma Philharmonic. Over the years, I’ve seen some of the greatest artists right in my neighborhood. Now our challenge is to introduce young people to the great music of the centuries. I have no doubt the Philharmonic will be around for another 70 years.”