The TSO’s organizational values are founded
on two tenets. First, that live
orchestral music is vital, compelling, and essential to community quality of
life. Second, that it is not enough to simply
present concerts; we have an imperative to reach across demographic
barriers to attract and engage people, young and old, using both performance
and education.
This is typified by Music Director Harvey Felder’s
personal, warm approach from the podium and by the relaxed, informal ethos of
our concerts. Beloved
for his approachable stage personality, Maestro Felder talks to the audience at
each performance, explaining the music and what to listen for. Our musicians smile and acknowledge the
audience, and have many fans and personal friends among patrons. The TSO provides regional audiences with a
“user-friendly” opportunity to hear great live orchestral music in the heart of
downtown Tacoma without traveling to Seattle, Portland
or further afield.