The Mission of the Tacoma Philharmonic
is to
enrich the cultural life of our community by presenting classical music
performances of world-renowned orchestras and artists otherwise
unavailable in the Tacoma area and by offering unique music education
opportunities.
Brief History of the Tacoma Philharmonic
In 1933,
21-year-old Eugene Linden hitchhiked from his Portland home to Tacoma
with the burning desire to start an orchestra. The first rehearsal was
of historical significance: three musicians responded. Mr. Linden was
satisfied: "no musicians would have been a failure, three was a
beginning." In just a few short months Mr. Linden brought together 65
musicians. Rehearsals were held in many locations: Ted Brown Music
Company and the Winthrop Hotel were the first, but the first regular
rehearsal hall was the basement of the State Armory, where the
rehearsals were held every Sunday. Later, as interest in the project
grew, rehearsals were transferred to the Scottish Rite Cathedral, where
the new organization remained until the first concert in March 1934.
It was two years before there was any pay for musicians. Mr. Linden,
who gave his time freely in forming the orchestra, commuted each week
from Portland, Oregon. The problem of Mr. Linden’s living expenses
while in Tacoma was completely solved through the generous action of
Mrs. Belle Hodges Fletcher, whose residence and interest in Tacoma
dates from 1884 and who extended Mr. Linden an invitation to consider
her home his headquarters. The first concert was was held on March 17,
1934 at Jason Lee Intermediate School with an attendance of 800 music
lovers! Because of the great turnout for this concert a second concert
was held for June 5, 1934 at the same location. At this point the
organization drew up a constitution, by-laws, incorporated and
officially adopted the name Tacoma Philharmonic. In the 1940’s the
Philharmonic performed for our servicemen locally many times. In 1947
Tacoma Philharmonic merged with the Seattle Symphony to create the
short-lived Pacific Northwest Symphony Orchestra, with Maestro Linden
as the combined orchestra’s Music Director.
Due to rising orchestra costs, in 1951 the Tacoma Philharmonic’s Board
of Directors made the monumental decision to become a presenting
organization. Each year the Tacoma Philharmonic presents the finest
orchestras, chamber ensembles and solo artists in classical music.
The Tacoma Philharmonic truly has become
"the South Sound Source for World Class Classical Music."
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