“The fact that I can plant a seed and it becomes a flower, share a bit of knowledge and it becomes another’s, smile at someone and receive a smile in return, are to me continual spiritual exercises.” Leo F. Buscaglia, American guru, tireless advocate of the power of love, 1924-1998.
At the helm for 12 seasons, Music Director and Conductor of Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah Ioannides will be passing the baton to her new successor at the end of the 2016-2017 seasons. A search for Ioannides’s successor has begun.
Ioannides has led the orchestra through a period of significant artistic growth and increased community engagement. During her time with the orchestra, she has brought diverse, exciting and innovative programs to Spartanburg, collaborating with world-renowned composers and guest artists like Evelyn Glennie, Vadim Gluzman, Dario Marianelli, and George Li. SPO has also reached national acclaim under her baton and solidified its place among the most vibrant performing ensembles in the country.
“Spartanburg is, and always will be, an important and very special part of my life – not only for me but for my family as well. The last ten years have been musically inspiring. I am so very proud of the orchestra and everything we have accomplished,” Ioannides said. “I firmly believe the Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra will continue to be successful, long into the future, standing strong as one of the premier musical establishments.”
Passionate about education, Ioannides and SPO began a partnership with Carnegie Hall in 2012, each year performing the “Link Up” program for thousands of Spartanburg, South Carolina elementary school students. And in 2014, the orchestra was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Grant for its educational outreach.
“It has been my honor and pleasure to work with Sarah for the past year,” SPO Executive Director Kathryn Boucher said. “She is a remarkable artist who brings unmatched passion and generosity to her work. Though I will truly miss our partnership, I know I can look forward to celebrating her future accomplishments.”
In 2014, Ioannides was appointed Music Director of the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, and this Fall she will be making her debuts with the Tonkunstler Orchestra in Vienna, National Symphony of Dominican Republic, and the prestigious Yale Philharmonia.
“Spartanburg has been very fortunate to have a young rising star like Sarah at the artistic helm of SPO since the 2005-2006 Season. In partnership with orchestra musicians, she has raised the artistic level and reputation of SPO both locally and nationally,” Music Foundation of Spartanburg Board President Ray Dunleavy said.
SPO principal flute and Orchestra Committee chair, Rhea Jacobus said, “I will particularly miss seeing Sarah’s wonderful capacity to forge a sensitive, unified musical poem out of what starts out as individual viewpoints… this is a phenomenal ability, and one that I have repeatedly watched with fascination and enjoyment during our rehearsals throughout the years.”
More on SPO at: www.spartanburgphilharmonic.org.