Tacoma, WA — After a five-year tenure as executive director of Symphony Tacoma, Karina Bharne has announced her resignation, effective December 31, 2023. Bharne will become executive director of the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in Florida.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with a dedicated staff, board and an orchestra of immensely talented musicians,” said Bharne. “We’ve deepened connections with our community through creative programming, new partnerships and collaboration. Symphony Tacoma is poised for growth and greater impact—and I’m committed to supporting a smooth leadership transition.”
Bharne came to Tacoma in 2018 from the San Antonio Symphony in Texas. She provided steadfast leadership as Symphony Tacoma endured the challenges of a pandemic that pre-empted an entire concert season. Bharne effectively managed a pivot to digital programming that included encore presentations of previous concerts, original ensemble performances, program previews and other “backstage” encounters with musicians and composers—presented on various platforms and provided free to a global audience.
Bharne kept the organization on solid financial footing through successful pursuit of pandemic relief funding, effective engagement and strong relationships with public/private funders, corporate sponsors, individual donors and subscribers.
With Music Director Sarah Ioannides on the podium, the Symphony returned to live concert performances that complied with health/safety guidelines, addressed musician/audience concerns, and re-established Symphony Tacoma’s prominent standing in the regional arts culture.
“We’re extremely grateful for Karina’s enthusiastic and capable leadership over the last five years and congratulate her on this wonderful opportunity in Orlando,” said Rick Meeder, president of the Symphony Tacoma Board of Directors. “While we’ll miss Karina, Symphony Tacoma is well-positioned to attract a dynamic new leader. The process of finding that person will be an opportunity to align everyone around the organization’s mission: Building Community Through Music.”
The Symphony Tacoma board will implement a transition plan and explore options for interim leadership. A search committee composed of board members and other key stakeholders will begin a national search for a successor.
