The Tacoma Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has been a vital part of Tacoma's cultural landscape for 60 years.  As a leader in the arts community, the Tacoma Symphony strives to engage and enlighten audiences through music performed by a local professional symphony orchestra.  With a range of programming that includes classical, pops and seasonal repertoire, the Tacoma Symphony aims to attract audiences of all ages, from all walks of life and with varied musical interests.  The Tacoma Symphony Orchestra was originally established in 1946 with 30 musicians from the University of Puget Sound.  Today the TSO is Tacoma's only full-scale professional orchestra with eighty-plus members, an affiliated community chorus, a highly regarded Music Director and a full-time administrative staff of four.  Each year, the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra brings music into the lives of nearly 20,000 citizens throughout Pierce County and the Greater Puget Sound area.  Offering quality classical and contemporary orchestral performances and an award-winning youth education program, the Tacoma Symphony is a respected professional arts organization that helps define Tacoma and Pierce County as a community committed to excellence in education, an exceptional quality of life, rich cultural traditions, inspiring natural surroundings and a thriving business community.