Tahoe Philharmonic

When you attend a Tahoe Philharmonic performance, you're not simply listening to an orchestra. You're sharing an experience. You'll hear extraordinary musicians performing alongside longtime friends and emerging artists. You'll enjoy Maestro Rawie's engaging stories that illuminate the music with history, humor, and insight. Most importantly, you'll become part of an audience that celebrates the joy of live performance together.

Our season embraces the full spectrum of musical expression—from beloved symphonic masterworks and opera to Broadway favorites, patriotic celebrations, holiday concerts, chamber music, family performances, and educational programs. Every concert is thoughtfully designed to inspire, entertain, and create meaningful connections between performers and audiences.

Many of our musicians have performed throughout the Reno-Tahoe region for decades, creating a musical community built on friendship, mentorship, and a shared passion for live performance. Audiences often tell us that what makes a Tahoe Philharmonic concert unique isn't just the music; it's the feeling of being part of something personal.

Throughout the season, the Tahoe Philharmonic presents a wide variety of performances, including symphonic masterworks, opera, Broadway favorites, patriotic celebrations, chamber music, holiday concerts, family programs, and special community events. Beyond the concert hall, we remain committed to educational outreach, student opportunities, and bringing live music to audiences across Northern Nevada and the Lake Tahoe region.

For more than four decades, Maestro James Rawie has dedicated his life to building musical communities. Throughout his career, he has founded orchestras, inspired generations of musicians, introduced thousands of audience members to classical music, and created opportunities for artists to perform both locally and around the world. His vision has always extended beyond presenting concerts; he believes music has the power to bring people together, strengthen communities, and create lasting memories.

Thank you for joining us. Your presence makes these performances possible, and we hope today's concert leaves you inspired, uplifted, and eager to return.

James Rawie, Maestro

Founder • Artistic Director • Conductor

At Tahoe Philharmonic, the heartbeat of our organization resonates in the talent and vision of our Maestro, James Rawie. With a profound love for music and community, the Maestro not only conducts the Philharmonic but also fosters a culture of artistic excellence and collaboration. His vision, determination, and leadership bring together musicians from diverse backgrounds, crafting unforgettable performances that elevate the artistic landscape of Tahoe.

The journey of the Maestro is rooted in a lifelong commitment to music and the joy it brings to people's lives. With numerous accolades and years of experience in the philharmonic sphere, the Maestro understands the transformative power of music. At Tahoe Philharmonic, this passion translates into a vibrant community that thrives on creativity, innovation, and the shared experience of live performance.

Maestro James’s Bio

For more than four decades, Maestro James Rawie has devoted his life to building musical communities where artists and audiences come together through the shared experience of live performance. A conductor, educator, founder, and visionary, he believes music has the unique ability to inspire, unite, and enrich every community it touches.

California-born, Rawie's undergraduate years were spent at the University of California, Irvine, where his first academic degree in Psychobiology in 1969. His musical studies there included: trumpet with Jimmy Sachs, voice with Heyden Blanchard, choral conducting with Dr. Maurice Allard, and orchestral conducting with Dr. Peter Odegard.

He received a Master of Musical Arts degree in Orchestral Conducting from the State University of New York, Stonybrook in 1979 as a student of David Lawton and Arthur Weisberg. He prepared Bach's St. Matthew Passion with Dr. Otto Werner Mueller at Yale University-Norfolk.

He studied in Berlin, Germany; at the Aspen Music Festival; and for ten summers with Helmuth Rilling at the Oregon Bach Festival. Maestro Rawie conducted the premieres in Puerto Rico of: Brahms’ Requiem, Mozart's Requiem; Gounod's Missa Solemnis; Dvorák's Mass in D major, Mozart's Mass in C minor, and many of Bach's cantatas. In 1985 he led the first performance in Spanish of Bach's St. Matthew Passion, celebrating the tricentennial of the German master's birth, which brought together 300 singers, the largest number ever to perform a major choral work in the history of Puerto Rico.

From the operatic repertory, he has presented most of the Mozart operas and Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors.

He took the Symphonic Chorus on tours to Spain, Catalonia, and Greece. He took his former orchestra on tours: 2015-Tuscany; 2017-Salzburg/Prague; 2019-Slovenia/Budapest; 2022-Toulouse/Barcelona, and in 2024 he took the Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus to Greece, and in 2026 they went to Croatia.

James has been Xterra Triathlon age group champion for the Southeastern or Western USA divisions for 14 consecutive years, a 2017 & 2024 US National Champion, and is an Ironman. He was the 2022 Xterra World Champion at Lake Molveno, Italy.

Our Orchestra

While the Tahoe Philharmonic Orchestra & Chorus was founded in 2024, the musicians who bring our performances to life have deep roots in the Reno–Tahoe cultural community. Many have performed under Maestro James Rawie for years—and in some cases, decades—creating a shared musical history that long predates the Philharmonic itself.

That strong local foundation is complemented by exceptional musicians and guest artists from across the country. Tahoe Philharmonic brings together accomplished professionals from our own community and beyond, giving Northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe audiences the opportunity to experience remarkable musical talent right here at home.

Together, our orchestra, chorus, and guest artists bring classical masterworks, opera, Broadway favorites, and more to life on stages throughout Lake Tahoe, Reno, and the Carson Valley. Whether a musician comes from across town or across the country, they share the same commitment to artistic excellence and creating memorable live music experiences for our audiences.

As a nonprofit organization, Tahoe Philharmonic is made possible through the support of the communities we serve. That support allows us to continue bringing outstanding musicians together and making exceptional live music an important part of the cultural life of our region.

Our Chorus

There is something extraordinary about the sound of voices coming together.

The Tahoe Philharmonic Chorus brings together dedicated and experienced vocalists who share a passion for great choral music and the joy of performing it for our community. Under the direction of Maestro James Rawie, our singers take on some of the most beautiful and powerful works in the classical repertoire, while also bringing their voices to opera, Broadway, holiday favorites, and other audience favorites throughout the season.

Many of our chorus members have sung together and performed with Maestro Rawie for years, creating a musical connection that can be heard when they take the stage.

From the quietest, most intimate moments to the breathtaking sound of a full chorus and orchestra performing together, our singers are an essential part of the Tahoe Philharmonic experience.

One chorus. Many voices. Music that brings us together.