Maestro Gerard Schwarz, the longtime music director of the Seattle Symphony, is pretty much the shit. And we don't usually bestow such heady honors upon symphony types. Under his leadership the Seattle Symphony has become a world-class institution, and Schwarz has been repeatedly recognized for his brilliance and dedication to the craft. On a farewell tour of sorts, Thursday will mark Schwarz's last Tacoma appearance before stepping down from his post at the end of the 2010-11 season.

[Pantages Theater, 7:30 p.m., $19-$52, 901 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5890]