A La Porte County Life in the Spotlight: Emily Yiannias

Emily Yiannias serves as executive director of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra. In this role, she is heavily involved with music and the various business aspects of the orchestra’s operations, including regularly reviewing the organization’s strategic plan and managing fundraising efforts. 

“I’m the face of the organization,” she said. “I run the business aspect of it. I’m in charge of all aspects of it, such as finance, marketing, and logistics.”

Prior to her role, Yiannias taught at multiple universities, including the University of Notre Dame and Valparaiso University. 

Yiannias earned her Bachelor of Music from DePauw University and graduated with honors. She later went on to earn her Master of Music from Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, where she also graduated with honors. Yiannias also holds a graduate certificate in Philanthropic Fundraising from the Lily Family School of Philanthropy at IUPUI.

“I began singing and teaching professionally right after earning my master’s degree,” she said.

Yiannias is originally from Fort Wayne. However, she and her own family have resided in Valparaiso for the last 15 years. 

“My husband and I moved to Valparaiso in 2010,” she said.

Additionally, Yiannias is a classical soprano. An active chamber musician, she regularly appears with one of the nation’s premier chamber ensembles, Music of the Baroque. Based in Chicago, Music of the Baroque presents 18th-century works. 

Yiannias’s appreciation for the Valparaiso community is evident in her day-to-day work. In fact, one of the most rewarding aspects of her role is directly witnessing the reaction of the community to the work of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra.

“I think it’s the response from the community,” Yiannias said. “People get very excited about the concerts that we put on.”

She regularly interacts with the community concert attendees and hears how the organization’s music touches their lives.

“Getting to chat with our audiences and hear about how the music has touched their lives is really impactful for me,” she said. 

Music is one of her main hobbies, but she also enjoys traveling, which she particularly does with her family.

Last year, Yiannias traveled with her family to Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich. During the trip, they were able to draw on many new experiences, including a trip to Munich’s Christkindlmarkt. 

“One of our favorite things to do is traveling abroad and exploring a bunch of new cities,” Yiannias said.

Both Yiannias and her husband’s children are musically inclined. Her 14-year-old daughter plays the cello, and her 11-year-old  son is plays the saxophone. As a family, they like spending time outdoors as well. 

“We enjoy taking hikes and doing things in nature whenever we get the opportunity,” Yiannias said.

Beyond leading the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra, Yiannias has served as a fundraiser for Opportunity Enterprises in Valparaiso. In 2023, she helped raise more than $400,000 at the organization’s gala. 

Yiannias’ dedication and passion for her family, community, and work are the most important parts of who she is. This commitment to music and more is making a positive impact that will surely continue for years to come.