Enriching Denver’s cultural landscape through music and community engagement
By Lexi Reich
Photography By Amanda Tipton
A PILLAR OF DENVER’S cultural scene, the Colorado Symphony celebrated the finale of its 100th season with a dazzling lineup of performances and events. This milestone is a celebration of longevity and a testament to the orchestra’s evolving artistry.
The journey began on November 6, 1922, when the Civic Symphony Orchestra debuted under Horace Tureman’s baton. Fast forward to 1934, in the throes of the Great Depression, the Denver Symphony Orchestra emerged, consolidating the city’s musicians and ensuring
fair wages. Helen Marie Black broke barriers as the first female symphony manager in the U.S., leading the orchestra for more than 30 years, including 12 years as an unpaid volunteer. Despite gaining national acclaim, financial struggles in 1989 led to the formation of the Colorado Symphony. The reorganization introduced a collaborative governance model, reflecting a broader mission to engage communities beyond Denver.
Today, attending a Colorado Symphony performance is nothing short of magical.
“From the moment you step into Boettcher Concert Hall, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere charged with anticipation and excitement,” says Mark Cantrell, Colorado Symphony’s president and CEO. “Our orchestra, comprised of some of the most talented musicians in the world, brings an unparalleled level of artistry and passion to each performance. Whether we’re playing a timeless Beethoven symphony, a contemporary piece by a living composer or a thrilling film score, every concert offers a unique experience. The sound, the energy and the sheer beauty of the music combine to create an unforgettable memory that resonates long after the final note is played.”
The Colorado Symphony has impacted the community through education and partnerships. Programs like “Symphony on the Go” bring live music to schools and under-served areas, inspiring the next generation. Collaborations with local institutions such as the Denver Zoo and Cleo Parker Robinson Dance extend the symphony’s cultural reach.
“Our educational programs and community partnerships are at the heart of our mission,” Cantrell emphasizes. “We believe that music has the power to transform lives, and through our collaborations, we are able to extend our reach beyond the concert hall and into the community. These partnerships allow us to create innovative and engaging experiences that connect people with music in new and meaningful ways, fostering a love for the arts and nurturing the next generation of musicians and music lovers.”
This summer, the symphony rocks Red Rocks Amphitheatre with an eclectic mix of artists, including Trevor Hall, Nas, Lake Street Dive, Jason Mraz, Guster, Brandi Carlile and Warren Haynes. On July 13, Boettcher Concert Hall hosted Beethoven and Brews, a delightful blend of classical music and craft beer. August 3 and 4 bring screenings of “The Princess Bride” with live orchestral accompaniment, promising a magical movie experience.
September launches the 2024/25 season with a star-studded roster. Violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, singer LeAnn Rimes, pianist Yuja Wang and actor Leslie Odom Jr. are set to grace the stage. The season also features performances of iconic film scores from “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and more.
“With the Colorado Symphony, there’s truly something for everyone,” Cantrell adds.
“Our 2024/25 season includes performances alongside renowned artists and symphonic tributes to beloved films and icons. We also have our incredible sixteen classics titles and will screen and perform scores from several beloved films, including ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas [2000]’ and ‘How to Train Your Dragon,’ along with a symphonic tribute to comedy icon Mel Brooks.”
The symphony’s innovative spirit and dedication to community engagement ensure it will continue to enrich lives through music for the next century. As the Colorado Symphony celebrates this landmark, it invites the community to support the future of live symphonic music in Colorado.
COLORADO SYMPHONY
Boettcher Concert Hall at
Denver Performing Arts Complex
1000 14th St., #15, Denver
303.623.7876
coloradosymphony.org
