While 2020 is all about Beethoven’s 250th birthday, the Colorado Symphony also has managed to squeeze in animated films, a week-long Danny Elfman residence, innovative world premieres and even a Coldplay experiment. Those are just some of the takeaways from Colorado Symphony’s full, 2020-21 schedule, which was announced Feb. 28 in advance of its fall premiere.

With 63 titles and 110 total events, the Colorado Symphony's 2020-2021 Season is packed with a number of symphonic masterworks. The orchestra will also be collaborating with guest artists like Danny Elfman; DeVotchKa; husband-and-wife duo Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn; as well as pianists Joyce Yang and Gabriela Montero; and violinists Karen Gomyo and Leila Josefowicz.

The Colorado Symphony and Music Director Brett Mitchell will perform the score of “Return of the Jedi” live as the film is screened on Feb. 27, Feb. 28 and Feb. 29 at Boettcher Concert Hall.The third installment of the beloved original trilogy, “Return of the Jedi” builds on the memorable themes that composer John Williams first created for his Oscar-winning score in “Star Wars: A New Hope."

Since 2012, the Colorado Symphony has been stepping out of its primary role as an orchestra to perform with bands and artists as varied as Nathaniel Rateliff, The Flaming Lips, The Lumineers, and dozens more. This year the Colorado Symphony has already announced collaborations with Dispatch and two dates with Brandi Carlile. Recently, we had a chance to talk to the Colorado Symphony’s Chief Artistic Officer Tony Pierce about these topics, the symphony’s versatility, and much more.

Cynthia Erivo discusses her upcoming February 15 performance alongside the Colorado Symphony with the Denver Post. “I love the sound of an orchestra,” she said. “There’s nothing like literally feeling the force of the music behind you. You can feel the sound moving through the air. That’s why whenever I have an opportunity to do this, I do it.”