FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Nick Dobreff, Communications and Creative Director
616.485.3913 (m) – 303.308.2477 (o)
COLORADO SYMPHONY AND BAYERISCHE PHILHARMONIE FORM PARTNERSHIP
Agreement is the first long-term relationship formed under the City2City Munich-Denver Economic Partnership
L-R: Thomas Mayr, Member of the Board of Directors German American Chamber of Commerce (GACC), Chadwick V. R. Williams, German Honorary Consul for Colorado and Wyoming, Mark Cantrell, President & CEO Colorado Symphony, Mark Mast, CEO and Chief Conductor Bayerische Philharmonie, Anthony Pierce, Chief Artistic Officer Colorado Symphony, Daniel Wachter, Board Vice Chair Colorado Symphony, John Street, Board Chairman Colorado Symphony
Nov. 25, 2024 – Denver, CO – The Colorado Symphony and the Bayerische Philharmonie signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on November 22, 2024, as part of the City2City Munich-Denver Economic Partnership which was announced the same day at the opening ceremony of the Denver Christkindlmarket. With the support of the German Cultural Foundation, this MOU represents the first long-term relationship formed under the partnership.
The joint purpose of the MOU is to promote cutting-edge international musical exchange aimed at promoting and demonstrating the relevance of classical music on both sides of the Atlantic. The partnership will also:
- Showcase the unique artistic and cultural similarities between Denver and Munich;
- Promote artistic development by allowing for the exchange of artists and conductors to provide unique exposure, training, and cross-cultural experiences for both orchestras;
- Identify additional governmental and commercial partners that are common to both organizations that can help each organization meet its mission;
- Form a lasting partnership between two great musical organizations that allows for musical innovation.
The collaboration will begin January 1, 2025.
Quote from Mark Cantrell, President & CEO, Colorado Symphony:
“We are thrilled to announce this groundbreaking partnership between the Colorado Symphony and the Bayerische Philharmonie, which represents a remarkable convergence of artistry and cultural exchange. As the first long-term collaboration under the City2City Munich-Denver Economic Partnership, this relationship highlights the unifying power of music and the strength of international collaboration. Together, we will create opportunities to share our music, inspire creativity, and forge deeper connections between our communities in Denver and Munich.”
Quote from John Street, Board Chair, Colorado Symphony:
“This partnership with the Bayerische Philharmonie is a momentous step forward, not only for the Colorado Symphony but for Denver as an economic and cultural hub on the global stage. By joining forces under the City2City Munich-Denver Economic Partnership, we are fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and talent that will enrich both of our communities. It’s an exciting opportunity to celebrate the universal language of music while strengthening the bonds between our cities, regions, states, and countries.”
Quote from Daniel Wachter, Vice Co-Chair, Colorado Symphony:
“While putting this partnership with Mark Mast and the Bayerische Philharmonie together, it has been amazing to experience how quickly the visions of all parties involved aligned, and how well they connect, economically as well as culturally. We are all convinced that it’s good business to support the Arts as they help improve our surrounding communities and positively impact the companies that support the arts organizations. Arts networking at the executive level brings benefits to supporting companies, and a city like Denver with its vibrant artistic and cultural scene attracts better talent. Companies that are directly involved with that vibrancy are set up to better retain and grow that talent. Becoming a Delegate of the Denver Economic Committee representing the Colorado Symphony, we appreciate and recognize the importance of our performing arts form to the business community in Denver, on the Front Range, and acting as cultural ambassador beyond our home state of Colorado within this newly formed City2City Munich-Denver Economic Partnership.”
Quote from Mark Mast, CEO and Chief Conductor Bayerische Philharmonie:
“We are thrilled and excited, joyful and thankful to announce this visionary transatlantic partnership between the Bayerische Philharmonie and the Colorado Symphony. Wherever and whenever business and politics meet, culture and specially music must be an integral part of the scenery. Music builds bridges, brings people together, shows us our potential as human beings. The experience of a symphonic moment can change lives and helps us to develop a peaceful and sustainable society, across the Atlantic, across all borders. Let’s transform sounds into music, soloists into an orchestra, and chorus and individuals into a community. Let’s bring music and arts, business and politics together – in our countries and by filling this transatlantic partnership with music and life.”
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CONTACTS:
For more information or to request interviews, please contact:
Nick Dobreff, Communications and Creative Director
ndobreff@coloradosymphony.org - 303.308.2477 (o)
For high-resolution, downloadable images of the Colorado Symphony, contact: ndobreff@coloradosymphony.org
Support for the 2024/25 Colorado Symphony Season is provided by: The Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), Genesee Mountain Foundation, Denver Arts & Venues, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Chamber Initiatives, and the Colorado Symphony Guild.
TICKETS:
Tickets to Colorado Symphony events are available online at coloradosymphony.org/tickets, by phone at 303.623.7876, and in person at the Boettcher Concert Hall Box Office, Denver Performing Arts Complex, 1000 14th Street. The Box Office is open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday, noon – 5 p.m., and two hours prior to each performance.
ABOUT THE COLORADO SYMPHONY
One of the leading orchestras in the United States, the Colorado Symphony Association is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization performing more than 150 concerts annually at Boettcher Concert Hall in downtown Denver and across Colorado. Led by Principal Conductor Peter Oundjian, the Colorado Symphony is home to eighty full-time musicians, representing more than a dozen nations, and regularly welcomes the most celebrated artists from the world of symphonic music and beyond. The orchestra celebrated their Centennial during the 2023/24 concert season. In the last year, the Colorado Symphony served over 340,000 people attending live performances at concert and non-traditional venues throughout Colorado’s Front Range. Recognized as an incubator of innovation, creativity, and excellence, the Colorado Symphony continually expands its reach through in-person and virtual education programs, outreach, and programming. The Colorado Symphony partners with the state’s leading musical artists, cultural organizations, corporations, foundations, sports teams, and individuals to expose diverse audiences to the transformative power of music. To learn more, visit coloradosymphony.org.