FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Nick Dobreff, Communications and Creative Director
616.485.3913 (m) – 303.308.2477 (o)
ndobreff@coloradosymphony.org
COLORADO SYMPHONY ANNOUNCES FREE INDEPENDENCE EVE CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY CU ANSCHUTZ
Patriotic favorites, iconic film music, and the triumphant sounds of America return to downtown Denver
May 26, 2026 – Denver, CO – The Colorado Symphony invites the community to celebrate America’s 250th and Colorado turning 150 at a special Independence Eve celebration on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre. This free community concert presented by CU Anschutz features an exhilarating evening of patriotic favorites, beloved orchestral works, and iconic American music performed by the full Colorado Symphony under the baton of conductor Scott Terrell, with Colorado Symphony Principal Trumpet Justin Bartels featured as soloist.
“CU Anschutz is honored to partner with the Colorado Symphony on this special community celebration recognizing the extraordinary service and sacrifice of our veterans, military service members and their families,” said Chancellor Don Elliman. “Supporting the health and well-being of those who have served our country is deeply connected to our mission, and we are proud to help make this meaningful event accessible to the entire community.”
A longstanding Colorado summer tradition, Independence Eve will showcase stirring patriotic anthems alongside music from Broadway, film, and the American songbook. The program opens with the “Star-Spangled Banner” and includes beloved works from legendary composer John Williams, including selections from 1941, The Cowboys, and Lincoln. Audiences will also enjoy Gershwin selections from Porgy and Bess, Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America,” a rousing “Armed Forces Salute,” music from Chicago and The Music Man, and a thrilling finale featuring Tchaikovsky’s explosive 1812 Overture and Sousa’s enduring “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
“Independence Eve is one of Denver’s most cherished traditions and a powerful celebration of community, patriotism, and the joy of live music,” said Tony Pierce, Chief Artistic Officer for the Colorado Symphony. “This concert brings together audiences of all ages to celebrate our nation through music that inspires pride, reflection, and connection. We are thrilled partner with CU Anschutz to offer this event free to the community and welcome everyone to downtown Denver for an unforgettable evening.”
Program Highlights Include:
- “Star-Spangled Banner”
- Music of John Williams
- Selections from Porgy and Bess
- “God Bless America”
- “Armed Forces Salute”
- Music from Chicago and The Music Man
- Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture
- Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever”
Tickets for this event are free but required for entry and may be reserved beginning May 26 at 8:00 a.m. MST at coloradosymphony.org. All tickets are general admission.
EVENT INFORMATION:
What: Independence Eve with the Colorado Symphony
Where: Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre
When: Friday, July 3, 2026 at 6:00pm MST
Tickets: Available now at coloradosymphony.org.
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CONTACT:
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 2025/26 Colorado Symphony Season is provided by: The Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), Genesee Mountain Foundation, Denver Arts & Venues, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Schoen Foundation, 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 Peter Oundjian as its Music Director as of the 2025/26 season, the Colorado Symphony is home to eighty full-time musicians representing more than a dozen nations and regularly welcomes the world’s most celebrated artists from across musical genres. The orchestra celebrated its Centennial during the 2023/24 concert season and now serves more than 340,000 people each year through live performances at Boettcher Concert Hall, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, and other venues throughout Colorado’s Front Range. Boettcher Concert Hall, which opened in 1978, was the first in-the-round symphonic venue built in the United States. In November 2025, voters passed the Vibrant Denver Bond, which allocates $20 million to a future renovation of the concert hall. Guided by a vision to inspire and unite humanity through live symphonic music, the Colorado Symphony is a living heartbeat of the state — expressing its beauty, creativity, vitality, and inclusive spirit. Through unmatched artistry and bold innovation, the Symphony inspires Colorado and audiences everywhere while expanding access, fostering education, and creating lasting memories through meaningful personal connections. Recognized as an incubator of innovation, creativity, and excellence, the Colorado Symphony listens to and learns from its diverse communities, musicians, and staff; composes and creates with curiosity and versatility; and leads with empathy, collaboration, and responsible stewardship. The Symphony continually expands its reach through in-person and virtual education programs, community partnerships, and programming that celebrates achievement, honors diverse voices, and infuses joy on and off the stage. The Colorado Symphony partners with leading musical artists, cultural organizations, corporations, foundations, educators, sports teams, and individuals to connect people, uplift communities, and inspire everyone to feel part of something greater.