“The Colorado Symphony is on a roll right now, the city recently approved a renovation to Boettcher Concert Hall, and the musicians are getting ready to open the 2026/27 season. Joining us now to talk about all these great things happening right now are Daniel Wachter, President and CEO and Peter Oundjian, Music Director of the Colorado Symphony”
Wachter: “This is the largest investment since the hall was opened in the 70s as America’s first in the round symphonic venue. We have the funding agreement in place that we’re going to celebrate this upcoming weekend together with the city. We’re going to raise $15 million through naming rights (…) and we’re starting in about two years from now”
“What is the most exciting part of this renovation for you?”
Wachter: “Well Peter will talk about the sound, so obviously the acoustics right? We can look at the hall to be the instrument of the orchestra and improving the acoustics is the most important thing to bring this orchestra to a much better sound moving forward. At the same time, other than boring maintenance, which has to be done, we’re going to make it a more welcoming, more accessible, more vibrant community connector (…). We’ll get to perform at many, many different venues during the displacement time.”
“Let’s talk about the acoustics, it makes a huge difference right?”
Oundjian: “Absolutely. As you say, Daniel, that is our instrument, and I mean it’s always been a magnificent hall to walk into. I’m sure many people watching have been in Boettcher Concert Hall, and if not, you should experience it before it’s renovated because it’s very special. As you said, the first concert hall in the round in the U.S., and it’s just breathtaking when you walk in.”
Oundjian: “But it is a very, very large hall and it doesn’t really have a shell to reflect the sound of the orchestra. So it’s always felt a little bit like we’re lost in a desert sometimes when we’re playing as brilliantly as the orchestra plays. I think better acoustics will deliver their sound in a more convincing way.”