Duain Wolfe, founder and director of the Colorado Symphony Chorus for 40 years, has announced his retirement. In a fitting tribute, his final performance will be October 18-20 during a special 40th anniversary celebration of the chorus featuring the Verdi Requiem, the same piece the chorus performed in their debut nearly 40 years ago to the day.
To tell the story of Duain Wolfe is to understand dedication, commitment, and excellence. From his
humble beginnings in rural Louisiana to leading two of the top symphony chorus ensembles in the world,
his commitment to excellence in the performing arts has shaped how choral directors approach the craft.
He has enjoyed an illustrious and decorated career, including winning three GRAMMY® Awards for Best Choral Performance, Best Classical Recording, and Best Opera Performance.
Wolfe’s profound knowledge of the operatic and choral canons, appetite for new works and expert musicianship have resulted in a remarkable legacy of memorable performances. Another element to his success has been his tireless work ethic. His attention to detail and standards for excellence for his myriad responsibilities — from meticulous score study to his understanding of the human voice, from leading expertly organized rehearsals to managing rigorous auditions — have been an inspiration to colleagues, conductors, soloists and vocal and instrumental musicians. He has also encouraged generations of young musicians with his conducting and mentorship.
“The entire Colorado Symphony family is grateful to Duain Wolfe for his steadfast commitment to the quality of the Colorado Symphony Chorus, said Mark Cantrell, President & CEO. “His 40-year tenure has been marked by extraordinary musical achievements and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Duain’s vision and leadership have transformed the chorus into a nationally recognized ensemble, and his impact on our organization and community is immeasurable. We are profoundly grateful for his dedication and passion, and we celebrate his remarkable legacy. We wish him all the best in his retirement and will always cherish the incredible contributions he has made to the Colorado Symphony.”
Wolfe has prepared the chorus for performances conducted by seven Colorado Symphony music directors — Gaetano Delogu, Philippe Entremont, Marin Alsop, Jeffrey Kahane, Andrew Litton, Brett Mitchell, and Peter Oundjian — as well as many distinguished guest conductors.
“Duain Wolfe’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Colorado Symphony Chorus and the beginning of a new chapter built on the solid foundation he has established over the past 40 years,” said Peter Oundjian, Colorado Symphony Principal Conductor. “Duain’s unparalleled dedication, artistry, and leadership have not only elevated the chorus to remarkable heights but also enriched the cultural fabric of our community. It has been an honor to work alongside him, and we are deeply grateful for his immeasurable contributions. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement and look forward to continuing his legacy of musical excellence.”
This year marks Wolfe’s 41st and final season with the Colorado Symphony Chorus. Wolfe recently retired as Director of the Chicago Symphony Chorus in 2022 after 28 years. He has collaborated with Daniel Barenboim, Pierre Boulez, Bernard Haitink, Riccardo Muti, and Sir George Solti on numerous recordings including Wagner’s Die Meistersinger, which won the 1998 GRAMMY® for Best Opera Recording. Wolfe’s extensive musical accomplishments have resulted in numerous awards, including the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the University of Denver, the Bonfils Stanton Award in the Arts and Humanities, the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in an Artistic Discipline, the Michael Korn Award for the Development of the Professional Choral Art, and the Colorado Symphony’s Margarett Phipps Award. Wolfe is Founder of the Colorado Children’s Chorale, from which he retired in 1999 after 25 years.
For 20 years, Wolfe also worked with the Central City Opera Festival as chorus director and conductor, founding and directing the company’s young artist residence program, as well as its education and outreach programs. Wolfe’s other accomplishments include directing and preparing choruses for Chicago’s Ravinia Festival, the Bravo! Vail Festival, the Berkshire Choral Festival, the Aspen Music Festival, and the Grand Teton Music Festival. He has worked with Pinchas Zuckerman and Alexander Shelly as Chorus Director for the Canadian National Arts Centre Orchestra for the past 20 years.