Justin Bartels

Justin Bartels has held the position of Principal Trumpet since July 2008 and has served on the brass faculty at the University of Colorado in Boulder since 2012. Prior to arriving in Denver, Justin had an established professional career. He held the Principal Trumpet positions with Columbus Symphony in Columbus, Ohio from 2007-2008 and was a fellow with the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida from 2003-2006.

Justin played 5 seasons with the Central City Opera as Principal Trumpet from 2006 – 2012. Justin has played Guest Principal Trumpet with the San Francisco Symphony, New York City Ballet, and St. Louis Symphony. He has also had the pleasure of performing with many of the country’s top orchestras including: The New York Philharmonic, Dallas Symphony, Alabama Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Virginia Symphony, and the Houston Symphony.

Justin is a proud graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (B.M. 2003), he also attended the University of Alabama (BM Studies 1996-1997) and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (BM Studies 1997-2000). Justin had the privilege to study with many great trumpet teachers and performers including Marie Speziale, John Rommel, Ed Cord, Alan Siebert, Michael B. Johnson, and Joe Ardovino. Justin attended high school in Birmingham, Alabama where he was part of a thriving instrumental music program at Pelham High School under the direction of the late James H. Duren. 

On a personal note, Justin enjoys skiing, playing hockey and golf as well as watching the Denver Broncos, Colorado Avalanche, Alabama Crimson Tide football and the Atlanta Braves baseball. He lives in Denver with his wife Myroslava, violinist with the Colorado Symphony, their two daughters and their two Siberian cats Dagny and Mikko.

“Denver has everything that a person could want. We are one of the few cities that has a team from every major sports franchise and we have the second largest performing arts hub in the entire United States of America. As the premier classical music organization in the state of Colorado, it’s a joy to perform here in Denver and across this great state. The Colorado Symphony Orchestra has become a staple in our community, and I’m proud to continue to provide my talents for the citizens of Denver, Colorado today and for many years to follow”.