How do you measure a life’s work? For Duain Wolfe, the answer lies in the harmony of voices, the applause of audiences, and the countless lives touched by his passion for music. After more than four decades as founder and director of the Colorado Symphony Chorus, Wolfe is leaving behind a legacy that will resonate far beyond the walls of Boettcher Concert Hall.
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 generations of choral directors approach the craft.
“After 40 years of leading the Colorado Symphony Chorus, it is with a mixture of pride and nostalgia that I announce my retirement,” said Wolfe. “It has been an extraordinary journey, filled with countless memorable performances and the privilege of collaborating with incredibly talented musicians. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support from our chorus members, the Colorado Symphony, and our wonderful audience. I look forward to seeing the chorus continue to thrive and inspire, knowing that its future is bright and full of promise. It has been a privilege and honor to be a part of the Colorado Symphony family and now is the time for new directors who can carry the legacy of the Colorado Symphony Chorus to even greater heights.”
“It has been an extraordinary journey, filled with countless memorable experiences and the privilege of collaborating with incredibly talented musicians.”
Duain Wolfe, Colorado Symphony Chorus Founder
This marks Wolfe’s 41st and final season with the Colorado Symphony Chorus. He recently retired as Director of the Chicago Symphony Chorus in 2022 after 28 years. Wolfe’s illustrious and decorated career has resulted in numerous awards, including three GRAMMY® Awards for Best Choral Performance, Best Classical Recording, and Best Opera Performance, 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 also founded the Colorado Children’s Chorale, from which he retired in 1999 after 25 years.
Wolfe’s profound knowledge of the operatic, symphonic, and choral canons, appetite for new works, and expert musicianship have resulted in a remarkable legacy of memorable performances. His tireless work ethic, attention to detail, and standards for excellence for his myriad responsibilities — from meticulous score study to his understanding of the human voice, leading expertly organized rehearsals and managing rigorous auditions — have been an inspiration to colleagues, conductors, soloists, vocal and instrumental musicians. He has also inspired generations of young musicians with his conducting and mentorship.
“I feel very fortunate to have been a recipient of Duain’s generosity and expertise, and am thankful for his commitment to enriching the lives of those around him through music.”
Taylor Martin, Colorado Symphony Chorus Associate Director & Conductor
“Duain’s legacy extends far beyond the podium as he remains a leading supporter of rising artists around the world,” said Taylor Martin, Associate Director and Conductor of the Colorado Symphony Chorus. “Duain has given his time to countless young conductors through his work with Chorus America and as a current board member for the Solti Foundation U.S. Offering advocacy, knowledge, and guidance, Duain’s gift for mentorship has ensured a future for the symphonic choral art form for generations to come. I feel very fortunate to have been a recipient of Duain’s generosity and expertise, and am thankful for his commitment to enriching the lives of those around him through music.”
Over 40 years, Wolfe 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 my honor to work alongside him for many years, 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.”
As Wolfe prepares to retire, the chorus he leaves behind is a testament to his extraordinary vision and leadership. The Colorado Symphony Chorus stands as a beacon of artistic excellence, respected and admired far beyond the borders of Colorado. Wolfe’s influence extends to every member of the chorus, each of whom carries forward the lessons of discipline, passion, and the pursuit of excellence that Wolfe instilled.
“I speak for the hundreds of chorus singers who have indeed ‘pursued excellence’ under the leadership of Duain Wolfe,” said Mary Louise Burke, Principal Associate Director and Conductor of the Colorado Symphony Chorus. “Their lives have been enhanced and changed through his detailed and thorough preparation of great music, and the privilege of sharing in his commitment to excellence and to beauty through hundreds of performances. For, beyond his tremendous musical knowledge, his passion is fueled by a deep belief in the healing and transformative power of music, both in our lives and in the lives of our audiences. We are forever grateful to him for forty years of inspired leadership.”
In reflecting on his retirement, Wolfe expressed gratitude for the incredible journey he has shared with the chorus. “It has been an honor to work with such talented and dedicated individuals,” he said. “The joy of making music together has been the greatest reward, and I am immensely proud of all that we have accomplished.”
“The joy of making music together has been the greatest reward, and I am immensely proud of all that we have accomplished.”
Duain Wolfe, Colorado Symphony Chorus Founder
In a fitting tribute, his final performances 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.
“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 of the Colorado Symphony. “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 incredible career.”
As the final notes fade and the applause echoes, Duain Wolfe will take his final bow as the director of the Colorado Symphony Chorus. His retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire and resonate for generations to come. Wolfe’s indomitable spirit and passion for music have left an indelible mark, ensuring that the chorus will continue to thrive and enchant audiences long into the future.
Verdi Requiem, 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Colorado Symphony Chorus
Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the world-renowned Colorado Symphony Chorus with a renewal of Verdi’s monumental Requiem under the baton of guest conductor Alexander Shelley.
