The Colorado Symphony’s 2024/25 Season began with a renewed sense of purpose. Coming off an unforgettable Centennial celebration during the 2023/24 Season, the organization was energized by a continuing commitment to bringing people together through music that speaks across generations, cultures, and genres. From timeless masterworks to bold new collaborations, the Colorado Symphony opened its doors wide, welcoming nearly 200,000 longtime patrons and first-time listeners alike into a season built on curiosity, connection, and artistic ambition.
It was a season shaped by meaningful performances and milestones, all rooted in the belief that a symphony is more than an orchestra; it’s a living conversation between musicians and community, history and possibility.
Peter Oundjian Elevated to Music Director
Just prior to the start of the season, it was announced that Oundjian would be elevated to Music Director, starting in the 2025/26 Season.
“For many years, it has been my great pleasure to work with the extraordinary musicians of the Colorado Symphony, first as a frequent guest conductor and most recently as their Principal Conductor,” said Oundjian. “I am profoundly honored to step into the role of Music Director and to continue our musical journey together. This new chapter is a thrilling opportunity to deepen our connection with our community, innovate, and reach new artistic heights as an orchestra. I look forward to building on our shared successes and bringing dynamic and inspiring performances to Colorado audiences in the years to come.”
“This new chapter is a thrilling opportunity to deepen our connection with our community, innovate, and reach new artistic heights as an orchestra.”
Peter Oundjian, Music Director
Oundjian’s appointment solidifies the orchestra’s artistic leadership through the 2028/29 Season, helping to cement the Colorado Symphony as a preeminent 21st century orchestra.
Additionally, the Colorado Symphony Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Pax8 Chairman John Street as Board Chair, effective August 27, 2024. A member of the symphony’s Board of Trustees since 2022, Street succeeded Richard Krugman and Julie Rubsam who served as Co-Chairs of the Board since October 21, 2021. Street is an award-winning entrepreneur who has launched many new businesses, including four that garnered Inc. 500 status.
Classical Masterworks Highlights
Under the leadership of Peter Oundjian, the season showcased the orchestra’s versatility and commitment to artistic excellence with a Classics schedule full of unforgettable performances and memories. The season opened September 13-15 with a dynamic program as pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet leant his prodigious talents to Gershwin’s Concerto in F, followed by an orchestral showcase of Dvořák’s New World Symphony, all led by Oundjian. The weekend featured the debut of the Symphony’s brand-new Steinway Model D Concert Grand Piano. The purchase of the instrument was made possible thanks to a generous donor gift, and Thibaudet’s debut on the instrument did not disappoint.
“We were looking for a piano that would complement our orchestra’s sound and enhance the acoustics of Boettcher Concert Hall,” explained Oundjian. “This instrument surpassed all our expectations.”
In October, the Symphony bid farewell to a legend of the chorus world, the Colorado Symphony Chorus’s founding director, Duain Wolfe. In a series of performances honoring the Chorus’ 40th anniversary, the orchestra presented moving and monumental renditions of Verdi’s Requiem, a piece the chorus performed in their debut nearly 40 years ago to the day. Led by guest conductor Alexander Shelley and featuring the combined forces of the orchestra, chorus, and guest soloists, this weekend delivered three of the most emotionally resonant performances of the season, providing a fitting sendoff for Wolfe.
The winter season was distinguished by a pair of collaborations with two of classical music’s most celebrated artists: pianist Yuja Wang and violinist Itzhak Perlman. These performances, bookending the end of 2024 and the start of 2025, not only showcased the individual brilliance of the soloists but also highlighted the Symphony’s commitment to presenting world-class artistry.
On December 18, 2024, international piano sensation Yuja Wang graced the stage of Boettcher Concert Hall for a much-anticipated performance with the Colorado Symphony, under the baton of conductor Eric Jacobsen. The program featured Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Wang’s dynamic interpretation and technical mastery captivated the audience, reaffirming her status as one of the leading pianists of her generation.
Legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman joined the Colorado Symphony on January 18, 2025, for a special one-night-only performance of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. Conducted by Peter Oundjian, the concert was a highlight of the season, drawing a full house eager to witness Perlman’s profound musicality and expressive depth.
These collaborations underscored the Colorado Symphony’s dedication to bringing exceptional musical experiences to its audiences, blending the talents of world-renowned artists with the orchestra’s own distinguished musicianship.
Additional highlights of the Classics season included:
- Mozart & Now: The second season of the Colorado Symphony’s weekend long “festival” contrasting the music of Mozart with compositions by some of today’s brightest composers. Associate Concertmaster Claude Sim was featured as soloist across all three performances from January 10-12.
- A special one-night-only performance of Bruckner’s Eight Symphony led by Peter Oundjian on January 31
- Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony led by guest conductor Robert Spano from February 7-9.
- A celebration of the Americas from March 7-9, featuring a pair of pieces by Mexican composers Carlos Chávez and Salvador Contreras beside Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms and Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 3, all led by Mexican conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto.
- Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony and the Hidas Concerto for Oboe and Orchestra with Principal Oboe Peter Cooper and Peter Oundjian from March 21-23.
- Carl Orff’s powerhouse Carmina Burana with the Colorado Symphony Chorus and guest conductor Ken-David Masur from April 4-6.
- Holst’s cosmic masterpiece The Planets with guest conductor Eric Jacobsen from May 2-4.
- The season concluded with an incredible program featuring Berlioz’ Symphonie fantastique and Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto with GRAMMY® Award-Winning violinist Augustin Hadelich and Peter Oundjian on the podium from May 30-June 1.
A Spotlight on Collaborations
This season was marked by a series of dynamic collaborations that bridged genres and brought together a diverse array of artists. These partnerships highlighted the Symphony’s commitment to innovation and community engagement.
LeAnn Rimes: An Intimate Evening
On September 28, 2024, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter LeAnn Rimes joined the Colorado Symphony for a special one-night-only performance at Boettcher Concert Hall. Conducted by Christopher Dragon, the concert featured orchestral arrangements of Rimes’ biggest hits, including “How Do I Live,” “One Way Ticket (Because I Can),” and “I Need You,” offering a unique blend of country and symphonic music.
Chris Thile: A Mandolin Virtuoso’s Premiere
Mandolinist and MacArthur Fellow Chris Thile presented the Colorado premiere of his latest work, ATTENTION!, at Boettcher Concert Hall on October 12, 2024. The performance showcased Thile’s innovative composition alongside classical pieces such as Beethoven’s Creatures of Prometheus Overture, Caroline Shaw’s And So, and Copland’s Appalachian Spring Suite.
Béla Fleck: Banjo Meets Gershwin
Banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck took center stage with the Colorado Symphony on November 16-17, 2024, delivering two groundbreaking performances of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Fleck’s interpretation brought a fresh perspective to the classic piece, blending the banjo’s unique timbre with the Symphony’s rich orchestral sound.
Leslie Odom Jr.: A Holiday Evening
Tony and Grammy Award-winning artist Leslie Odom Jr. returned to Denver on December 7, 2024, for “A Holiday Evening with Leslie Odom Jr.” The concert featured holiday favorites and selections from Odom’s 2020 Christmas album, offering audiences a festive and soulful experience.
Nathaniel Rateliff: Rateliff Sings Rateliff
Denver’s own Nathaniel Rateliff collaborated with the Colorado Symphony for “Rateliff Sings Rateliff,” a two-night event on April 11-12, 2025. The concerts featured symphonic renditions of Rateliff’s songs, highlighting the depth and versatility of his music in a new orchestral context.
Gregory Alan Isakov: A Three-Night Residency
Folk singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov returned to Boettcher Concert Hall for a three-night residency from April 17-19, 2025. The performances, which sold out quickly, featured orchestral arrangements of Isakov’s introspective songs, creating an immersive experience that blended folk and classical elements.
These collaborations exemplify the Colorado Symphony’s dedication to creating innovative musical experiences that resonate with a wide audience, blending classical traditions with contemporary artistry.
Movie at the Symphony: Epic Films, Live Scores
Few experiences compare to watching a beloved film unfold on the big screen while every note of its score is brought to life by a full symphony orchestra. The Colorado Symphony’s Movie at the Symphony series continued to captivate audiences this season, pairing iconic films with live, note-for-note musical performances, transforming Boettcher Concert Hall into a cinematic and sonic wonderland.
Projected on four massive screens suspended above the orchestra, each film became a multisensory event, immersing audiences in the music in a way that’s only possible with a live orchestra.
The lineup this season was especially rich, featuring:
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
John Williams’ legendary score shook the rafters as the battle for the galaxy intensified in this second installment of the original trilogy.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Danny Elfman’s whimsical and haunting music added eerie magic to this Halloween-to-Christmas cult classic.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
A new addition to the holiday season, this modern take on Dr. Seuss’s tale, with a memorable score by James Horner, delighted audiences of all ages.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™
The wizarding world grew darker and deeper as Williams’ score captured the growing tension and wonder of Harry’s third year at Hogwarts.
How to Train Your Dragon
With soaring themes by John Powell, this high-flying adventure proved a stunning match for the orchestra’s dynamic storytelling.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
A sold-out, three-night event, Howard Shore’s epic score echoed through the hall as the journey through Middle-earth began in cinematic and musical grandeur.
The Movie at the Symphony series continues to be one of the Colorado Symphony’s most popular and accessible offerings, where longtime fans, families, and first-time attendees share the joy of cinema reimagined through the power of live performance.
The Frontier Gala: A Night to Remember
This season’s Gala was more than a fundraiser, it was a celebration of the Colorado Symphony’s vision, resilience, and bold ambition for the future. Held in the heart of Denver, the event gathered patrons, musicians, civic leaders, and community members for an unforgettable evening of music, connection, and purpose. The evening began with a cocktail hour and seated dinner at the Seawell Ballroom. Guests bid on silent and live auction items and enjoyed music from a Colorado Symphony small ensemble composed by Tom Hagerman. Following the dinner and live auction, attendees walked across the Denver Performing Arts Complex Galleria to Boettcher Concert Hall.
The highlight of the evening was a breathtaking performance by Cynthia Erivo, the Tony, Emmy, and GRAMMY® Award-winning artist whose voice brought the audience at Boettcher Concert Hall to their feet. Backed by the full orchestra, Erivo delivered a powerful and emotionally rich set that showcased her extraordinary vocal range and deep interpretive artistry. From classic ballads to contemporary selections, her performance was both intimate and electrifying, a perfect embodiment of the Symphony’s commitment to artistry at the highest level. Her presence elevated the gala into a transcendent, once-in-a-season experience.
Beyond the music, the gala offered a chance to spotlight the organization’s growing impact. Funds raised supported a range of initiatives, including educational programs, community concerts, and the continued development of bold artistic projects that push boundaries and welcome new audiences.
As the name suggests, the Frontier Gala was about looking ahead, toward new artistic landscapes, deeper community ties, and a more vibrant, inclusive future for orchestral music in Colorado. It was a night of gratitude and promise, and a reminder that the Symphony’s greatest work is still unfolding.
Destination Denver: A Youth Concert Journey
The Colorado Symphony’s Youth Concert, “Destination Denver,” offered thousands of students from grades 3 through 8 an immersive musical exploration of the Mile High City’s rich cultural tapestry. Held at Boettcher Concert Hall, many attendees experienced the thrill of live symphonic music for the first time.
The program featured collaborations with local artists, including ArtistiCO Dance Company, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, and hip-hop artists Chinelo “Nelo” Tyler and Wayne Watts. Together, they guided students through Denver’s diverse neighborhoods, highlighting the city’s multifaceted musical heritage.
The concert’s repertoire was thoughtfully curated to reflect this journey:
- Gustav Holst – “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity” from The Planets
- Vargas/Fuentes – “Son de la Negra” (featuring ArtistiCO Dance)
- Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No. 5, Movement I
- Count Basie – “One O’Clock Jump” (featuring Cleo Parker Robinson Dance)
- Jessie Montgomery – Starburst
- Chinelo “Nelo” Tyler – “Next Stop Denver” (featuring Wayne Watts and Nelo)
- Valerie Coleman – Umoja
To extend the concert’s impact beyond the hall, the Symphony provided educators with curriculum materials aligned with Colorado State Music Standards and Common Core guidelines. These resources encouraged students to delve deeper into Denver’s musical traditions and cultural narratives.
“Destination Denver” exemplified the Symphony’s commitment to education and community engagement, using music as a bridge to connect young audiences with the vibrant cultural landscape of their city.
Music for All: Free Community Concerts
The Symphony’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion continued with its free community concert offerings, which brought powerful musical moments to new and returning audiences alike.
In September, the orchestra celebrated the eigth annual Latin Beats: Sonidos de las Américas, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, the cultural sounds of Latin music, and Latin culture’s influence of sound in the Americas in a festive concert experience. This year’s concert featured the sounds of Qhaswa Peru-USA, celebrating Peruvian culture through joyful dance and storytelling augmented by the Colorado Symphony’s soaring orchestrations with guest artists: Baritone Jose Adan Pérez, Mezzo-soprano Oralia Castro López, Local Banda La Patrona, Mariachi Sol de Mi Tierra and folkloric Mexican ballet by ArtistiCo. There was also a special presentation of El Sistema performing in the lobby prior to the concert.
In January, the Symphony once again partnered with the City and County of Denver and the MLK, Jr. Holiday Commission to present the Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Awards Concert. This annual event honors Dr. King’s legacy and the work of local leaders who carry it forward. With uplifting music and spoken word, the evening served as both a reflection and a call to action.
These concerts, always free and open to the public, reinforce the Symphony’s belief that great music belongs to everyone and that its greatest impact is felt when it’s shared.
Leadership Milestones
In April, the Symphony also welcomed a new CEO in Daniel Wachter, further strengthening its leadership team. Wachter replaced Mark Cantrell who stepped down from the position after a successful two-year tenure. A passionate advocate for the arts and a former executive in the private sector, Wachter brings a renewed energy and strategic vision for expanding the Symphony’s reach and sustainability as the orchestra enters a new and exciting era.
Looking Ahead
In a year defined by connection, creativity, and renewal, the 2024/25 Season unfolded as a powerful reminder of music’s enduring place in our lives. From the first downbeat to the final standing ovation, each performance invited audiences to listen more closely, not just to the music, but to each other. With a dynamic leadership team and a community of passionate supporters, the Symphony is poised for a future filled with inspiring performances and meaningful connections.
Across Boettcher Concert Hall and beyond, the orchestra offered more than just concerts; it created shared moments of wonder, reflection, and celebration in a season that honored tradition while boldly embracing the future.