A Symphony of Seasons: Colorado Symphony's Diverse Concert Lineup
Step into a world where music paints pictures and sounds tell stories, as the Colorado Symphony unveils a spectacular lineup of concerts. From Beethoven's vivid pastoral landscapes to the mythological realms of Holst's The Planets, each event promises a unique auditory journey. Highlights include the live orchestration of 'How to Train Your Dragon', a celebration of Music of the Americas, and a powerful rendition of Carmina Burana. Let's explore how these events, featuring guest conductors and renowned soloists, create an immersive experience for diverse audiences.
Dreams of spring are in the air as your Colorado Symphony welcomes guest conductor Kristiina Poska to the podium, breathing new life into Beethoven’s “Pastorale” Symphony. Originally dubbed “recollections of life in the country”, the Sixth Symphony is a brilliant programmatic projection of nature and the composer’s ultimate homage to the great outdoors, brimming with gestures and texture that seem accessible to all the senses as it instantly transports you to the Viennese countryside.
DreamWorks’ How To Train Your Dragon is a captivating and original story about a young Viking named Hiccup, who defies tradition when he befriends one of his deadliest foes – a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, these unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds. Featuring John Powell’s Oscar®-nominated score performed live to picture, How to Train Your Dragon – in Concert is a thrilling experience for all ages.
Celebrate the music of the Americas with two distinctly American works by Bernstein and Copland alongside a pair of pieces by Mexican composers Carlos Chávez and Salvador Contreras, all led by dynamic Mexican conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto. Few, if any, 20th century musicians left as important and enduring a heritage for their native country as Carlos Chávez has in Mexico. “Sinfonía india” is emphatically in the composer’s Mexican style, with irregular and cross-rhythms, syncopations, and stunning instrumental colors contributing to a driving, folklike energy that will come alive under the baton of Maestro Prieto.
Your Colorado Symphony continues its shared vision of music education with longstanding partner the Denver Young Artists Orchestra (DYAO). Celebrate this partnership that allows young musicians from the DYAO greater access and mentorship from the full-time professional musicians of the Colorado Symphony.
Baroque is at its best with this stirring program showcasing a perennial masterpiece: Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. A narrative piece that paints a portrait of Italy’s expansive landscapes, mandolinist Avi Avital shows the versatility that this age-old warhorse maintains to this day. In a stunning performance not to be missed, Avital will shine on mandolin while simultaneously leading the ensemble.
Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony has been dubbed the ‘apotheosis of dance’ due to the whirling, spinning motion at the heart of the composition. The iconic second movement “Allegretto” stands alone as a powerful, hauntingly beautiful, and relentlessly rhythmic piece of music that remains one of Beethoven’s most beloved and well-known works.
Experience an unforgettable afternoon where the power of music meets the beauty of nature. This concert will delight from start to finish with music inspired by and dedicated to our furry and feathered friends and appearances by real animals from the Denver Zoo, adding a touch of wild charm to the performance.
Conductor Ken-David Masur and your Colorado Symphony present Carl Orff’s powerhouse Carmina Burana, a symphonic exploration of love, lust, and the perils of earthly pleasures. Featuring the Colorado Symphony Chorus, Colorado Children’s Chorale, and a cast of soloists, Carmina Burana is a true spectacle and one of the most well-known pieces of the 20th century, combining powerful rhythms and robust vocals in a dynamic performance you won’t want to miss. Hear it alongside Haydn’s Symphony No. 96, adding a counterpoint of symphonic bliss to a night of choral cataclysm.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky — so highly regarded for his symphonic compositions — placed himself among the greats of the keyboard with the completion of his First Piano Concerto; filled with gorgeous lyrical melodies and unmistakable Romantic spirit. For many, it has become the standard against which all virtuosos must measure themselves, featuring iconic opening flourishes and a pyrotechnic-filled finale. Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero lends her dazzling technique and improvisatory nature to this cornerstone of the classical canon.
Holst’s cosmic masterpiece — The Planets — offers an enchanting portrayal of Earth’s celestial neighbors. Listen as Holst draws on astrological traits and mythological nature to create seven unique scores that are both timeless and otherworldly — from the ominous, fierce, and remorseless Mars to the majestic and poignant beauty of Saturn — taking listeners on a musical journey through our solar system.
The Colorado Symphony's concert lineup is an invitation to explore the vast landscapes of musical genres and traditions. Each event, from the pastoral charms of Beethoven to the celestial wonders of Holst, offers a unique experience that celebrates the diversity and power of music. Whether you are a seasoned concertgoer or new to the symphonic world, these performances promise to inspire and captivate. Join the Colorado Symphony as they bring music to life, creating unforgettable moments for all who attend.