Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra

The Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra (GJSO) is a renowned musical institution that has been a cornerstone of the cultural landscape in Grand Junction, Colorado. With a rich history that dates back to the 1930s, the GJSO began as the Mesa College Symphony. It evolved into the Grand Junction Musical Arts Association in 1978, and subsequently, the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra was officially founded. The GJSO is celebrated for its commitment to engaging and enriching the community through the power of symphonic music, believing in music's ability to heal, unite, and connect people across all boundaries. Under the leadership of Maestro Kirk Gustafson, who served as the Music Director from 1987 until his retirement in 2016, the GJSO flourished. In April 2016, Charles Latshaw was appointed as the new Music Director, marking the beginning of a new era for the orchestra with the 2016-17 Season. As of 2023, the GJSO proudly celebrates its 45th season, continuing to provide high-quality orchestral performances and educational programs to the residents of Mesa County, the Grand Valley, and the Western Slope of Colorado. The GJSO holds the distinction of being the largest professional orchestra between Denver and Salt Lake City and the largest arts organization in the Grand Valley. It has cultivated a subscriber base of over 900 individuals and is recognized as a Level Six orchestra by the League of American Orchestras. The Symphony's home is the Avalon Theatre in downtown Grand Junction, a 1,000-seat venue that recently underwent renovations. Additionally, the GJSO performs in smaller venues around the area, including the Two Rivers Winery and Chateau. The orchestra's season includes six classical subscription series concerts, four chamber music concerts, and two symphonic pop concerts. Each summer, the GJSO presents a free outdoor concert attended by 3,000-5,000 community members. The annual Gala, its largest fundraiser, is typically held in the fall. Supporting the GJSO's mission are two key groups: the Grand Junction Symphony Guild and the Grand Junction Symphony Foundation. The Guild hosts fundraising events and provides a dedicated group of volunteers, while the Foundation manages a permanent endowment for the orchestra's future. Education is a fundamental part of the GJSO's mission. The orchestra's educational outreach includes an annual Children's concert, Concerts in the Classroom, a Young Artist Competition, the Crystal Baton Composition Competition, and the Instrument Petting Zoo. These initiatives expose thousands of children to music and provide opportunities for young musicians to engage with the orchestra. Complementary groups such as the Grand Junction Symphony Guild, Grand Valley Children’s Choir, Talking Rhythms, Western Colorado Chorale, and Western Colorado Jazz Orchestra also benefit from the support of the GJSO, enriching the region's musical offerings. The GJSO is a testament to the power of community and music, standing as a beacon of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. It pledges to reflect the community's make-up in its organization, patrons, and programming, continuously working towards representing all facets of society. For more information or to support the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, individuals can contact the GJSO at 412 Main Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501, call 970-243-6787, or email infogjso.org. The GJSO remains a vibrant part of Grand Junction's artistic heritage as it moves forward, celebrating women composers, releasing press announcements like "Hello Cello," and showcasing its seasonal performances.