The Colorado Symphony and the Guild of Musicians

As COVID-19 threatened, The Colorado Symphony did not crumble under pressure and retreat into darkness or fold. Instead, its leadership quickly made innovative plans that brought entertainment, comfort and diversion to a community in need.

But The Colorado Symphony is doing more to pave the way for live, symphonic music than just leading with innovation.

Education

Education is at the core of The Colorado Symphony’s mission. Our MusiCurious Youth Education programs engage classrooms in classical music through virtual and in-person concerts with a curriculum tailored to foster creative self-expression, empathy and unity.

Mini Musica stands apart from other early education initiatives by combining a 16-piece orchestra with interactive dancing, singing and storytelling – as well as providing them with their very own storybook featuring original illustrations – that introduce young children to orchestra instruments through musical storytelling of beloved children’s tales.

Sensory Friendly concerts are specially tailored for individuals with conditions that make traditional concerts uncomfortable or inaccessible, featuring an orchestra in a smaller venue with reduced light levels and a calmer environment.

Community

The Colorado Symphony is dedicated to enriching our communities’ cultural fabric while safeguarding live symphonic music for future generations. Partnering with businesses, organizations, and individuals allows us to bring its beauty and power of symphonic music closer to all.

Join the Crescendo Society, an exciting group of young professionals committed to supporting the orchestra through concert attendance and fundraising efforts. Members attend select Classics concerts together, with designated seating area. There’s even an opportunity for informal gatherings before or after shows at VIBE Coffee & Wine!

Our new partnership with the Denver Youth Academy of Orchestras (DYAO) brings performance opportunities for its students, music coaching from our full-time professional musicians, and renewed volunteerism between both organizations. Additionally, instrument demonstrations, open rehearsals, youth concerts and Mini Musica are offered to introduce this art form to young audiences – engaging them through musical storytelling! Children are invited onstage during Mini Musica as an interactive bilingual educational concert that offers children an experience like no other!

Performance

The Guild expanded the education department through Junior and Senior Guilds (1967 and 1990, respectively) as well as spearheading first Symphony Deb Balls (1970) and inaugural Symphony Galas (1978; now co-sponsored by Colorado Symphony). Under Guild auspices was founded ticket exchange and pre-concert lecture series; currently this organization staffs hospitality tables for all Denver summer concert series in parks while remaining an advocate of Colorado Symphony at city hall.

Andrew Litton in 2013 played an instrumental role in driving the orchestra’s turnaround, which began with its Classically Cannabis fundraisers and movie night with orchestra playing soundtrack from popular films; movie night tribute concerts; rock tribute concerts with DeVotchKa; mandolinist Avi Avital and banjoist Bela Fleck have joined Gregory Alan Isakov and Lake Street Dive as featured performers, while world-renowned conductors take the podium regularly at Boettcher Concert Hall and abroad for concerts featuring classically Cannabis fundraisers – with audience numbers surging exponentially since its debut! Additionally, Duain Wolfe leads an international choir led by conductor Duain Wolfe who has worked alongside world renowned conductors to help expand audience growth at Boettcher Concert Hall as well as performing alongside world renowned conductors both locally and globally!

Donors

As the Symphony launches into its centennial season, it does so knowing it has an extraordinary future thanks to generous donors. Not only has a robust endowment been established as well as an outstanding repertoire, but educational programs reach out and touch thousands of young people annually in our community.

As part of their membership commitment to the Symphony, Guild members donated over 15,000 volunteer hours during this fiscal year for its many established events and new endeavors – such as helping staff Channel 6’s Telethon phone banks; making 1,500 follow up calls to season ticket holders; hosting two Orientation Programs for prospective members; volunteering at Pinehurst Country Club Winter Fantasy Gala; helping The Symphony Shop surpass quarter million dollars in sales!

Chorus rehearsals average approximately 240 hours annually and require an intense commitment to maintaining an atmosphere of fellowship among singers from across Denver Metro and beyond.