Colorado Music Festival Showcases Global Talent in Boulder
The Colorado Music Festival transforms Boulder into a hub of musical excellence each summer, featuring an impressive lineup of world-class musicians. The Festival Orchestra, composed of top-tier musicians from across the United States, collaborates under the artistic vision of Peter Oundjian. This year, the festival welcomes 12 guest artists, two string quartets, and four guest conductors, all set against the stunning backdrop of Chautauqua Auditorium.
Opening night features renowned pianist Hélène Grimaud, who will perform Brahms' "Piano Concerto #1." Elizabeth McGuire, Executive Director of the festival, praised Grimaud's artistry, stating, "She's really a top-notch pianist. She's a real musicians' musician."
On July 6th, the festival will host its annual family concert titled "Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Missing Maestro." This interactive performance invites audience participation as Sherlock Holmes investigates the orchestra to find the missing Maestro. Children can also enjoy a scavenger hunt and various lawn activities related to the concert.
The festival is also recognized for premiering new compositions. This year, composer Joan Tower's latest work, "Love Returns," will be performed by saxophonist Steven Banks. McGuire recalled Tower's earlier performance of excerpts: "It was some of the most poignant, beautiful music I've ever heard. Steven Banks is truly a virtuoso saxophonist, one of the best in the world." This collaboration promises to be a highlight of the season.
Under Oundjian's leadership, the Colorado Music Festival has cultivated an environment where musicians and composers can connect and inspire one another. Many artists choose to stay at Chautauqua Park or with local patrons, enhancing their experience in Boulder. "We've attracted people coming through Colorado just to stay with us," McGuire shared. "Some guest artists have extended their stays, and it's been so much fun."
On July 17 and 18, Latin Grammy-winning violinist Anne Akiko Meyers will perform Eric Whitacre's new piece, "The Pacific Has No Memory." Whitacre, who now resides in Belgium but previously lived in Los Angeles, was inspired by his experiences during recent wildfires. "These two artists were deeply impacted by the fires," McGuire explained. "He asked if it would be okay to shift the commission towards that, and of course, we agreed because it's stunning."
The festival concludes with two classical masterpieces. Oundjian will conduct Beethoven's "Ninth Symphony," featuring the iconic "Ode to Joy," followed by Mahler's "Ninth Symphony." This performance has become a cherished tradition at the festival. "It's a way to really feature the orchestra at the closing," McGuire said. "There's no guest artist; it just highlights our dedicated orchestral musicians."
For tickets and more information about the Colorado Music Festival, visit their official website.
The festival runs from July 3 through August 3 at Chautauqua Auditorium in Boulder.
