Celebrating its 40th year of musical engagement and excitement in 2017, the Colorado Music Festival presents its six-week music program at the historic Chautauqua Auditorium. A cherished Boulder tradition, this year’s celebratory festival features an unparalleled lineup of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and musicians, making it a mainstay of summer in Boulder for music lovers across the entire spectrum.
An embodiment of the historic founding idea of a Chautauqua as an opportunity to spread education throughout the entirety of the community, the Colorado Music Festival this year runs from June 29th through August 4th and includes a diverse array of genres and styles for the musically curious. Attendees can take in performances by internationally lauded pianists, violinists, and soloists like pianist Olga Kern, violinist Gil Shaham, the genre-defying string trio Time for Three and bask in the experience and vivacity of talents like Music Director Jean-Marie Zeitouni and the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra.
This year patrons can enjoy the new “Fresh Fridays” concert series. 3 Friday night concerts that start at 6:30 pm with an hour-long performance featuring some of the world’s greatest music, including, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Holst’s The Planets, and the music of French composers. A perfect evening of music with your kids and grandkids.
Not-to-miss highlights include Beethoven’s monumental 9th Symphony “Ode to Joy” on July 13 & 14, the French Mini-Festival with internationally acclaimed pianist Benedetto Lupo July 20 through 24, Holst’s The Planets with visual animation from NASA July 27 & 28, and the Festival Finale with Gil Shaham performing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto on August 4. Tickets start at $12 with discounts available for students, seniors, and groups of 10 or more. Call 303.440.7666, visit coloradomusicfestival.org or purchase at the Chautauqua box office.
Photo credit: coloradomusicfestival.org