Colorado Music Festival
2026 Season
Stars align this year as we celebrate the Festival’s 50th and the Center for Musical Arts’ 30th anniversaries
World Premiere on July 21
Principal trumpet Jeffrey Work is featured in Love Notes, a world premiere by James Stephenson
Go Behind the Music
We are excited to present an array of educational programs for all ages
All American: July 23 & 24
Njioma Grevious plays The Red Violin with the Festival Orchestra, conducted by Leonard Slatkin
World-Class Music,
Quintessential Boulder
July 9–August 9, 2026
Join us this summer to celebrate Colorado Music Festival’s 50th Anniversary Season, as Colorado turns 150 and America marks 250 years.
This summer’s festival, led by Music Director Peter Oundjian, features world-class artists — pianists Yuja Wang, Michelle Cann, Tony Siqi Yun and Nobuyuki Tsujii; violinists Himari and Njioma Grevious; clarinetist Ricardo Morales; guest conductors Leonard Slatkin, Jeffrey Kahane and Gemma New; the Canadian Brass; and the Danish String Quartet — beloved masterworks with the Festival Orchestra and four world premieres. Concerts are on Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays and Tuesdays, offering an unforgettable summer experience on the iconic historic stage at Chautauqua.
Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence
Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence
All American: Copland, Gershwin & More
All American: Copland, Gershwin & More
Conduct Yourself with Maestro Leonard Slatkin
Conduct Yourself with Maestro Leonard Slatkin
All American: Copland, Gershwin & More
All American: Copland, Gershwin & More
50th Anniversary Liberty Puzzle
Get your limited-edition Colorado Music Festival 50th Anniversary Liberty Puzzle today!
A fun keepsake to mark this milestone season, perfect for fans of the Colorado Music Festival.
Puzzles can be purchased for $100 at concerts this summer, at the kiosk south of Chautauqua Auditorium, via cash, check or credit card.
Stories & News
Stay Up to Date with Festival News
Colorado Music Festival known for premiering new classical music – CBS Colorado
The Colorado Music Festival is known for playing traditional classical music in an exquisite setting, but the Festival is also committed to bringing new works of classic music to the stage. At one rehearsal, the Colorado Music Festival orchestra will be practicing...
Ezra Calvino Finds Their Voice on the Podium
by Kyle Macmillan Ezra Calvino’s big ah-ha moment came when they were in high school and attended a talk before a Phoenix Symphony concert with Joanne Falletta, during which the guest conductor spoke about her pioneering role in a profession that had all but excluded...
Welcoming New Executive Director, Aren Der Hacopian
Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical Arts Welcomes New Executive Director, Aren Der Hacopian Der Hacopian joins the organization on September 1, 2026, offering a vision of engagement, collaboration and growth After a nationwide search, the Colorado Music...
Amara Quartet: From Classmates to Quartet
by Kyle Macmillan Two members of the Amara Quartet sounded downright giddy recently when talking about the fellowship that has brought the group to the Colorado Music Festival for five weeks this summer. And why not? The opportunity for performances and coaching from...
About Boulder: Colorado Music Festival Celebrates 50th Season
Boulder’s summer soundtrack is in full swing as the Colorado Music Festival celebrates its landmark 50th-anniversary season at historic Chautauqua Auditorium. Running from July 9 through August 9, 2026, the festival brings world-class orchestral performances, chamber...
Colorado Music Festival Celebrates 50 Years of Summer Performances – Travel Denver
For half a century, summer in Boulder has meant world-class classical music beneath the iconic wooden roof of Chautauqua Auditorium. This year, the Colorado Music Festival is celebrating that milestone with its 50th anniversary season, bringing internationally...