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 acclaimed musicians, celebrated guest artists and special performances to the historic venue from July 9 through Aug. 9.
Founded in 1976, the Colorado Music Festival has grown into one of the country’s premier summer classical music festivals. Each season, more than 100 professional musicians from leading orchestras across North America come together to form the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra, performing alongside internationally renowned soloists and conductors in Boulder. Under the artistic leadership of music director Peter Oundjian, the festival has continued to balance beloved masterworks with contemporary compositions and world premieres.
“In our 2026 season, the stars align as we celebrate four incredible milestones: the festival’s 50th, the Center for Musical Arts’ 30th, Colorado’s 150th and our country’s 250th anniversaries,” says Oundjian. “We’re pulling out all the stops to honor these occasions and to step into our future with pride, optimism and exceptional music.”
The anniversary season reflects that approach, pairing audience favorites with exciting new music and some of classical music’s biggest names.
The festival opens July 9 and 10 with what promises to be one of the season’s most talked-about performances. Violin sensation Himari, who recently made her debut with the Berlin Philharmonic and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, performs Sibelius’ technically demanding “Violin Concerto.” At just 15 years old, Himari has already established herself as one of classical music’s brightest rising stars.
Other highlights include pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii performing Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto No. 2” as part of a program featuring Holst’s “The Planets” on July 30 and 31, a world premiere by Boulder native composer Leigha Amick and pianist Michelle Cann performing the world premiere of a concerto by composer Valerie Coleman on August 6 and 7.
“We extend a warm welcome to you to come experience the opening of our anniversary celebrations with this epic program,” says Oundjian.