Colorado Music Festival
2026 Season
Stars align this year as we celebrate the Festival’s 50th and the Center’s 30th anniversaries.
Himari, Yuja Wang, and more!
Musicians you adore return, along with many thrilling Festival debuts.
Go Behind the Music
We are excited to present a wide array of educational programs.
Free Family Day July 12
A full day of free family activities, including a performance of Peter and the Wolf.
World-Class Music, Quintessential Boulder
July 9–August 9, 2026
Himari Plays Sibelius + Tchaikovsky 5
Himari Plays Sibelius + Tchaikovsky 5
Himari Plays Sibelius + Tchaikovsky 5
Himari Plays Sibelius + Tchaikovsky 5
Stories & News
Stay Up to Date with Festival News
After the World Premiere: Joel Thompson’s To Awaken the Sleeper
In 2021, the Festival gave the first performance of Joel Thompson’s “To Awaken the Sleeper,” inspired by the work of James Baldwin. Read about the life that powerful music has enjoyed after its world premiere.
After the World Premiere: Joan Tower’s A New Day
In 2021, the Festival gave the first performance of Joan Tower’s A New Day, written out of love for the composer’s husband. Read about the life that wonderful music has enjoyed after its world premiere.
Your Support Creates Magic in Boulder & Beyond
Visit coloradomusicfestival.org/donate by December 31 so we can look forward to the 2024 Festival with your support. Exciting plans are already underway!
Pianist Michelle Cann Champions the Music of Florence Price
Pianist Michelle Cann performs piano concertos by Florence Price and Maurice Ravel at the 2023 Colorado Music Festival on July 20 & 21. Learn about Cann’s work in championing the music of composer Florence Price.
Music Director Peter Oundjian Interviews Composer-in-Residence John Corigliano
Peter Oundjian & 2023 Composer-in-Residence John Corigliano discuss Corigliano’s composition career, his background, and the music for our July 13 program.
Music Director Emeritus Michael Christie Keeps a Foot in Two Worlds
Michael Christie returns to the Festival on July 20 & 21. Read about his career following his tenure as Music Director of the Colorado Music Festival.
Composer Jordan Holloway’s New Music Celebrating Chautauqua’s 125th Anniversary
Jordan M. Holloway is the composer of 2023’s Flatiron Escapades, which celebrates the Chautauqua Association’s 125th anniversary. In this interview, Holloway discusses composition, Chautauqua Park, and the experience of giving the world premiere of a piece of his music.
Family Concert Conductor Kalena Bovell: “Come Have Fun & Leave Excited”
Talented conductor Kalena Bovell will lead our 2023 Family Concert, which includes Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, Eric Whitacre’s Goodnight Moon, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s “Danse Nègre,” and a suite from Bizet’s Carmen. Learn more about this concert and Kalena’s approach to conducting.
For Janae Burris, Narrating Peter and the Wolf is a Dream Come True
Denver-based comedian, actor, and entertainer Janae Burris will narrate Peter and the Wolf at the Colorado Music Festival Family Concert on July 2, 2023. Learn why Janae is excited to bring narrate this musical storybook. Colorado Music Festival: Hi, my name is Erica...