#6
The Festival gathers the world’s most talented musicians, all in one place.
Not only does the Festival invite today’s brightest stars, but the Festival orchestra also comprises principal players from top orchestras around the country.
#5
Our venue is a charming National Historic Landmark.
Chautauqua Auditorium (1898), nestled against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, boasts an all-wood structure whose natural acoustics add an unforgettable character to Festival performances. Rainstorms, magpies, and pleasant Boulder evenings become an integral part of each concert experience.
#4
Our seasons are out of this world.
Explore our full season calendar to read about our family concert, this year’s premieres, and our amazing array of music and guest artists.
#3
Boulder, Colorado is a bucket list destination.
“With its love of fresh air, fresh food and fresh thinking, it’s not hard to see why Boulder earned the title the Happiest City in the U.S. by National Geographic.” Read more about “the city nestled between the mountains and reality,” which the Festival calls home.
#2
Music Director Peter Oundjian.
Just like the Festival, Peter Oundjian is the perfect blend of local and global. He spends a great deal of time in Boulder — he has a residence here, in fact, and is an avid skier — but is also a conductor and director of worldwide acclaim. Oundjian served as music director of the Toronto Symphony for 14 years, spent 6 years as the music director of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and before conducting he had an incredible career as a violinist in the Tokyo String Quartet. He’s the best of both worlds.
#1
You’ll never forget your Festival experience.
Our Festival is world-class, but never stuffy. We perform favorites such as Stravinsky’s Firebird and Mahler’s First Symphony, but we are also champions for today’s up-and-coming voices in music. Our Festival orchestra musicians look forward to their visits every summer because of our diverse selections of music and our friendly summer vibe. We pack our season with one unforgettable musical experience after another.
Visiting Boulder
<strong>01</strong> Seek Out Adventure
Located at the base of the Flatirons, Chautauqua Park offers dozens of hiking trails to explore. With a variety of interconnected trails, Chautauqua is the ideal destination for hikers of all levels looking for a peaceful setting with stunning views.
You can also get your climb on at Eldorado Canyon State Park, take a float down Boulder Creek, or ride a multitude of bike paths in a place Outside Magazine named “THE sports town.
<strong>02</strong> Sample Boulder's Culture
Visit the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, explore Boulder’s art galleries, catch the buskers on the Pearl Street Mall, and discover many works of public art in what Expedia named one of America’s “most artistic cities.”
<strong>03</strong> Explore Boulder's Food Scene
Start the day at the Boulder County Farmer’s Market, grab a bite at the historic Chautauqua Dining Hall, or dine at award-winning restaurants and raise a glass in a town Bon Appetit magazine called “America’s foodiest town.”
The Chautauqua Dining Hall has been a Boulder tradition since 1898. Savor spectacular views from the enchanting wraparound porch while enjoying fresh, Colorado bistro cuisine at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Open daily year-round, the Dining Hall offers a full bar with local beers and great wines to complement your meal.
<strong>04</strong> Take an Audio Tour of Chautauqua
Use your mobile phone to take an interpretive audio tour to discover the history and uniqueness of the Colorado Chautauqua. The audio tour features nine stops and four interpretive panels located throughout the National Historic Landmark. Call 303-952-1600 from your mobile phone and press the corresponding tour stop number to listen to the narrative.
<strong>05</strong> Stay in an Historic Cottage
Since 1898, the Colorado Chautauqua has been hosting visitors seeking respite. Originally visitors slept in canvas tents with wooden floors. Simple cabins replaced the tents and over time those cabins have been renovated into cozy cottages, each with its own unique history and historic charm.
