Colorado Springs Philharmonic - CSPM

Colorado Springs Philharmonic

Colorado Springs has been fortunate to attract world-class musicians as teachers, performers, conductors, and visiting artists. On September 11, 2001, the incomparable cellist Yo-Yo Ma was scheduled to perform as a guest artist with the Colorado Springs Symphony. After terrorists brought down the World Trade Center towers in New York City, many thought the concert should be cancelled, or that Ma would be unwilling to perform. However, “Ma would have none of it.” Concertmaster Michael Hanson remembered that Ma wanted to make a statement that, “…darkness can’t overcome light and beauty.” In a beautiful gesture of generosity and unity, after his solo performance Ma joined the last row of cellists and played the rest of the concert as a member of the orchestra.

– From the CSPM Curator of History

In 2017, the Colorado Springs Philharmonic celebrated their 90th Anniversary Season. The organization has been a vital cultural asset to the Pikes Peak Region since its founding nine decades ago. “Classical music has been alive and well in Colorado Springs since 1927, when 27 local musicians banded together to form the Philharmonic’s distant predecessor, the Colorado Springs Symphony Ensemble. Since then the musicians of our community have distinguished themselves in numerous ways, giving performances of the highest quality to grateful audiences.”

With a mission to, “…reflect the greatness of our community and the best of human potential through musical excellence, creative discovery, and civic leadership,” the Colorado Springs Philharmonic provides an extraordinary series of concerts and events throughout our community.

In the words of Music Director Josep Caballé-Domenech, “Music can touch and enhance all of our lives and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic is fortunate to perform for such a devoted and enthusiastic audience.

Leah Davis Witherow, CSPM Curator of History

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