The Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra is set to captivate audiences with its 2025-26 season, featuring a diverse lineup of performances that promise to elevate the concert experience. Under the direction of Music Director Michael Butterman, the season opens on September 14, 2025, with a program that blends classical masterpieces with contemporary works, engaging the community through the power of live orchestral music.
Masterworks Series Highlights
The season launches with a concert titled “Hindemith & Brahms,” showcasing the acclaimed pianist Jonathan Biss performing Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 2. This performance is complemented by Hindemith’s *Mathis der Maler* and Carlos Simon’s *The Block*, creating a rich tapestry of sound that balances traditional and modern compositions.
In November, the orchestra will feature soprano Heidi Melton in a compelling program of Strauss and Shostakovich. Audiences can expect to hear the poignant beauty of Strauss’s *Four Last Songs* alongside Shostakovich’s powerful Symphony No. 10. The evening also includes Malek Jandali’s *Phoenix in Exile*, a piece that embodies themes of resilience and rebirth.
The first concert of 2026, titled “Schumann & Franck,” will see Rainer Eudeikis, principal cellist of the San Francisco Symphony and a Boulder native, perform Schumann’s Cello Concerto. The program also features Jennifer Higdon’s *blue cathedral* and Franck’s passionate Symphony in D Minor, promising an evening filled with emotional depth and lyrical expression.
One of the season’s standout events is the “Barber & Dawson” concert, where renowned violinist Jennifer Koh will perform Barber’s Violin Concerto. This program will also showcase Copland’s *Quiet City* and William Dawson’s *Negro Folk Symphony*, a work that highlights the rich cultural heritage of orchestral music.
In May, audiences can look forward to an all-Prokofiev concert featuring pianist Stewart Goodyear. The performance will include Prokofiev’s exuberant Piano Concerto No. 3 and the captivating *Romeo and Juliet Suite*, creating a dramatic and intense musical experience.
Special Engagements and Community Events
In addition to the Masterworks concerts, the Boulder Philharmonic is offering family-friendly events throughout the season. On December 20, 2025, the orchestra will present *The Four Seasons*, pairing Vivaldi’s classic with Piazzolla’s *Four Seasons of Buenos Aires*, bridging different musical eras and styles.
A notable collaboration features rising jazz-pop artist Stella Cole, who will perform at the Boulder Theater on February 6, 2026. This event promises an evening of glamour and innovative interpretations of American standards, showcasing the orchestra’s versatility and commitment to engaging diverse audiences.
The Shift Series, returning for a second year, offers an innovative way to experience orchestral music. These concerts take place in unconventional venues such as Planet Bluegrass and the Roots Music Project, encouraging audience interaction and fostering a sense of community. By breaking conventional barriers, this series emphasizes the importance of connection and diversity in the arts.
The Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra stands out as a beacon of live performance, reminding us of the unique power of real music in real spaces. Attending their concerts is not just about enjoying exceptional music; it is about connecting with others and experiencing the transformative power of live orchestral performance.
For more information on the Boulder Philharmonic’s 2025-26 season and to purchase tickets, visit boulderphil.org or call 303.449.1343. This season, let the music lift you, inspire you, and create lasting memories.
