Colorado Music Festival returns with full orchestra, visiting artists and more

Jun. 23—Boulder's premier celebration of classical and symphonic offerings, Colorado Music Festival, returns this month to Chautauqua Auditorium. The long-running event, that was founded in 1976, has been a draw for locals and visitors who revel in the dramatic and spellbinding performances of top-tier classical music talent.

"Anyone who loves music of any genre would appreciate the incredible talent on display — which is only enhanced by the acoustical wonder of Chautauqua Auditorium," said Elizabeth McGuire, Colorado Music Festival's executive director. "Once you experience that, you're hooked. And it's a fast and fleeting experience. You have to catch it before it's gone again for another year. There's something very compelling about that."

CMF 2022 promises six weeks of live concerts, pre-concert talks and more.

"What brought me to the festival, initially, was the full festival orchestra," McGuire said. "This year, as a former horn player, I'm particularly looking forward to Mahler's 'Fifth Symphony' because it showcases our incredible horn section."

This year, CMF also welcomes the renowned composer John Adams, a creative known for his operas — many of which draw from historical events.

His debut opera, "Nixon in China," was based on the former President's trip to the Republic of China in 1972. In the work, Adams augmented the orchestra with a big saxophone section, additional percussion and electronic synthesizer.

In his 2017 opera "Girls of the Golden West," Adams looked to the California Gold Rush and the mid-19th century letters of Louise Clappe — a woman who lived in the mining town of Rich Bar

— for inspiration.

"I also have to admit to being a bit star-struck by John Adams, our composer-in-residence," McGuire said. "I've been a fan of his music since my teens. I'm honored to be able to work with him and am excited to hear some of the music that he and our music director Peter Oundjian hand-selected for our 'Music of Today' week. Much of it will be completely new to me."

"Absolute Jest" — a concerto by Adams — brilliantly weaves the music of Beethoven with original material by Adams. "Absolute Jest" will open the festival at 7:30 p.m. June 30 with Grammy Award-winning Takács Quartet joining the full CMF orchestra.

"Performing 'Absolute Jest' with Peter Oundjian and the CMF Orchestra will be an extraordinary way to begin the festival," said Harumi Rhodes, violinist of Takács Quartet. "It is the perfect vehicle to bring everyone together. It celebrates music from the past with new grooves and an invitation for everyone listening to participate."

Folks can look forward to another performance of "Absolute Jest" at 6:30 p.m. July 1.

Rhodes also teaches violin at the University of Colorado Boulder, which has been the home base for Takács Quartet for more than three decades.

As a member of the incredible stringed orchestra, Rhodes travels to exotic tour destinations and connects with music lovers all over the globe.

"One of the things I love most about being in a string quartet is the everyday process of having 'serious fun' — the idea that music can create a playful and experimental space for riffing on new and old ideas with the spirit of invention and variation," Rhodes said.

On July 5, Takács Quartet will open the CMF's 2022 Robert Mann Chamber Music Series — now in its second year — at 7:30 p.m.

One aspect that is always a draw to CMF is the variety of programming. There are options that will appeal to classical music purists and those who seek out something slightly more funky with their strings and brass.

Returning to CMF will be the Portland, Ore.-based vaudeville group Really Inventive Stuff with a family show "Tubby the Tuba." Tickets to this kid-friendly performance, that starts at 11 a.m. on July 3, are $10.

On July 31, CMF attendees can take in one of Shakespeare's finest works with a performance of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," including a dramatic reading by actor John de Lancie, who starred in "Star Trek: The Next Generation."

In 2020, CMF went the virtual route by providing folks pre-recorded concerts by award-winning musicians. After a pandemic setback, McGuire is enthused to once again play a role in bringing live music back to one of the region's favorite venues with a bigger orchestra than the one that played at CMF 2021.

"Much of what I find rewarding is witnessing the impact the music has on the audience and the musicians," McGuire said. "This is both a deeply personal and shared experience that I value very much. It's what motivates my work."

The 2022 festival includes 13 guest artists, three internationally acclaimed string quartets and four guest conductors.

On July 15, the second offering of a Kaleidoscope concert — a performance that pairs lighting, cinematography and a hint of stage magic — will bring to life "Road Movies," a composition by John Adams.

"I'm proud of the innovative programming and caliber of the artists that we have been able to attract increasingly over time," McGuire said. "I see how the festival is beginning to engage the international attention it has always deserved."

The CMF Gala, happening July 6 at Boulder JCC, will feature performances by pianist and composer Timo Andres and festival fellows from the New World Symphony. John Adams will also be in attendance. Tickets to this event are $150, which includes cuisine and cocktails.

Peter Oundjian, CMF's music director, who was also named Colorado Symphony's principal conductor in February 2022, is enthused to once again take the stage at one of the region's most beloved landmarks, built in 1898.

"Feeling the connection with audiences in that stunning auditorium and sharing an extraordinary variety of music with everyone will be truly stimulating for all," Oundjian said.

Tickets for CMF are on sale now at a variety of price points. Most individual tickets to performances range between $25-$75. A subscription to a 16-concert package starts at $582.40 and offers discounts overall.

"Chautauqua is the best venue I know both aurally and visually," Oundjian said. "We have a great orchestra, incredible guest artists and extremely varied programming, but we also try to create an atmosphere of welcome and communication that makes people want to return again and again."

To check out the full CMF schedule visit, coloradomusicfestival.org/calendar.