I have been a subscriber for approximately 20 years, and during that time one of the benefits I valued most was the ability to keep the same seats each season. I recently learned that the system has been changed and subscribers are no longer guaranteed their seats from year to year. This is extremely disappointing. Long-time patrons like myself have supported the SCO with thousands of dollars over the years, and the ability to retain our seats felt like a small but meaningful acknowledgment of that loyalty. With this change, that benefit has been taken away. Unfortunately, that makes it difficult for me to justify continuing my subscription. There are many cultural organizations and symphonies that value and appreciate long-time patrons, and I will be exploring those options instead. A followup...I received a reply on the Yelp review from a rep from the CSO stating that I could absolutely renew and keep my seats. I have the first email from the CSO office stating there was no guarantee I could keep the same seats. I responded to that email stating I would not renew if I could not keep the same seats. The next email from the CSO office stated that those seats were still available for the POPS Series and I could have them for 4 of the 5 shows, but the 5th show I would need to move. Again, I have the emails from the CSO office. read more

This was my first time returning to the Colorado Symphony since the pandemic. It was so good to be back! Every seat has a great view. We sat for the first time in the mezzanine and now I'm hooked on that view. I like that you can see every player with that overhead view. The box office is open right before the show and we bought tickets for another show. If you buy tickets in person you save on the service fees. There is a bar where you can purchase drinks and snacks. You can bring the drinks into the amphitheater. Many shows have either a pre or post talk which gives you more insight into the music, history of the times and the composers. I find them entertaining and help me appreciate the music on a much deeper level. They are free to attend. The musicians are top notch. The conductor was talking about an upcoming trip for the symphony where they will be playing to sold-out crowds at both Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall! We are lucky to have this symphony in our state! read more

Colorado Symphony - The view from the Mezzanine before the show. - Performing Arts Near Me - Denver, Colorado

What a treat to see Devotchka play with the symphony! Beautiful intimate venue and wonderful sound! Just wish parking was easier to navigate! Lots of people wondering around lost! read more

Colorado Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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This is opening weekend of the 102nd season. The last few years I am been coming on Sunday afternoons usually at 1pm. I find the 9 person artistic committee composed of management and musicians offers a range of contemporary artists and music along with guest conductors and musicians from around the world. I came for a Classic's Prelude from Catherine Beeson. She is the assistant principal Viola musician. She always provides a humorous and somewhat nerdy interpretation of that day's concert. Today's concert was a true indication. The opening piece was a suite of Concerto for Orchestra by Joan Tower. She is a lively 87 year composer and teacher at Bard College in New York. Next up was Max Bruch's Violin Concerto #1 created in 1866. The solo violin was played by Pinchas Zukerman, a world renowned violinist. After intermission, the symphony played Beethoven's Romance #1 for Violin & Orchestra created in 1801, a rare piece last performed in 1974. Pinchas Zukerman played again. The last piece was The Pines of Rome by Ottorino Respighi created in 1923. A rousing performance especially the 4th movement. Occasionally there are Talkbacks. This time, Music Director and principal conductor Peter Oundjian sat near Orchestra 2 and took questions from patrons. Plus, a new feature this year where in the rather industrial lobby is called the Encore Lobby to allow patrons, management and musicians to mingle afterwards for an hour with an open bar. That way you can avoid the traffic jam leaving the next door parking garage and traffic on the hwy. The Sounding magazine available for each patron has a new version of Biographies for musicians and musical works. read more

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High quality musicians, engaging conductors, and a wide variety of programming that connects with any audience. The facility itself is interesting too, an architectural pioneer in its time, though with a still-unclear future. read more

Went to go see the Colorado symphony perform the soundtrack to the wizard of oz movie. Love how they have your traditional classics concerts, have amazing guest performers, and also do events like this. The sounds was overall great but wish there were subtitles somewhere and occasionally the music was too loud. Great performances to every month with varied genres. Highly recommend! read more

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The CSO is a true star of the Denver Metro living experience. Excellent quality, wonderful performances, great acoustics in a comfortable venue. We were fortunate to begin attending when Marin Alsop was conductor. They have great children's programs to introduce youth to fine music and classical instruments, & special themed events that are fun. The covered atrium-like entry between parking structure and the venue of the Denver Ctr for the Performing Arts means you never have to worry about rain, snow or slippery ice from your car to the theatre . read more

Finally! After years of living in Denver, I had such a blast coming here with a few friends to watch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The symphony elevated the experience from a simple movie screening, and it was fun for kids and adults alike. Love the 360 degree view from anywhere in the room. Despite how crowded it was, I didn't feel claustrophobic. It was mostly the DCPA parking garage that was a nightmare to navigate. I didn't check out the bars either, having just come from dinner, but the restrooms were clean and fast-moving. Overall smooth time and would love to come back here again for more performances. read more

Colorado Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Unbelievable experience! Can't believe it's taken us this long to check this out. Perfect for a date night.

We recently attended the annual "A Colorado Christmas" performance by the Colorado Symphony. We have been numerous times over the years and have always loved it, but left disappointed this year. The symphony itself and the choir were absolutely amazing, but there was a soloist, named Devin DeSantis, who dominated the program. I didn't count, but seemed as if he performed half of the numbers on the program. He has some talent, but we didn't buy tickets to see Devin DeSantis in concert. Felt like we missed out on much of the beautiful symphony music in order to listen to his performance. I won't attend again without finding out how much of the program will be given to a soloist. read more

I almost feel bad to give an a-OK review of the CSO, but what can I say I guess it isn't for me. I like the idea of a big orchestra belting out classics that fill the hall and wrap me with the music, but I just haven't gotten that feeling when I have gone to the CSO. I am by no means a musical aficionado, but I found the symphony to be good, but not outstanding. The hall decent, but not great. And the variety of shows never thrill me. I am sticking to the theatre, it is more for me! read more

Colorado Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - Denver, Colorado

What an amazing symphonic experience! We attended a Rochmonannoff piano concerto here with our children and it was a fantastic experience. The architecture is interesting and lends to some great exploration before the show starts. They offer light refreshments and drinks to purchase before the show should you find yourself hungry before you head in. The symphony hall itself (Boettcher hall) is an immersive, 365-degree seating area around the stage. Other than some of the floor seats, there are no bad seats in the house! It was an amazing experience and view and we will be going back. Parking is adjacent (and resonable) like the other venues in the Denver Perform ing Arts Complex. read more

Colorado Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - Denver, Colorado

The symphony is my favorite of all the performing arts. The Colorado Symphony always does an incredible job and the performances are varied. Christopher Dragon is a dynamic conductor who is always so much fun to watch. Last night we came to The Goonies and it was a really lovely evening. read more

When I think of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, I think of their New Year's Eve "Night in Vienna" concert. As one would expect, this concert showcases the great waltzes from Johann Strauss Jr., Josef Strauss, and Dohnanyi to name a few. The unexpected is, that the evening is infused with celebratory fun with the conductor, orchestra, and audience being full participants in a performance that is filled with drama, humor, and cheer. Afterwards, it's a short walk to the 16th ST Mall to enjoy fireworks. read more

Colorado Symphony - As a child I remember walking under this structure on a field trip. - Performing Arts Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Hot and no Air Con In the ring 3 and ring 4 Sound Eco from the roof That makes it sound terrible read more

Colorado Symphony - Terrible seats to listen to the Orchestra The eco is horrible And there is no cool air Glad these were cheap tickets - Performing Arts Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Although the CSO is not as large (or as richly funded) as many larger orchestras around the country, I believe that it is one of the best. My husband and I began attending Sunday afternoon performances five years ago and we now are season ticket holders. We opt to sit in the Mezzanine 1 section behind the orchestra not only because the tickets are more affordable (a steal actually) but because we love being able to watch the conductor. Jeffery Kahane, for example, is not only a fantastically gifted pianist but is an energetic conductor. We also especially enjoy Mr. Kahane's performances as he often takes a few minutes to talk to the audience directly about the piece he is about to conduct. It is also a rare treat to see Marin Alsop conduct. One of my favorite concerts in recent years was Ms. Alsop conducting Brahms Symphony no. 1. Although I'd listened to this symphony before, I gained new appreciation for it when I heard it performed live. Ms. Alsop's performance was magnificent - it brought me to tears. We are very fortunate in Denver to have access to such great talent. Often, guest artists are featured. Yesterday, for example, pianist Barry Douglas performed Beethoven's "Emperor" Piano Concerto No. 5 - he was amazing! Unfortunately it appears that the new facility that is currently being designed will no longer include "behind the orchestra" seating. This is a shame. You don't have to be a classical music expert to enjoy the symphony - and Sunday performances are a great value. read more

Colorado Symphony - CSO - from Mezzanine 1 - behind the orchestra - Performing Arts Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Never been to the symphony here in Denver? Don't worry - you're not the only one. But you are in for a treat! We're lucky to have a wonderful symphony, and they offer an incredibly diverse program every year. You can listen to the music as it accompanies visual performances like Fantasia or Looney Tunes, or come see some of the best musicians in the world as they perform with our CSO. Are you required to dress up? Well, it's always appreciated, but you'll see some of everything at the Boettcher. Everything from men in tuxes and women in gowns to folks in khakis - jeans are rare (I'm generally very casual, but even I wouldn't wear jeans here). Put a little effort into it and dress up a bit for a fun night out. The seating is comfortable and the hall is beautiful. But do be careful about the noise we can all make. Trust me, if you're smacking your gum or talking to your seatmate during the performance, someone will likely call you out. Every note counts. And really, don't we all hate gum-smackers, texters, talkers, etc? They should just stick to their living rooms. :) Anyway, make a night out of it - dress up a bit and come enjoy the wonderful performances you'll get at the symphony! read more

There was a problem getting my ticket exchanged. I called for several days within a week to get the exchange. Finally, on Friday, the ticket issue was resolved, and the ticket manager Amanda apologized for the inconvenience caused by their error, and she even comped one of our tickets. I am very pleased with the satisfactory outcome and the apology and the comp. Thank you, CSO ticket office! Welcome back, CSO! The concert was A #1 fantastic! read more

Thank you CSO for a wonderful field trip for our 5th graders on December 4th. This was a great intro for the kids into percussion instruments and the amazing sounds that can be made. The special show was appreciated and enjoying by the child and adults alike. read more

Colorado Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Fantastic orchestra, we're so lucky to have them in Denver. AND I bought tickets for the wrong day and Sofia in customer service got me the same seat, right day, same price. Amazing customer service! Staff at the concert hall are always super welcoming and helpful as well. read more

Throughout my life I've gone to several performances of classical music. Virtually every one of these times I was simply meeting a class requirement or appeasing a friends interest. However, yesterday I saw Verdi's Requiem as performed by the CSO, entirely by choice, and I was delighted and thrilled with the experience. This famous symphony was performed with a full choir, offering a majestic level of energy and excellence. The symphony didn't just sound amazing, it felt amazing to be in such an incredible setting such as the Boettcher Concert Hall. I low balled on buying the tickets, and selected the $15 mezzanine which was a great value (except for the egregious Ticketmaster service fees). To my untrained ears, these were exquisite seats, offering a wonderful vantage point and solid acoustics. As an added bonus, it was awesome to see the conductor from the front and absorb his energy and enthusiasm for his craft. I am by no means an artsy or cultured individual, but I do intended on frequenting the symphony again, as it instilled a sense of jubilee in me that I rarely find. read more

Whoever thinks kids will not appreciate time honored classic music from a symphony needs to be sure to bring their children to the Colorado Symphony! This is the third year I have taken my fifth graders to see the symphony play during the day for a school-age only crowd. My hip-hop and rock loving students have enjoyed the symphony for all it is worth! After returning, we did a writing assignment on their opinions about if someone should go to the Colorado Symphony. Hands down-the performance was a winner! The conductor speaks to the students and gives them interesting small talks on the instruments, sounds you will hear in a piece, and the history of the pieces. This year we went for a concert on space. The children were delighted to learn about how the planets received their names, and how the composers named their pieces which corresponded to the action and sounds they heard. The concert for schoolchildren is about an hour long and is an amazing way to learn more and appreciate instruments and demonstrate appropriate behavior as an audience. read more

For $18, this was a fabulous experience. I saw the symphony play the music from Crouching Tiger, a piece called "In the Steppes of Central Asia", and the Suite from The Firebird. I was there for the Stravinsky- a piece I've loved since high school. It was pretty obvious that the symphony wasn't crazy about the Crouching Tiger piece- it sounded sluggish and muddled, and featured a Chinese instrument called the erhu that I personally wasn't crazy about. Lots of scratchy screechy-ness. But for the Firebird, the orchestra leaned in and rocked it. The piece features a lot of contrasting volumes and textures, and the orchestra moved as one, with quiet parts so delicate you felt like your heart would break. The brass section had a warm, full tone that never overpowered the strings, but worked with them to create a tapestry of sound that was rich and vibrant. The sound from my seats wasn't great- I've been spoiled with amazing acoustics for most of my musical life, and so I was a little disappointed that there would be such a marked difference for cheaper seats. But I'll shell out an extra five bucks next time and see if there's an improvement. Soapbox Warning: I may be the most old-fashioned person alive, but I was wildly irritated at the behavior of the audience. So many patrons showed up late that the orchestra (and the timely audience members) had to wait a full two minutes in between pieces so latecomers could be seated. Half the audience was wearing jeans. The rests between movements were taken as opportunities to hack your lungs out and blow your nose and talk to your neighbor. Egads. Come on, Colorado. read more

Boy, have I forgotten all about my choir youth years and no, I'm not afraid to admit it. Don't you love getting all dressed up for a wonderful evening of musical inspiration and talented voices floating through the air? Well, apparently one kid didn't. Who goes to the symphony dressed like a slacker/skater bum? Don't get me wrong, I'm all for self expression but there are some places you check your self expression at the door. After we were ushered to our seats, which was a pretty good view, the show finally began. I never felt more moved or emotional while watching a live performance - there's something about the conductor I just can't quite put my hands on; the way he was directing the symphony and choir - I literally felt the notes dancing up off the paper and into the air. I know someone in the choir and trying to find him was like trying to find a needle in a haystack - didn't happen! Every single person that sang and performed was just exquisite and flawless. Of course most of the music conducted was for the Holiday season but even that didn't bother me. Major Bravos for a very memorable evening. read more

I'm a huge fan of the CSO and the events in which the orchestra participates. I've attended classical, pops and holiday concerts galore and have always been impressed. In order to attend more frequently, we get the cheapest tickets, only $15. That's right, FIFTEEN bucks. Stop into their box office (which seems to be open all the time) and there are no fees. Even better, tickets for the kids are only $7.50. Hard to beat it for affordable, excellent culture. While I've sat in much better seats at Boettcher Hall(sp?), I've found that the sound works wherever I am seated and I compromise a view for a great deal. They also have free coat check. Bonus! read more

I attended the Colorado Symphony's New Year's Eve concert recently and was pleasantly surprised. The conductor was informative and entertaining, the evening was well put together, and the playing was great! The nosebleed seats that I bought were even interesting (ring 4) and I got a top down view of the concert. I will put them on my to do list for when I visit Denver next! read more

I love classical music and therefore I loved my experience when I came last spring to the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. The only complaint I have is that the seats are too hard. Other than that, it was a a great show with beautiful melodies and rhythm. read more

Colorado Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Such a talented group of musicians. The concert was Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 at Boettcher Concert Hall. I was beautiful, especially the piano portion. The hall is spectacular. I was disappointed that it was only about 65% full on opening night. I felt bad for the musicians. The only complaint is that ticket prices are high and the temperature is too high. The older people in the audience can put on a sweater much easier than others can disrobe. read more

I bought 6 flex passes to use this season and have really enjoyed it. The Colorado symphony has so much talent in their orchestra and you can get great seats to performances for reasonable prices. They even offer student pricing which is a steal if you have a valid student ID. Also, I have sat in all of the levels at this venue and there isn't a bad seat in the house. I don't think they get enough credit for just how good they are... and we are so lucky to have them in Denver. I've been to classic shows as well as when they host special guests and it is always a worthwhile experience. This is one of the best kept secrets in Denver. Whether you have gone years ago, never been, or are a regular - the Colorado symphony is always worth a visit. The beautiful music they make just speaks to the soul... read more

Fabulous night at the symphony last night! The CSO is a group of very talented and passionate musicians that always uphold the highest performance standards. Last night I attended the Summer Classics performance, and they played Mendelssohn's Overture to Midsummer Night's Dream, Ravel's Bolero, and the first movement of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with a wonderful 16 year old up and coming pianist, Henry Zhang. Such a treat! He played with such strong emotion and passion for someone his age. Everyone in Denver should check out the symphony for a wonderful evening! I attend several performances every season. The energy in the concert hall is electric, and the musical selections are wonderfully programmed. Bring your friends! Bring your significant others! It's a magical experience, and for students you have no excuse not to go- there are $10 tickets to most of the shows! read more

The CSO is a great "B" orchestra with some highly talented players. In addition, their soloists that fly in are the top artists in the field. All of this for very little money. Mr. Kahane is a great director and puts together a wonderful palette of music throughout the season. We have been subscribers for two years and will miss it when we move to NYC. The student discount is amazing! 50% off!! It has allowed us to enjoy something that would otherwise be a bit out of our budget, so we are very happy with the service. Seats are great, roomy, and comfortable. Not a bad view in the house. Acoustics? Meh... but the new hall should be finished by 2011? read more

On Friday night I attended the presentation of Puccini's TOSCA which included a semi staged production of the opera with cast lead by soprano Takesha Meshé Kizart. Simply said this show was amazing and gave me chills throughout the event. When the last note played out there was a well deserved spontaneous standing ovation. We had purchased tickets in the upper Mezzanine seating for $25/each. You cannot buy a bad seat in this venue. Despite our location on the upper level the view and sound were spectacular. There are some incredibly interesting shows coming up this spring so be sure to explore some great culture. read more

I TOTALLY recommend seeing anything in the "Behind the Score" series. It's like VH1's "Behind the Music" -- Conductor Scott O'Neil does an amazing job of explaining all of the elements to listen for in each piece - whether it's rhythm or a melody or something you've heard before in a commercial. He brings the music to life and makes it so much fun. For someone like me -- who doesn't really have any background listening to classical music -- it's so much more fun when I know should listen for in each piece, and feel like I know something about what's going on. It's a really cool, fun, enlightening evening. Strongly recommended. Also makes for a great second or third date! read more

I attended the symphony for the first time when the band Ozomatli came through town. The band hooked up with the symphony and created something that I will never forget, it is one of the best concerts I've seen. The place wasn't even half full and the crowd was mixed with Ozomatli fans and symphony goers. My brother who is a huge Ozomatli fan said it was quite different than their "normal" gigs and nobody was quite sure what to expect. The combination of the Latin rock/rap mixed with the orchestra was sublime. The audience was dancing and singing, including the older symphony crowd who had no idea what they were going to see that night. The conductor was amazing and really won the whole crowd, band and orchestra over by dancing on stage and bringing people up from the audience to show off his moves. At the end of the concert the band left the stage by moving through the crowd, bringing the symphony a long playing music the entire time. They egged the crowd on getting everyone dancing in the aisles and forming a huge conga line which moved out into lobby. After which the entire band stayed and greeted everyone who came, shaking hands and taking pictures. Needless to say there are some new, somewhat unexpected Ozomatli fans. Young, old, rock, rap, classically trained musicians all together dancing, singing, hearts shining and enjoying every single moment! It was just one of those insane, heart warming, amazingly fun experiences one rarely gets and you couldn't help but wish the night would never end. read more

I've had the pleasure of attending a select few symphonies in Chicago, Seville, and now Denver, and I have to say this is right up there. I'm a huge classical fan and am blown away by the acoustics in here. And they still want to revamp it?? Can't wait to see the modern adjustments. The CSO is particularly cool because it's one of the few round-the-hall (seating all the way around the stage) symphony halls in the world. Mr. Kahane makes a point to try to arrange pieces that have not been performed in a long time so you are bound to experience something new every time. I tend to avoid the cheesy Broadway/movie spectaculars and go for the concertos. Gabriela Montero performing the Rach 3, unbelievable. You can't beat the price, especially if you're a student -- $5 for open seating, what?! read more

I have mixed feelings about the Colorado Symphony. I have been twice, and have had drastically different experiences. The first, for a classical top 40 show, was really very good. It lasted close to 90 minutes and played many well recognized pieces. On the other hand, we went to a family series event that was just plain far too short for the ticket cost... barely clocking in at 45 minutes with half the show being some failed sports announcer type experiment with little actual music and bland humor at best. The rest of the music was good... all 20 minutes worth. I would not recommend going to the family series and stick to the more standard fare. I was really shocked how short the show was and how little content it contained. On the plus side, the seats are fairly comfortable and the place is small enough that there really isn't a bad seat. read more

Came here for An Evening of Star Wars. It was the first time I had seen the CSO since I was a child going to the symphony on school field trips. Very different symphony experience than the CSO I remember then. Gone is the haute formal attire. The atmosphere was very relaxed and casual. You can wear denim jeans to the symphony. The theme was intentionally fun. People came to the event dressed in full cosplay. Even some of the symphony musicians wore costumes. The orchestra was pitch-perfect and played spectacularly. They are well trained professional musicians all of them. The conductor looked very young. Not at all the old-man seasoned orchestra conductor stereotype who takes music far too seriously. They may not be as good as The Boston Pops, but they aren't too bad either. The venue at Boettcher Hall is very impressive. I like the auditorium design and the acoustics are great. The seats are bit uncomfortable though, especially after sitting awhile. They could have used better cushioning. They do not recline at all so it feels like you are sitting upright in an old fashioned school desk. My biggest complaint though is the short playing time of 90 minutes. For the cost of concert tickets, and for making it an evening out to the symphony, that's far too short of a concert performance, especially for something like a tribute to John Williams' Star Wars. They could easily have played for another half hour, even an hour at best. I would definitely come back to see the CSO play traditional classical symphony. Hopefully their regular performances are a bit longer though. People want to get their money's worth. Going to the symphony should be a full evening event. read more

LOVE the CSO, HATE the new security checks (a la TSA). Have attended for more than 30 years, have never been so insulted. Unless there has been a credible threat, this is both unnecessary and unjustified. read more

This orchestra is top notch, ESPECIALLY for the pay these musicians receive, which is nothing compared to most other major city orchestras. I am a musician myself, and I can't describe how fulfilling it is to be able to go and hear an ensemble like this right in your city. I have heard many major symphony orchestras throughout my life, and the CSO hangs right in there with the "big" names. I have been moved to tears, to joyous laughter, and to heart-pounding excitement all in one evening with these amazing musicians. Anyone can find something they like - this orchestra will play masterworks for the "classical" music lover, pops (including shows with acts like Boyz 2 Men, Kip Winger, broadway musical singers, and children's interests), as well as a sort of tutorial line of concerts designed to integrate the audience in a teaching/learning environment. Ticket prices are very reasonable and have a large range. There is not a bad seat in Boettcher Hall. read more

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I am not really a symphony kind of gal, but I've been to two shows in their pop series this year and I've really enjoyed the experience. The venue is gorgeous. And I really enjoyed the musicians I saw perform -- Ben Folds and Idina Menzel. I am not saying I am going rush back to see the regular ol symphony anytime soon, but I will definitely keep my eye on their pop series each year. read more