Sometimes, great leadership is not just about direction—it’s about revival. It’s about breathing new life into something that has been tested and reshaping it into something even stronger. When Josep Caballé-Domenech became the Music Director of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic in 2011, the orchestra found exactly what it needed: a fierce advocate for music and a force of nature who would inspire both musicians and community alike.
Caballé-Domenech arrived at a pivotal moment. The Philharmonic was at a crossroads, seeking to reaffirm its place in the cultural fabric of Colorado Springs. And in the years that followed, he became the champion that the musicians and community so desperately needed—demanding excellence and elevating the orchestra’s artistry with every downbeat. His passion for music was contagious, his commitment to the orchestra unshakeable. Under his leadership, the Philharmonic found new momentum, and audiences were reminded of the transformative power of music.  In 2023, he was named Conductor Laureate.
Where some leaders focus on maintaining the status quo, Caballé-Domenech brought an energy that was dynamic, unpredictable, and exhilarating. He encouraged the orchestra to take risks, to stretch beyond their comfort zones, and to commit to an artistic ideal. His deep knowledge of classical repertoire, combined with his charismatic energy, invigorated the musicians and inspired a renewed sense of purpose in the Philharmonic.
Looking back, it’s clear that Josep Caballé-Domenech’s time with the Philharmonic was defined by his energy, his vision, and his unapologetic drive to push the orchestra toward excellence. He arrived when the Philharmonic needed not just a leader—but a true advocate who would fight for the music and the people who make it. His legacy is not only in the performances that will be remembered but in the belief that he instilled in all of us: that great music is always worth fighting for.
