Lynn Holladay
Sr. Vice President and COO
This season has been a powerful reminder of how music builds confidence, curiosity, and connection across our community. More than 4,700 students experienced Peter and the Wolf, many for the very first time, as musicians came together to model mentorship and spark curiosity — a spark that began earlier in classrooms through a new pilot workshop. Now & Forever reached its goal, strengthening the Philharmonic’s future as CFA programs and the new Counterpoint series continue to expand our impact.
Thank you for making this work possible and for being such an important part of the Philharmonic’s story.
Professionals and Young Artist Unite
- More than 4,700 students from 12 districts and 36 homeschools attend Philharmonic Kid’s Peter and the Wolf
- Colorado Springs Youth Symphony, Ormao Dance Company, and Colorado Springs Conservatory join musician in storytelling
This vibrant performance of Peter and the Wolf brought together youth and professional performers, modeling mentorship and artistic excellence. For many students, it was their first live classical performance, sparking curiosity, connection, and a powerful sense of belonging — making Philharmonic Kids not just a concert, but a meaningful introduction to the arts for thousands of young listeners.
As one teacher shared, “They were fascinated by the entire performance… They have new possibilities and new questions to ask.”
YOU DID IT!
Because of your generosity, Now & Forever was a success. $250,000 in new and increased gifts helped us move forward today while strengthening the Philharmonic’s future.
Igniting Curiosity Before the Performance
- A new pilot workshop brought a musician into classrooms for an interactive session ahead of Philharmonic Kids concert
- Students explored storytelling, tempo, dynamics, and instrumentation
Before students ever entered the concert hall for Philharmonic Kids, the music had already begun in their classrooms. Through a pilot pre-show workshop, Principal Bassoonist, JJ Sechan, led engaging, hands-on sessions that connected storytelling and orchestral sound, from Jabberwocky Jam to guided listening and a featured bassoon solo.
Each school embraced the experience differently, with students embodying musical characters, creating instrumental soundscapes, and diving into deeper analysis. By meeting students where they learn, the Philharmonic strengthened confidence, familiarity, and excitement — ensuring that when the first note sounded on stage, it already felt personal.
Colorado Springs Philharmonic receives NEA grant to support American Soundtrack festival
We are pleased to announce the Philharmonic is a recipient of a 2026 Grants for Arts Projects award of $20,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts. This funding will support American Soundtrack, a multi-concert festival celebrating American music as an experiment in harmony—where traditions meet innovation and music speaks beyond words.
“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support opportunities across the country for Americans to experience and participate in the arts while celebrating our nation’s history,” said Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “As we approach our country’s 250th anniversary, this is a moment to recognize the important role the arts continue to play in our lives, communities, and heritage.”
The Holidays and Community Connections
- Pikes Peak State College Jazz Band and Altitude Acapella perform at holiday concerts
- Collaborations provided real-world performance opportunities for emerging local musicians, reflecting CFA’s commitment to nurturing young artists
The holiday concerts extended far beyond the stage this season. The Center for Future Audiences transformed the lobby into a vibrant showcase for emerging local talent, welcoming patrons with live jazz and a cappella performances that elevated the entire concert experience. These partnerships did more than create festive energy; they provided meaningful, real-world opportunities for young musicians right here in the Pikes Peak region. Read more to see how this initiative is shaping the future of live music in the community—and why this work matters now more than ever.
Expanding Access. Inspiring Curiosity. Building Audiences.
- New concert series with Theaterworks
- Partnership forms a living dialogue—between music and language, past and present, tradition and imagination.
What happens when music and theatre share the stage as equal storytellers? That question sparked Counterpoint, a new collaboration between Music Director Chloé Dufresne and Theatreworks Artistic Director Max Shulman. Born from ongoing conversations and a shared love of storytelling, Counterpoint brings music and text into dialogue—sometimes aligning, sometimes challenging each other, always inviting audiences to discover meaning in new ways. As the Philharmonic approaches its centennial, this innovative partnership reflects a spirit of curiosity, creativity, and thoughtful risk-taking.
Thank You Sponsors
