Joye Levy, Director of the Center for Future Audiences, and Andschana Aljets, El Paso County Special Events Supervisor, sat down with FOX21 Morning News to talk about a massive year for our community: the 250th Anniversary of American Independence and Colorado’s 150th year of statehood.
Our Contribution: The Legacy of Charles Ansbacher
To kick off El Paso County’s “Moments That Made Us” initiative, the Philharmonic submitted a photo that is deeply important to our organization—a shot of Maestro Charles Ansbacher.
It was a special moment to discuss his impact on air. Beyond his baton, Charles was a visionary for Colorado Springs. He didn’t just conduct; he helped build the cultural infrastructure we enjoy today, leading the efforts to open the Pikes Peak Center in 1982. His “Summer Symphony in the Parks” and Fourth of July concerts aren’t just events; they are the “moments” this initiative is designed to celebrate—traditions that have shaped the lives of residents for decades.
The American Soundtrack: 2026 Concert Series
We also shared the lineup for our American Soundtrack Festival. We’ve curated a series that reflects the diversity and grandeur of the American experience. If you’re looking to join the celebration, here is what we have coming up:
April 18: The legendary Itzhak Perlman kicks off the series.
April 25 & 26: A powerhouse pairing of Marsalis / Rachmaninoff.
May 8 & 9: A journey to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
May 16 & 17: The American classic, Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess.
July 4: The grand finale—our Star Spangled Symphony at the new Ford Amphitheater.
Final Thoughts
As Andschana mentioned during the segment, this is our opportunity as a community to share our stories. Whether it’s a photo of a graduation, a family hike at Garden of the Gods, or a memory of a concert in the park, these are the threads that make up the fabric of El Paso County.
We aren’t just performing music; we’re helping curate the history of the place we call home.
How to Participate:
Share: Simply email your photos and a brief description to epcpio@elpasoco.com.
Listen: Grab your tickets for the American Soundtrack series at the Philharmonic website.
You can view the full segment from FOX21 News below.
