On July 29th, the Ent Center for the Arts seemed to hold its breath. The audience—seasoned patrons, first-time visitors, and longtime supporters alike—waited for the moment that would mark a new chapter in the Philharmonic’s history. For 2 years, the community had awaited this night—a night that promised not only extraordinary music, but the beginning of a new era.
When Chloé Dufresne stepped onto the stage for the first time as our music director, the room erupted. Her welcome was warm and alive with a spark that caught instantly.
Then came her first downbeat.
From that singular motion, a musical conversation began—Chloé and the orchestra speaking in a language all their own, every note a message. Musicians responded to her attentive leadership with a vitality that filled the space.
Later, Chloé took a moment to speak directly to the audience, sharing her story and her vision for the Philharmonic’s next era. She spoke of music as a living conversation, a bridge between cultures and generations. Then, in a moment that delighted everyone present, she invited the audience to join her in song. Laughter mingled with melody as the entire hall lifted their voices, a spontaneous reminder that music belongs to everyone.
Throughout the evening, the connection was palpable. In the lobby after the performance, audience members shared wide-eyed smiles and words like “electric,” “fresh,” and “inspiring.” One longtime subscriber summed it up simply: “It feels like the start of something remarkable.”
By the time the final notes dissolved into the air, there was no doubt, it was a meeting of hearts. It was a moment when musicians, conductor, and community all said yes to what’s next.
As we look ahead, Chloé Dufresne’s first notes in Colorado Springs are only the beginning. Her deep listening, empathy-driven leadership, and gift for human connection promise a thrilling new era for the Philharmonic—one we’ll write together, measure by measure, with the same open-hearted spirit that filled the hall that night.
