Growth, change define Colorado Symphony 2014/15 season, New staff, new series, new audiences in store when concerts resume Sept. 15

New staff, new series, new audiences in store when concerts resume Sept. 15

Also new this season is the just-announced Colorado Symphony Presents contemporary series, which brings world-class artists including Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and the Chieftans to Boettcher Concert Hall. A musician-led change of dress code means no more tuxes for male players. For the first time, patrons will be allowed to bring beverages into Boettcher Concert Hall for all performances. Music lovers will see changes at the box office, too, with low ticket prices and flexible packages that make the concert-going experience more accessible, affordable and welcoming to a wide audience.

The Colorado Symphony 2014/15 kicks off Monday, September 15, with “El Latir de Mexico,” a free community celebration of Mexican Independence Day. Music Director Andrew Litton returns September 18-19 for Opening Weekend performances of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, featuring the Colorado Symphony Chorus.

STAFF UPDATES:

Anthony Pierce has been named Senior Vice President of Program Innovation, a position that will allow him to focus on creative and collaborative programming with contemporary and traditional artists, including the newly announced Colorado Symphony Presents series. Pierce will continue to develop partnerships with Colorado concert promoters and venues as well as cultural organizations to grow audiences as well as reach and relevance. Pierce will also lead initiatives to develop new revenue streams via recording and licensing for film, television and digital media.

Robert Neu joins the Colorado Symphony as Senior Vice President of Artistic Planning. The former General Manager of the Minnesota Symphony and a former professional clarinetist, Neu has a history with both the Colorado Symphony and Music Director Andrew Litton; most recently, Neu directed the critically lauded 2012 semi-staged production of Hansel & Gretel. Neu’s varied expertise and creativity will fuel planning and production of the Masterworks series and other traditional programs. Neu is highly regarded within the symphony and theater world as a creative visionary. He joins the CSO part-time for the first part of the season and assumes full-time duties in April.

Catherine Beeson has been named Director of Community and Education Programs. Beeson will retain her position as Assistant Principal Viola in the orchestra. This move builds on a tradition of musician leadership in the CSO education department and recognizes Beeson’s considerable gifts as an educator. She has worked as a teaching artist with the New York Philharmonic and led programs for Up Close and Musical and the Denver Youth Symphony Orchestras, among others. Most recently, Beeson led two new classroom-based initiatives for the Colorado Symphony: the Very Young Composers, a pilot program that guided third-graders at Cole Arts & Sciences Academy through the process of creating original music; and the Creative Classroom Collaborative, which paired the Colorado Symphony with the Denver Center for Performing Arts and Youth on Record. This program served students at Venture Prep Academy in Park Hill and was sponsored by DaVita, Inc.

Shari Myers has been named Education Coordinator and Concierge and will support education initiatives including Youth Concerts and in-school performance programs. An active parent as well as a creative artist and member of the improv comedy troupe Monkey’s Uncle, Myers brings energy, ideas and perspective to this new role.

Christine Devereaux has been named Events Coordinator and will lead the Colorado Symphony’s expanding calendar of special events, including the 5L Run/Walk and the popular Beethoven 7 Brew series and the 5K Run/Walk. A devoted music fan with a passion for live music, Devereux brings energy, enthusiasm and creativity to the CSO’s events.

For more details, visit the Colorado Symphony online.