The Boulder Phil is thrilled to feature Alessio Bax performing the ever-popular Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, renowned for its supremely beautiful second movement. The program continues with Stravinsky’s “Petrushka,” a Russian classic bustling with energy, orchestral color, and rhythmic complexity. As one of the trio of ballets that cemented Stravinsky’s reputation as a seminal 20th-century composer, “Petrushka” showcases his distinctive style and voice. The concert opens with Anna Clyne’s work inspired by the Edinburgh Festival, capturing a 21st-century festival’s vibrant energy and festive atmosphere, much like Stravinsky’s depiction of the Shrovetide Fair.

In a celebration of our solar system, we honor the 150th anniversary of Gustav Holst’s birth with a performance of his symphonic masterpiece. This cosmic journey is complemented by a brand-new composition from Colorado resident and CU alum John Heins, inspired by the moons of Saturn, Jupiter, and Neptune. Our performance marks the world premiere of Heins’ work, adding a contemporary exploration to an evening that transcends time and space.

A masterpiece of momentum, Symphony No. 7 was a personal favorite of Beethoven’s, one he believed to be among his best. Joined by Bernstein’s signature swagger and Barber’s heartfelt journey, this opening night reminds us of how it feels to be alive.

The Boulder Phil’s season opener features a transcendent lament by Renaissance composer John Dowland. The program includes the remarkable talent of 16-year-old violinist Amaryn Olmeda, who first captured international attention by winning the Sphinx Competition at 13. Olmeda, having performed with prestigious orchestras including the Philadelphia and Cleveland Orchestras and the Houston and Seattle Symphonies, will perform a cornerstone of the Romantic violin repertoire, a piece not heard in Boulder for nearly two decades. The concert concludes with Mendelssohn’s Reformation Symphony, a work of grandeur that prominently weaves Luther’s hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” into its tapestry, reflecting both historical reverence and musical brilliance.