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$2,500 Goal
The Chamber Orchestra of the Springs is the only ensemble of its kind in the Pikes Peak region – operating in the niche between a full-sized symphony orchestra and un-conducted chamber music ensemble, the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs is a professional orchestra that specializes in bringing unexpected experiences and lesser-known musical gems to the orchestra stage. Led by Music Director Thomas Wilson, the Chamber Orchestra has dazzled audiences since 1983 by unearthing tomorrow’s classics and shedding new light on otherwise-ignored works by some of classical music’s greatest minds.
Known for its rich and busy collaborative schedule, the Chamber Orchestra performs regularly with pillars of the region’s musical community, including the Colorado Springs Chorale, Opera Theatre of the Rockies, UCCS Theatreworks, Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble, Colorado Ballet Society, Art Song Colorado, the US Air Force Academy, and more. The ensemble recently performed with Kevin Gates at Red Rocks Amphitheater, and is committed to bringing the power of a professional orchestra to all genres and styles of music.
Our mission: We seek to foster a culturally vibrant community through collaborative, educational, and representative orchestral music-making.
In 1981, a group of retired professional and amateur musicians in the Pikes Peak region founded the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs - and in 1983, they performed their first concert. For the first decade, the group was primarily dedicated to its musician-members. Concerts focused on the musical explorations of the players and the enjoyment of families and friends. From the beginning, the orchestra embodied out-of-the-box repertoire and creative programming. As the community embraced the niche being carved by the COS, members looked to the future, creating by-laws and gaining 501(c)(3) status in 1997. The first Board of Trustees was formed solely of orchestra members, the budget was small but grew, and the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs found itself an integral part of life for local musicians and the community.
In 1996, the COS hired Thomas Wilson as its Music Director. Under his experienced guidance, the organization began performing even more interesting and challenging works, continuing the advancement of the ensemble’s ability and quality. Simultaneously, the Board of Trustees turned to the Colorado Springs community for new members, looking to draw experience and expertise in fields beyond the musical realm onto the orchestra’s governing body. Step by step, the COS has evolved from a member-owned and governed ensemble into what it is today: The premiere chamber ensemble serving the region through innovative, educational and collaborative concerts.
Today, the COS offers a six-concert subscriber series, in multiple locations around Colorado Springs. As part of its focus on community, COS concerts frequently showcase local soloists and composers; and, to further its mission of supporting new music, the COS regularly premieres new works. In addition, the COS engages in collaborative performances with various community arts organizations, such as the Colorado Springs Conservatory, Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble, Opera Theatre of the Rockies, Ormao Dance Company, Pikes Peak Library, Taylor Memorial Series, and more.
Organization name
The Chamber Orchestra of the Springs
1983
Tax id (EIN)
74-2258729
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
3113 Primrose DriveColorado Springs, CO, US
Pueblo, CO, US
CO, US
Manitou Springs, CO, US
Denver, CO, US