The orchestra now known as the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs began in 1981 with a small number of players who loved chamber music. It was organized into an orchestra in 1984 by several amateur, semi-professional and retired professional musicians wanting to perform serious symphonic music. Originally formed as the Colorado Chamber Orchestra Society, it was given its current name in 1986.Dr. Edward Lanning, a professional clarinetist from Iowa, relocated to Colorado Springs with his family in 1983 to establish a sheet music store and was named as the Orchestra’s first music director. Instrumental in organizing the Chamber Orchestra, he held this position until 1988. Other Music Directors have included Randy Fisher, violist with the Colorado Springs Symphony (1988-90); Frank Toth, conductor of the Colorado Ballet and Professor of Music at Denver University (1990-96) and more recently at the University of Northern Colorado; and Thomas Wilson, trumpeter and Associate Conductor of the Colorado Springs Symphony, now the Colorado Springs Philharmonic (1996-Present).The orchestra currently performs five concerts per year, accompanying accomplished professional musicians at every performance. Guest appearances have included Colorado Springs Philharmonic artists Paul Nagem, flute, and Rebecca Lee, violin. Other artists include Carol Wilson, organ; Judith Shay Burns and Linda Weise, soprano; and recording artist Susan Grace, piano. In March, 2007, the orchestra performed John Rutter’s Mass of the Children in collaboration with the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale. Additionally, the orchestra has performed Amahl and the Night Visitors in collaboration with the Colorado Springs Conservatory in each of the last four years. In June, 2007, members of the orchestra performed Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Unicorn, the Gorgon and the Manticore with the Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble and faculty and company members of Colorado’s Classical Youth Ballet.
The primary sources of funding for the orchestra are from ticket sales and the generous donations of our patrons. We are deeply grateful to all of you for your support. Your support allows us to continue to bring great music to the community.
