Mission Statement:
The Chamber Orchestra of the Springs provides a unique opportunity for people in the Pikes Peak region to hear and appreciate the wealth of music for small orchestra. The orchestra strives for quality performances, innovative and educational programming and diverse artistic collaborations, while maintaining fiscal sustainability.
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).
Under the artistic leadership of Maestro Wilson the Chamber Orchestra continues to be recognized for unique repertoire and innovative collaborations as well as for featuring local composers and regional and national guest artists. Recent guest appearances have included Colorado Springs Philharmonic musicians: Ian Buckspan, clarinet, Catherine Hanson, viola, Paul Nagem, flute, and Desiree Cedeno-Suarez, violin; New York-based soprano, Rochelle Small Clifford, the Veronika String Quartet, and Colorado Vocal Arts Ensemble. The Orchestra frequently collaborates with the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale and the Colorado Springs Conservatory in productions such as Amahl and the Night Visitors. 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. (Read more about this award winning production: PDF)
In 2010, by public vote, the Chamber Orchestra won the Art Creates Community Award ( $10,000). The award was used to organize a Community-in-Unison Gospel Choir/Chamber Orchestra concert and an accompanying Volunteer-Fest
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.
