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DPO HistoryWith its 2011 - 12 Season, the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra (DPO) celebrates 63 years of providing high quality symphonic concerts and outreach. This community orchestra was founded in 1948 as the Denver Businessmen’s Orchestra by Dr. Antonia Brico, an internationally acclaimed musician, conductor and teacher. The two major issues driving establishment of the orchestra were a need for affordable classical music concerts in the Denver area and the need for an organization that would nurture, develop and showcase the talents of classically trained musicians, many of whom had relocated to Denver following World War II. The orchestra quickly became known for its ambitious collaborations and performances. It was also recognized as an excellent orchestra for area amateur and professional musicians to hone and display their musicianship. In 1968, to honor its founder, the name of the orchestra was changed to the Brico Symphony, and the tradition of musical excellence and community service continued. Following Dr. Brico’s retirement in 1986, the orchestra selected Julius Glaihengauz, a talented Russian immigrant recently graduated from the Tchaikovsky Conservatory, as its second Music Director. Under the new leadership, the name of the orchestra was changed to the Centennial Philharmonic and performed for eleven seasons, followed by a season under interim director Kirk Smith. In 1999 Dr. Horst Buchholz, Professor of Music at the University of Denver and an acclaimed musician and conductor, was selected as the orchestra's new Music Director. This began a period of growth and success that continues to this day. To more accurately reflect its Denver roots, the orchestra was renamed the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra in 2004. Dr. Buchholz remained the DPO’s Music Director/Conductor through the 2008-09 Season, after which he was appointed the orchestra’s first Conductor Laureate. Adam Flatt was appointed the orchestra’s fourth Music Director/Conductor in June, 2010. Mr. Flatt first led the DPO as guest conductor in May, 2009. About Our Conductor Adam Flatt first led the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra in a program of Schubert, Shostakovich and Brahms in 2009. He became the Orchestra's Music Director in the fall of 2010 and now is in his second season leading the ensemble. Adam has been making music in Denver since 2001 when Marin Alsop invited him to join the Colorado Symphony as Associate Conductor. During his five-year tenure he conducted over 250 performances with the orchestra, including classical subscription, parks, outreach, special event performances, and live broadcasts for radio and television. He created and hosted family and educational concerts that reached tens of thousands of children and families in the region. In the same year he began his seven year tenure as Music Director of the Denver Young Artists Orchestra, during which the DYAO created its own training programs for younger musicians, and the organization celebrated its 25th and 30th anniversaries. He led the DYAO in acclaimed concerts at home in Denver and on tours to central Europe and South America. The DYAO under Adam’s leadership was widely regarded as one of the most exciting and well trained such ensembles in the nation. In addition to his relationship with the DPO, Adam serves as Music Director of the Newport Symphony (the Oregon coast’s only year-round, professional orchestra), the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, and the Colorado Ballet. He appears as a guest with many ensembles. His professional career began as Apprentice Conductor of the Oregon Symphony. Mr. Flatt has guest conducted the orchestras of Alabama, Cheyenne, Dallas, Delaware, Houston, Lubbock, Midland, Missoula, Monterey, Oregon, Riverside, Sacramento, Saint Louis, San Juan, Santa Rosa, South Carolina, and many others. He has led performances with the major ballet companies of Portland and Salt Lake City as well as that of Denver. In addition, he has led productions for Colorado Light Opera, Eugene Opera, and Colorado Symphony collaborations with Central City Opera and Opera Colorado, including the wildly popular “Opera on the Rocks” at Red Rocks. Adam Flatt has his bachelor’s degree with honors in music from the University of California at Berkeley, and his master’s degree in conducting from the Indiana University School of Music. He studied music for two years in Austria and Germany, and studied at the Aspen Music Festival.Visit: www.adamflatt.com
About Our Conductor Laureate Dr. Horst Buchholz was appointed Conductor Laureate of the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra in August 2009 following his distinguished, decade-long tenure as the orchestra’s conductor and music director. In the 61-year history of the orchestra, he is the first conductor awarded this prestigious title. Highlights of his tenure with the DPO include a dramatic improvement in the artistic quality of the orchestra, original and rarely heard programming, and increased visibility of the orchestra throughout the community. Dr. Buchholz’s strong communication skills endeared him to audiences and helped to spread his passion for and commitment to the value of outstanding community orchestras. Previously, Buchholz served as Music Director at Denver’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and professor at St. John Vianney Seminary, as well as Associate Conductor with Opera Colorado and as Music Director of Denver’s Young Artists Orchestra. He has won international acclaim as conductor, concert organist, scholar, and educator. Horst Buchholz received his early musical training in a boys choir in his native Germany and started conducting at age 16. When he was 21 years old, he had his Berlin Philharmonic debut as organ soloist, and shortly thereafter he founded the Berlin Chamber Orchestra. Dr. Buchholz holds two terminal degrees, one in Church Music from the University of Arts in Berlin, and one in Orchestral Conducting from Indiana University in Bloomington. From 2003 to 2008, Dr. Buchholz joined the Lamont School of Music of the University of Denver as organ faculty and curator of the William K. Coors organ. |
Upcoming ConcertFriday February 17, 2012 VERDI: Overture to Nabucco
Read about our outstanding guest vocalists
Listen to the DPO NewsDecember 12, 2011 - Opus Colorado November 14, 2011 - Berkshire Fine Arts September 30, 2011 - Opus Colorado July 13, 2011 - Opus Colorado May 7, 2011 - Opus Colorado Email UpdatesJoin our email list to receive updates on upcoming concerts and happenings. Join Our Mailing ListPrefer printed materials? We'll send information via good ol' U.S. Mail. Contact UsPhone: 303-836-7445 Denver Philharmonic Orchestra Follow Us   PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS Looking for an experienced music instructor? Links
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