Colorado Symphony Mourns The Passing Of Former Executive Director Jim Copenhaver

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Respected arts leader guided the Colorado Symphony through pivotal moments in its history and helped secure the organization’s future during times of extraordinary challenge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Nick Dobreff, Communications and Creative Director

616.485.3913 (m) – 303.308.2477 (o)

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Jun. 22, 2026

Denver, CO – The Colorado Symphony is saddened to announce the passing of former Executive Director and Interim President & CEO Jim Copenhaver, a respected arts administrator, consultant, and leader whose steady guidance helped shape the Colorado Symphony during some of the most consequential periods in its history.

Throughout a distinguished career, Copenhaver became known as a trusted advisor and organizational leader, repeatedly answering the call when the orchestra faced periods of transition and uncertainty. His relationship with the Colorado Symphony began in 1990, shortly after the formation of the orchestra following the demise of the Denver Symphony Orchestra, when he was recruited to serve as Executive Director. What began as an intended six-month engagement evolved into four years of leadership that helped establish the young organization on a path toward stability and growth. By 1992, under his leadership, the orchestra had achieved a balanced budget and strengthened its position within Colorado’s cultural community.

Over the years, Copenhaver remained closely connected to the Colorado Symphony, returning on multiple occasions to provide interim leadership and strategic counsel. Most notably, in October 2011, he stepped in as Interim President and CEO during one of the most challenging chapters in the organization’s history. At a time when financial pressures threatened the future of the orchestra, Copenhaver worked alongside board leadership including Jerry and Mary Kern, musicians, donors, and community stakeholders to restore confidence, stabilize operations, and chart a path forward. His calm demeanor, financial acumen, and unwavering belief in the value of symphonic music helped guide the organization through a critical period of recovery.

“Jim Copenhaver answered the call whenever the Colorado Symphony needed him most,” said Colorado Symphony President & CEO Daniel Wachter. “His leadership, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the power of symphonic music helped guide this organization through some of its most challenging and transformative moments. We are deeply grateful for his service, his friendship, and his lasting contributions to the Colorado Symphony. His legacy lives on in the strength of the institution he helped build and in the generations of musicians, patrons, and community members who continue to benefit from his work.”

Born on March 10, 1935, in Farmington, Minnesota, Jim Copenhaver built a career defined by leadership, service, and a lifelong love of music. Following a successful career with Honeywell, he transitioned into arts administration, bringing his financial expertise and organizational leadership to the cultural sector. In 1971, he married his wife, Julie, and the couple relocated from Minnesota to Denver in 1982, where Jim would become deeply connected to Colorado’s arts community. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed biking, hiking, and spending time with family and friends, while remaining a devoted supporter of symphonic music throughout his life.

Jim’s impact on the Colorado Symphony extended far beyond his formal leadership roles. He was a trusted advisor, mentor, and advocate whose steady hand helped guide the organization through multiple periods of transition. Even after retirement, he remained passionate about the Symphony and its future, continuing to attend performances and support the institution he helped shape. In recognition of that enduring connection, his family has requested that memorial gifts be directed to the Colorado Symphony.

For more information about the Colorado Symphony, visit coloradosymphony.org or call 303.623.7876.

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