Symphony of the Rockies Gala 2026

Our mission is to engage, enrich, and nurture our community through musical performance, education and outreach. For over 70 years, the Symphony of the Rockies has been a vibrant fixture in the Denver-area arts scene. Since his appointment in 2013, Devin Patrick Hughes has transformed the ensemble into a bold, boundary-breaking force—bringing world-class symphonic power into the mountain region. In the last decade, the orchestra has doubled its operating budget, topped out venues, calibrated its artistic profile and expanded educational reach to thousands of students each year. When the pandemic hit, it didn’t drop a beat—pivoting to virtual, outdoor and safe live concerts to keep music alive for musicians and audiences alike. The ensemble blends professionals, rising stars and passionate community members, performing a dynamic mix of classical masterpieces, new works by living composers and crossover concerts (pop, film, video-games, folk). At its heart is inspiration and access—through Discovery concerts, an Emerging Artists program and senior outreach, the Symphony of the Rockies doesn’t just play music—it builds the next generation of listeners and performers. From rousing Fourth of July fireworks at Breckenridge Brewery to performances at premier Colorado halls like the Newman Center and Lone Tree Arts Center, the orchestra brings symphonic music to schools, churches, synagogues and outdoor gathering spots all across the Front Range.