Overview

The American spirit takes center stage in this richly textured program, where emotional depth and cultural identity converge through sound.

We welcome back audience favorite Jennifer Koh, whose last performance with Boulder Phil left a lasting impression. Known for her fearless interpretations and visionary artistry, Koh returns to perform Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto—a piece that mirrors her strengths: lyrical warmth, expressive nuance, and electrifying virtuosity. From the long, singing lines of its opening to the dazzling, high-octane finale, Barber’s concerto remains one of the most beloved American works in the repertoire, and Koh brings it to life with unparalleled grace and intensity.

The program opens with Aaron Copland’s Quiet City—a haunting portrait of urban solitude. Even in a city of millions, loneliness can echo. This introspective piece features solo trumpet and English horn as poetic voices calling out across empty streets and dim-lit windows, capturing a still and thoughtful side of the American sound.

We close with a symphonic treasure long overdue for the spotlight: William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony. Premiered in 1934 and then unjustly neglected, this powerful work fuses traditional spirituals with classical form, creating a monumental expression of African American heritage and resilience. Dawson’s voice is bold, melodic, and unapologetically proud, offering a triumphant conclusion to a concert that speaks to both America’s complexity and its enduring hope.

For personalized assistance with your ticket order, call the Boulder Phil Box Office at 303.449.1343 or email info@boulderphil.org.

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Beyond the Performance

THE ARTIST |
Jennifer Koh, violin

Violinist Jennifer Koh is celebrated for her dazzling technique, fierce musical intelligence, and fearless approach to genre and tradition. A champion of contemporary music, she has premiered over 100 works and is constantly redefining what it means to be a classical artist today. She began playing the violin at age 3, drawn to its expressive power and endless possibilities. The New York Times praises her for “a blazing command of the violin.” “I believe in the capacity of music to create empathy,” says Koh. “To open hearts and minds.” This season, experience her bold artistry with the Boulder Phil—where innovation meets inspiration.