Overview

The Boulder Philharmonic’s season opener seamlessly blends modern vibrancy with timeless grandeur, offering a program that is rich and resonant. Renowned pianist—and New York Times contributor—Jonathan Biss begins the 2025-26 season with one of the towering achievements of the Romantic era: Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Expansive, profound, and symphonic in scope, this four-movement masterpiece showcases Biss’s extraordinary depth and sensitivity, bringing out the concerto’s lyrical warmth and structural brilliance.

The program begins with Carlos Simon’s The Block, a vibrant, jazz-infused portrait of Harlem inspired by visual artist Romare Bearden’s collage series. Simon’s music captures the pulse and personality of urban life, blending classical traditions with gospel, blues, and hip-hop influences.

Also in the first half is Hindemith’s Mathis der Maler Symphony, drawn from his opera about Renaissance painter Matthias Grünewald. The work mirrors the spiritual and political struggle of the artist, with orchestral color and emotional intensity evoking the drama of creation and conscience.

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

EXPLORE MORE OF OUR 2025-26 SEASON

Thank you to our community partners!

Beyond the Performance

THE ARTIST |
Jonathan Biss, piano

Pianist Jonathan Biss is one of today’s most insightful interpreters of classical repertoire, praised for his intellectual depth and emotional clarity. Born into a family of musicians, he began playing piano at age 6 and gave his first recital at age 12. A renowned Beethoven scholar and teacher, Biss is also a prolific writer and podcast host, known for bringing fresh perspective to timeless works. “The more deeply I engage with music, the more it shows me about how to live,” he says. We’re honored to welcome him to the Boulder Phil stage this season—don’t miss this chance to experience his extraordinary artistry live.

NEW SPONSORSHIP |
Yellow Scene Magazine

We’re delighted to announce a new partnership between the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra and Yellow Scene Magazine, one of Colorado’s leading voices in local arts, culture, and community. For 25 years, Yellow Scene has championed the stories that matter—from uplifting local artists and organizations to highlighting the people and places that make our region thrive. Together, we’ll celebrate creativity, connection, and the power of the arts to bring people together. We look forward to sharing an exciting year ahead—full of performances, stories, and community impact—with Yellow Scene by our side. Check them out HERE.

UP NEXT | November 2, 2025
Melton Performs Four Songs

Internationally acclaimed soprano Heidi Melton brings her radiant voice and remarkable artistry to Strauss’s Four Last Songs with the Boulder Philharmonic on November 2 at Macky. Often called Strauss’s final masterpiece, these songs are cherished for their lush orchestration and soaring vocal lines that meditate on life, love, and farewell. Melton’s powerful yet deeply expressive singing makes her the perfect interpreter of this transcendent work—an experience that promises to be both intimate and unforgettable. Get details and tickets HERE.