Events
TAKE A PEAK AT OUR 2024-25 CONCERT SEASON.
SEASON OVERVIEW
STRATUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES AND GUEST ARTISTS
UP-CLOSE PERFORMANCES
Beginnings and Endings
To conclude their season, Stratus Chamber Orchestra will be joining forces with student at Overland High School. During the first half of the program, you’ll hear some of the most famous orchestral opening music, plus a world premiere!
Overture to La Gazza Ladra, Gioachino Rossini - 10 minutes
Joining Hands (World Premiere) Annie Booth -
Egmont Overture, Ludwig van Beethoven - 9 minutes
Then after the intermission, students from Overland High School will join Stratus Chamber Orchestra for some of the best and biggest endings you’ll hear in the concert hall:
Finale from Symphony No. 5, Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - 6.5 minutes
Vocalise, Sergei Rachmaninoff - 6 minutes
Berceuse and Finale from The Firebird, Igor Stravinsky - 7 minutes
RESERVE TICKETS HERE
A Harpsichord Showcase: Bach and Beyond
Experience the world of the harpsichord feauring Bach's Concerto for four Harpsichords and Srings along with other harpsichord classics. This "Harpsichord Showcase" is presented in collaboration with the American Guild of Organists.
After the concert, don't miss the opportunity to meet the artists and participate in a walk and talk around session, where you can delve deeper into the history and artistry of the harpsichord. Prepare to be transported back in time with the evocative melodies of this extraordinary instrument!
RESERVE TICKETS HERE
The Magic of Mozart
Join us to hear the future of music alongside the music of the past that continues to inspire performers today. Experience the brilliance of Mozart's music and more at Stratus Chamber Orchestra’s first performance of the spring: "The Magic of Mozart.” Opening the concert, Caroline Shaw's Entr'acte adds a contemporary touch, paying tribute to Mozart while infusing the evening with a fresh and modern perspective. Then, prepare to be captivated by the virtuosity and timeless elegance of Mozart Piano Concerto 21, performed by pianist Matthew Liu, winner of the International Keyboard Odyssiad Competition. Feel the grandeur and electrifying energy of the "Jupiter" Symphony, Mozart's magnum opus, as the orchestra brings to life its majestic melodies and intricate orchestration. Join us for an evening of musical mastery and experience the captivating magic of Mozart's compositions.
RESERVE TICKETS HERE
Music of the Vine - A South American Excursion
Featuring Victor Mestas, jazz pianist, and Claude Robbins, Master Wine Educator, this performance is one you won’t want to miss! Enjoy your evening as Claude Robbins guides you through curated selection of South American wines, paired perfectly with jazz piano flavored with South American rhythms and styles. You’ll have the chance to explore the way our senses mingle and leave with a new appreciation for the tastes and sounds of South America.
RESERVE TICKETS HERE
The Velveteen Rabbit
Join us for an unforgettable performance of Lowell Liebermann's “The Velveteen Rabbit”. The musical version of this classic children’s story breathes new life into Margery Williams' tale, exploring the transformative power of love through the eyes of a beloved toy.
Narrated by renowned jazz artist Hazel Miller, she will bring this tale to life, interlaced with music performed by the Stratus Chamber Orchestra. There will also be a selection of other uplifting holiday music arranged by Maestro Adam Torres.
Join us for an extraordinary musical journey – a treat for the whole family!
RESERVE TICKETS HERE
CHRISTMAS AT AUGUSTANA
Join the musicians of Augustana Lutheran Church and Augustana Arts for the celebratory Festival Christmas Concert led by Chancel Choir Conductor, Kevin Padworski. Music includes Rutter's Nativity Carol, Handel's Joy to the World, Gardner's Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, Schalk's Before the Marvel, Elgar's The Snow, other holiday classics.
There is NO COST to attend, but reservations are helpful. A wonderful holiday tradition for the ENTIRE family.
FREE parking is available in the Alameda lot or off Fairfax Ave.
Safety Last!
One of the most iconic images from the silent film era, and arguably the stunt that paved the way for the cliffhanging, skyscraper-loving action heroes of today, is the image of actor Harold Lloyd dangling from the hands of a clock on the side of an office building. Released in April 1923, "Safety Last!" represented the pinnacle of Lloyd's career as a major Hollywood star. As we celebrate its 100th anniversary, this cinematic classic is rejuvenated in a special and memorable presentation. Join us to experience "Safety Last!" in a whole new light as organist Andrew Peters revives the film with organ improvisation. The film will be projected onto a large screen, allowing audiences to relish this iconic work by Lloyd while the organ's resonance enhances the storytelling.
Augustana Arts is thrilled to introduce our "Pay What You Choose" pricing option. With this flexible approach, you determine the price you wish to pay per ticket from a range of options. We suggest $25 for adults and $20 for seniors. If you'd like to contribute an amount not listed, simply select 'FREE' and then indicate your preferred donation at checkout.
Sounds of Stratus
Join us for a special performance featuring the New Dawn String Quartet and members of Stratus Chamber Orchestra! The quartet, made up of the principle string players of Stratus, will be performing music by Michael McLean, Ignatius Sancho, Godwin Sadoh, and Will Marion Cook. They will then be joined by other members of Stratus to perform the exciting Brandenburg Concerto #3 by JS Bach. This is an incredible opportunity to see members of Stratus up close!
RESERVE TICKETS HERE
Program:
Performed by New Dawn
Tango - Michael McLean
Le Vieux Garçon - Igantius Sancho
Iya Ni Wura Iyebiye - Godwin Sadoh
Chocolate Drops, a Cake Walk - Will Marion Cook
Performed by Maestro Adam Torres
Deep River - Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Performed by the string ensemble
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major - Johann Sebastian Bach
CANCELED - Cymbals, Snares, and (sort of) Scary Stories
Due to snowy conditions, our 3:00 PM concert today is canceled for everyone's safety. But don't worry! We're working on an awesome video experience to share the music and stories with you. Stay tuned for more details.
Stay warm and safe, everyone!
Calling all ghosts and ghouls! This family-friendly concert includes storytelling and arrangements of Halloween favorites for marimba, vibraphone, and other percussion. Come in costume to participate in the percussion-led costume parade!
Music Without Boundaries - Sunday Immersive
Immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of "Music Without Boundaries," an exciting concert experience that celebrates the limitless creativity of female composers and composers of color. Join Stratus Chamber Orchestra in breaking the traditional barriers of an orchestra concert by sitting among the orchestra players, forging a unique connection between performers and you, the listener!
The program features Arturo Marquez's lively "Danzón No. 4"; Kevin Puts' expressive Flute Concerto, featuring Stratus’s own Tamara Maddaford on flute; Nkeiru Okoye's vibrant Charlotte Mecklenburg; and Florence Price's powerful Concert Overture No. 1. Through this immersive concert, we transcend boundaries, champion diversity, and highlight the universal language of music.
Sunday’s concert is FREE at City Park Pavillion. Instrument petting zoo starts at 2:30pm, immersive concert begins at 3pm.
Featured works include....
Danzón No. 4 by Arturo Marquez
Flute Concerto by Kevin Puts
featuring Tamara Maddaford, Flute
Charlotte Mecklenburg by Nkeiru Okoye
Concert Overture No. 1 by Florence Price
Music Without Boundaries - Saturday Evening
Immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of "Music Without Boundaries," an exciting concert experience that celebrates the limitless creativity of female composers and composers of color. Join Stratus Chamber Orchestra in breaking the traditional barriers of an orchestra concert by sitting among the orchestra players, forging a unique connection between performers and you, the listener!
The program features Arturo Marquez's lively "Danzón No. 4"; Kevin Puts' expressive Flute Concerto, featuring Stratus’s own Tamara Maddaford on flute; Nkeiru Okoye's vibrant Charlotte Mecklenburg; and Florence Price's powerful Concert Overture No. 1.
Please note: Saturday’s performance will be in traditional seating whereas Sunday’s performance will be immersive. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for further information about this amazing concert!
Featured works include....
Danzón No. 4 by Arturo Marquez
Flute Concerto by Kevin Puts
featuring Tamara Maddaford, Flute
Charlotte Mecklenburg by Nkeiru Okoye
Concert Overture No. 1 by Florence Price
25th Anniversary Heart for the Arts Gala Brunch
In lieu of an evening gala, Augustana Arts is pleased to host a Brunch in celebration of our 25th Anniversary as well as a benefit for Stratus Chamber Orchestra and Music Encounters.
Your Morning Includes...
A Scandinavian Brunch including: Swedish Våfflor (waffles), Open-Faced Sandwiches, Mocktail Mimosas, Juice/Coffee, and More!
Scandinavian Music by Accordionist Ron Tomocik PLUS Performance by Music Encounters Students and Piano-Violin Duet by Adam Torres & Arlette Aslanian-Townsend
Honoring Pastor Ron Swenson
No auctions at this event, but donations are invited above the ticket price to support Stratus and Music Encounters.
Kindly reserve your seats by 3/20/2023 - $35 per person or $60 per couple.
Messiaen’s Book of the Holy Sacrament - Concert
Organist David Vogels will perform the 18-movement Livre du Saint Sacrement in its entirety on the 62-rank Reuter organ at Augustana Lutheran Church.
This masterpiece is one of the most significant works of the past century. For the first time, the music will be accompanied by images on large video screens, showing the text quotations, birds, Gregorian chants, colors, and stained-glass windows that are woven into Messiaen’s vast tapestry of sound.
Since this monumental composition is loaded with more hidden codes and theological references than a Dan Brown novel, Vogels will unlock the doors to understanding the piece for the optimum listening experience in a lecture-demonstration on Saturday, March 11, summarizing the underlying quotations and the sound-design elements of Messiaen’s musical language.
Messiaen’s Book of the Holy Sacrament - Lecture
Organist David Vogels will perform the 18-movement Livre du Saint Sacrement in its entirety on the 62-rank Reuter organ at Augustana Lutheran Church.
This masterpiece is one of the most significant works of the past century. For the first time, the music will be accompanied by images on large video screens, showing the text quotations, birds, Gregorian chants, colors, and stained-glass windows that are woven into Messiaen’s vast tapestry of sound.
Since this monumental composition is loaded with more hidden codes and theological references than a Dan Brown novel, Vogels will unlock the doors to understanding the piece for the optimum listening experience in a lecture-demonstration on Saturday, March 11, summarizing the underlying quotations and the sound-design elements of Messiaen’s musical language.
Driven: Virtuosos of Stratus
The drive to create art through music is a common bond for musicians everywhere. It is this shared passion of music-making that drives Stratus Chamber Orchestra together, creating a composite of high-caliber musicians who want to share their talents and passion with the world. Join Stratus Chamber Orchestra for “Driven: Virtuosos of Stratus” in an evening showcasing the technical virtuosity of the musicians of Stratus.
Throughout the night, enjoy spectacular feature performances by Kurt Ochsner, marimba, and Stratus violins, led by Arlette Aslanian-Townsend, concertmaster. Each piece on the program will no doubt leave you in awe of the abilities of these fantastic performers.
Join us at on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 7 p.m. for this ultimate concert experience. Concert is at Augustana Lutheran Church in Denver. Tickets range from $5-$25, with special prices for students, seniors, and children. Get your tickets at the door or online HERE.
Music of the Vine: A Special Valentine’s Edition
Get tickets HERE (select the date on the calendar for tickets)
Join us for this signature event with your beloved classical music paired with some of the world’s most adored wines and chocolates. Savor several wine samples & chocolate pairings, learn interesting insights with Master Wine Educator Claude Robbins of the International Wine and Spirit Guild and Stratus Chamber Orchestra Musicians.
This special evening will have one seating at 7:00pm.
Limited Seating. 21+ Only
FREE parking at the Englewood Civic Center; with RTD Light Rail Access
New Normal: A Celebration of People of Color
Join Voices of Light for a concert presenting the music of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color in “New Normal.”
Voices of Light strives to achieve social justice and create a new normal, raising their voices in solidarity with People of Color by sharing their music with the world. Special guest artists: The Cecilia’s of Overland High School.
This Voices of Light concert is sponsored by Augustana Arts.
GET TICKETS HERE
New Years Eve Concert with Andrew Peters
Ring in 2023 with a new and exciting concert experience as organist Andrew Peters improvises on the organ as you watch the 1923 Harold Lloyd silent film, Bumping into Broadway on a giant screen.
Plus, the evening includes great works for the organ including Chapman’s Fanfare and Procession, Vivaldi’s Concerto No. 2 in a minor, Pamela Decker’s Tangos for Organ, and the all-time favorite, Handel’s Fireworks Music.
Join us for this unique New Year’s Eve event for the entire family!
GET TICKETS HERE
Christmas at Augustana
Join the musicians of Augustana Lutheran Church and Augustana Arts for the celebratory Christmas Festival Concert featuring the Augustana Chancel Choir, Augustana Ringers, and Stratus Chamber Orchestra musicians all led by Chancel Choir Conductor, Kevin Padworski.
The concert will feature Saint Saens’ "Christmas Oratorio - a cantata-like work for chorus, organ, strings and harp featuring Andrew Peters on organ. Saint-Saëns wrote the Christmas oratorio in only ten days before its premiere on Christmas 1858 at La Madeleine in Paris. Other holiday favorites will round out the evening concert.
There is NO COST to attend, but reservations are requested. Free will offering baskets will be available for your gifts. A wonderful holiday traditon for the ENTIRE family. FREE parking is available in the Alameda lot or off Fairfax Ave.
Searching: Stories from the Other Side - Immersive Concert Experience
Click on the Calendar date to secure tickets
History is a concoction of stories, and every story is told through someone’s perspective - but what happens when we consider the forgotten narrative of the other side? The epic story of Odysseus is one for the ages, known by generations throughout Western civilization, but few pause to consider Odysseus’ shipwrecked episode from the perspective of Kalypso. Join Stratus Chamber Orchestra in “Searching: Stories from the Other Side” as they lead you through a musical portrayal of love, longing, and emotional beauty.
Adam Torres and the Stratus Chamber Orchestra will search for new perspectives and unheard voices through John Mackey’s Songs from the End of the World (with text by A. E. Jaques), alongside works by Borodin, Piazzolla, Whitacre, and Verdi. They will be joined by Grammy-nominated Soprano Lindsay Kesselman, hailed by Fanfare Magazine as an “artist of growing reputation for her artistry and intelligence…with a voice of goddess-like splendor.”
This performance is a wonderful opportunity to sit next to your favorite musician or alongside an instrument you would love to hear in a live performace.
Free parking is available on the street or lot for this event. Please note: this event takes place at Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E. Alameda Ave.,
Searching: Stories from the Other Side - Special Wine & Cheese Pairing Experience
Click on the Calendar date to secure tickets
History is a concoction of stories, and every story is told through someone’s perspective - but what happens when we consider the forgotten narrative of the other side? The epic story of Odysseus is one for the ages, known by generations throughout Western civilization, but few pause to consider Odysseus’ shipwrecked episode from the perspective of Kalypso. Join Stratus Chamber Orchestra in “Searching: Stories from the Other Side” as they lead you through a musical portrayal of love, longing, and emotional beauty.
Adam Torres and the Stratus Chamber Orchestra will search for new perspectives and unheard voices through John Mackey’s Songs from the End of the World (with text by A. E. Jaques), alongside works by Borodin, Piazzolla, Whitacre, and Verdi. They will be joined by Grammy-nominated Soprano Lindsay Kesselman, hailed by Fanfare Magazine as an “artist of growing reputation for her artistry and intelligence…with a voice of goddess-like splendor.”
The Saturday performance also features a special wine, cheese, and music pairing experience with Master Wine Educator Claude Robbins. Seats are limited to 100 people, so act now by reserving your spot for this special evening - before it sells out! (21+ only)
Get your tickets for $50 per person or $100 per couple.
Free parking is available on the street or lot for this event, although it is somewhat limited and you should be preapred to park and walk. Please note: this event takes place at HISTORIC GRANT THEATER - 216 S Grant St, Denver, CO 80209.
Snarey Sounds & Scary Stories
Experience exciting percussion music and sounds paired with scary stories for the perfect Halloween celebration. Fun for kids of ALL ages, and everyone is encouraged to wear a costume for the rhythmic parade!
You’ll hear unique instruments such as the marimba and vibraphone as they click, clank, rattle, whirl and see the strangest looking instruments that create sounds sure to make you jump, march, tap, or twirl.
Join us for an afternoon of soundsational fun, with music from Harry Potter, Frozen, and Encanto, as well as “scary” music by Beethoven, Grieg, and Mussorgsky.
GET TICKETS HERE
Reinvigorated: 25 & Counting!
CLICK ON CALENDAR DATE FOR TICKETS
Join Augustana Arts for a night celebrating twenty-five years of musical excellence with the Stratus Chamber Orchestra! “Reinvigorated: 25 and Counting” highlights the technical wizardry of one of Denver’s finest Chamber Orchestras, featuring a diverse and energetic program that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Enjoy music from your favorite classical composers, such as Mozart, Prokofiev, Lehar, and Dvořák, as well as fresh sounds from American composer Nancy Gailbraith. Each piece on the program includes a reference to the number twenty-five - can you find the connection to 25 in each piece?
Join us on Saturday, September 17th at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $5-$25, with special prices for students, seniors, and children. Reserve tickets at the door or online HERE.
Splash into Arts and Launch the Season Party
Tickets for Splash Into Arts
Join us for the ultimate end-of-summer party as we “Splash into Arts” and launch into our 25th season of arts and music! You and your kids will both have something to enjoy, from kiddie craft stations and an instrument petting zoo, to beer, wine, sodas, and nachos. Spend your afternoon dancing away to music by local jazz group, DOTSERO! Find out what’s in store for the upcoming Stratus Chamber Orchestra season, and meet our new orchestra director, Maestro Adam Torres. There’s no better way to kick off the 2022-23 school year and season of music!
This event also marks the finale of The ArtiStandza Project - our summer-long art campaign in which music stands have been enhanced by local artists and placed all around the Denver community. From now through this event, you can place your bid on one of the music stands by going to 32auctions.com/SplashAndLaunch. The auction winners will be announced at the end of the event! We will also announce our giveaway winners, who will get 2 tickets to the entire 2022-23 season of Stratus. Enter the giveaway by posting a photo or selfie with any of the music stands in Denver and using the hashtag #AugustanaArts.
Tickets to the event are $15 with a beer/wine coupon and $10 without. Children under 12 get in FREE! Prices go up by $5 after August 15th, so get your tickets now! All proceeds benefit Augustana Arts’ outreach and education. The event will take place at the Augustana Lutheran Church Courtyard (5000 E. Alameda Ave, Denver CO, 80246) on Sunday, August 28th from 3-5pm. Free parking is available at the church.
Get Tickets HERE
Relax and Unwind: Summer Courtyard Concert Series - “An Americana Concert” with The Classical Brass
4th of July may have been last month, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to celebrate the music of American composers! America has its own rich history of music (anything from choral music, to orchestral music, to ragtime and jazz!) - so don’t miss out on a beautiful summer evening of fun and patriotic music with the Rocky Mountains’ elite brass quintet - The Classical Brass!
Bring your own blankets and chairs, umbrellas for the sun (no large tent this year) and relax and unwind with 10 minute paid massages by an on-site certified massage therapist. Tickets are Flex-pay and range from $0-25 (pay what you choose!). No reservations required, but they are encouraged.
“SONGS OF SUMMER & LOVE” featuring the Gossamer Winds is rescheduled !!!
Join us now on JULY 29th for our rescheduled performance of Songs of Summer & Love.
Music of the Vine: A Spanish Excursion
Experience the bold, energetic, percussive sounds of Flamenco music with one of the world’s foremost solo Flamenco guitarists - René Heredia. During the performance, distinguished wine expert Claude Robbins will pair Spanish wines and cheeses for a spectacular fusion of toque and tannins that will introduce you to Spanish culture! So sit back, sip on your vino, and be serenaded by Maestro Heredia’s virtuosic talents for a perfect date night surrounded by candlelight.
Get your tickets EARLY! We are offering a special early-bird ticket price that is $35 per person or $60 per couple. After June 5, tickets go up to $40 pp/$70 per couple.
Event is 21+. ID's will be checked at the door at the ushers' discretion - bring it with you just in case!
