The Boulder Philharmonic Offers a Stellar Virtual Season
If you’ve ever wanted to hear the breathtaking sound of the symphony while enjoying a topnotch viewing experience – and curled up on your couch – now is your chance. For the first time since it was established in 1958, the Boulder Philharmonic is offering a virtual experience for the 2020-2021 season. Opening Night is tomorrow, October 17th, featuring “Vivaldi Recomposed”. Interim Executive Director, Sara Parkinson, calls the program “fresh, colorful, and upbeat.” Seven months into the coronavirus crisis, it’s safe to say we could all benefit from that positive vibe right now. The pandemic has forced nearly every organization to pivot – and the Boulder Philharmonic is no exception. From the way their employees do their jobs to the way the audience will experience the music, the local gem has had to innovate, restructure, and reimagine nearly every facet of their artistry. Their season will include music from a wide variety of composers and styles, ranging from Bach to Debussy and contemporary composers such as Jessie Montgomery and George Walker. In fact, they’ve dubbed this season, comprised of seven concerts 2020-2021: Reimagined. Curated by Boulder Phil’s Music Director, Michael Butterman and the Phil’s first-ever Artistic Partners, Zuill Bailey and Simone Dinnerstein, the result is a testament to the ensemble’s unfailing optimism and their commitment to sharing their talents with the community. According to Parkinson, the season represents the culmination of the resilience, flexibility, and creativity of the entire organization. In particular, the Boulder Phil’s COVID-19 task force played an important leadership role. Made up of board members, musicians and Butterman, they met all summer and “were quick to change plans as the COVID-19 restrictions increased,” says Parkinson. And though the challenges were many, they’re thrilled to launch a season that is truly unlike any other in the ensemble’s 62-year history. Among the initial challenges in planning an allvirtual season was finding a performance space in which to record. Previously, the Boulder Phil performed primarily at CU’S Macky Auditorium. While many institutions have moved their operations outdoors, that’s not a viable option for the orchestra. “Although we have beautiful outdoor open spaces in Boulder, there is a degree of shelter for both performers and instruments that we need in order to provide a safe and comfortable work environment”, says Parkinson. They finally landed on Boulder Municipal Airport and Brungard Aviation. To ensure the health and safety of patrons and musicians alike, the Boulder Phil recorded their first ever virtual season in a hangar, and they’ve done everything possible to ensure it will exceed expectations. While a typical pre-coronavirus concert would have approximately three cameras rolling, Parkinson says they had at least ten cameras shooting from ten different angles. The goal is to use all the available technology to create “the feeling of a live performance through your TV screen,” says Parkinson. She credits the Boulder Phil’s recording engineer, Mike Quam, with doing “amazing work” to create high quality audio and high definition video. The lighting and the cameras not only engage the audience, but they also enhance the performers’ experience. “Playing for a live audience brings a unique energy that we can’t replicate for the musicians but the lighting and cameras can replicate a similar energy,” explains Parkinson. The revamped virtual experience will not only keep musicians and audiences safe, it also presents an opportunity to immerse yourself in the music in a totally new way. Bonuses for patrons include not having to manage the hassles of parking and the chance to enjoy the symphony in the comfort of your own home. “You can unwrap a candy bar,” says Parkinson with a laugh. Not only that, for the first time, Boulder Philharmonic patrons can easily share the experience with friends and family both near and far. Says Parkinson, “What I love about the fact that we’re virtual is that you could share this experience with friends and family who aren’t anywhere near Boulder.” It doesn’t matter how many miles or time zones stand between you. “You could encourage them to buy a ticket for that night and share the connection through the music,” Parkinson explains. Or, she says, you could simply “react and not feel like you’re disturbing anyone else.” And at just $40 for a household ticket, this is a virtual experience you cannot afford to miss. Season tickets are priced at just $180. With memberships offered at three different tiers, there’s something for everyone. All ticket-holders have access to the preconcert talk with Butterman, which entails 25 minutes of online discussion in a webinar format via Zoom, says Parkinson. Gold membership includes benefits such as complimentary hors d’ourves delivered, access to a special concert, and first opportunity to purchase tickets to all special concerts (including The Nutcracker) in 2021. All memberships include perks such as a commemorative program book and discounts on all Phil Learning Academy courses and discussions. Whether you buy one ticket or a membership for the entire season, you’ll be supporting something special on opening night. Says Parkinson, “Our musicians and patrons have been eager to get back to the concert hall for months. There is a great deal of anticipation for this opening night, which will be unlike any other!” And while it remains unclear when we’ll be able to experience the music live in-person, Parkinson says, “You have to keep the hope alive.”