Boulder Symphony & Music Academy’s mission is to demystify classical music and foster music education, making it relevant and accessible to people of all ages.
Our Mission
Our aim is to provide the community with the following:
Powerful new works of symphonic art written by gifted composers
Platforms for local artists of world-class talent and dedication to showcase their skills
Interactive musical engagement for all ages through outreach programs, the Curiosity Concert Series, and the re-imagination of audience participation and learning
Projects, such as the GLOW project, that offer dementia- and sensory-friendly concerts to individuals with disabilities and their caretakers and loved ones
A spirit that uplifts and unites the community around the universal inspiration of music
Boulder Symphony & Music Academy also serves as a community cultural anchor, connecting performance, education, and civic partnership to strengthen the region’s creative ecosystem. Through affordable programming, need-based scholarships, and collaborations with schools, social service organizations, and civic partners, the organization expands access to high-quality arts experiences while supporting a vibrant workforce of professional musicians and educators. By removing barriers to participation and creating welcoming entry points for new audiences, BSMA contributes to the social, educational, and economic vitality of the communities it serves.
Our History
Founded in 2009 by conductor Devin Patrick Hughes and business leader Anthony Santelli, Boulder Symphony is a community-focused orchestra driven to enhance the music scene in Boulder and beyond. Themed “Intrepid Explorers,” the Symphony’s inaugural season reflected an artistic vision of commitment to consistent innovation and the joy of discovery through audience participation, youth outreach, and creating modern relevance to the long-standing art form that is the classical music genre.
Support the Symphony
You Make the Music Too!
Connecting with our vibrant community is what drives Boulder Symphony, and we simply couldn’t sustain this artistic adventure without the help of many dedicated people like you! Show your appreciation for Boulder Symphony by pledging a gift! You can schedule your gift to support our concerts, education programs, and outreach programs!
Volunteer with Boulder Symphony!
Share your enjoyment of music and join our team of passionate staff and volunteers! There are many ways to support Boulder Symphony’s growing community. Ushers are Boulder Symphony ambassadors and an integral part of our success. Our audience relations volunteers are responsible for providing outstanding customer service to all our patrons and inspiring the greater Boulder community.
Bring Veterans to the Symphony!
At Boulder Symphony & Music Academy, we believe music has the power to inspire, heal, and bring people together. Through our Tickets for Veterans initiative, donors can help provide free access to symphony concerts and musical events for members of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and their families.
This program is our way of honoring those who have served by offering meaningful artistic experiences that reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, and create lasting memories in our community.
Donate an Instrument to Support the Music Academy!
Support Boulder Symphony & Music Academy’s mission to make music education accessible and affordable to all by donating instruments to kids who need it! These tax-deductible gifts directly support aspiring musicians by providing the essential tools needed for practice and performance. Please consult the list below to see what instruments the Music Academy is in need of:
Become a Sponsor!
Sponsorships can have a significant impact on organizations like the Boulder Symphony & Music Academy. They provide necessary financial support, which allows these organizations to maintain, expand, and enhance their music programs, reach new audiences, and offer educational opportunities to budding musicians. The funds received from sponsorships can be used for various purposes, from covering operational costs to purchasing new instruments, commissioning new works, and providing scholarships for students in the Music Academy. Sponsorships also often provide a level of prestige and recognition, helping to attract more patrons and supporters. Additionally, sponsors can offer their own networks and platforms for promotion, which can significantly increase the visibility and reach of the Boulder Symphony & Music Academy, fostering a broader appreciation for music within the community.
Support the Endowment!
Supporting the Boulder Symphony & Music Academy Endowment is an investment in the cultural richness and future of our community. This endowment is a perpetual source of funding that ensures the long-term sustainability of our music programs, allowing us to plan for the future with confidence and vision. Our goal is to grow this endowment to $2 million over the next five years. Achieving this goal will allow us to expand our educational initiatives, broaden our outreach efforts, and bring high-quality performances to audiences of all ages. It will also provide a stable financial foundation enabling us to weather economic uncertainties and continue to fulfill our mission. Your contributions to this endowment are not just donations but lasting legacies that will resonate through the sounds of music in our community for generations to come.
Sponsor or Host an In-Home Concert!
Boulder Symphony’s In-Home Concert Series brings live, intimate performances into the heart of our community—literally. Bring the magic of the Boulder Symphony directly into the home by becoming a sponsor or host for our exclusive In-Home Concert Series. This is a unique and elegant way to support the arts, build community, and share a one-of-a-kind musical experience with your closest friends and family.
Symphony & Academy Team
Access, Inclusion, & Community Engagement
At Boulder Symphony & Music Academy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience and participate in music. We believe our most important responsibility as stewards of the arts is to welcome all individuals into the music community.
Boulder Symphony seeks to present a wide variety of composers and artists, including works by living composers and music influenced by many different cultures and traditions. We believe that a broad and inclusive artistic perspective enriches our programs and allows us to share music that resonates with the diverse experiences of our community.
Boulder Symphony Music Academy is equally committed to making music education accessible. We offer bilingual instruction when possible and provide need-based scholarships so that all students, regardless of background or circumstance, can have the opportunity to study music. Our outreach programs are designed to broaden participation in music education and bring opportunities to schools and communities across Boulder County.
Our goal is to remove barriers that might prevent people from enjoying or engaging with classical music. We strive to create a welcoming environment for students, audiences, musicians, instructors, and community members alike. This commitment is at the heart of our organization and guides our decisions as we grow and serve the community.