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![Photo: Benjamin Park, composer](https://www.cpr.org/cdn-cgi/image/width=3840,quality=75,format=auto/https://wp-cpr.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2019/06/benjaminpark_.jpg)
rundown of highlights at Colorado's numerous classical music festivals.
This year, we add one more to the list: the Flatirons Chamber Music Festival, a newly announced event based in Boulder.
The festival, named for the huge rock formations on the west side of the city, will feature a brief schedule in its inaugural season. Organizers announced three dates at three venues in and around Boulder:
- June 16: The festival opens at the Canyon Theatre with music by Igor Stravinsky, Antonin Dvorak, Jean Francaix and composer-in-residence Benjamin Park.
- June 17: The festival moves to Ruby Red Farm, on the outskirts of Boulder, for music by Johannes Brahms, Olivier Messiaen, Jean Francaix and Erno Dohnanyi.
- June 18: A final concert at eTown Hall featuring music by Ludwig van Beethoven, Felix Mendelssohn, Dohnanyi and Park.
Organizers say they want to create a less traditional experience for the audience:
Throughout its duration, audience members will be invited and encouraged to attend open rehearsals, pre-performance workshops, and a variety of other interactive events. The culmination of the Festival will feature three primary performances in a variety of community-oriented settings. These performances will highlight interactive programs of the highest caliber of chamber music while striving to break down barriers often associated with the concert hall.
Read about more highlights across the state this summer with the 2017 edition of our annual classical festival guide.