We are a non-profit, community orchestra that is composed of volunteers and college students from all walks of life in the Colorado Springs area. Please contact us if you have any questions or comments. We hope you enjoy your visit to our site.
Please check out our 2023-24 season brocure here!
Our Collaboration with UCCS
The Pikes Peak Philharmonic and the UCCS Music Program have formed a collaboration to invite UCCS students to audition and join the orchestra for UCCS ensemble course credit. Through this collaboration, the Pikes Peak Philharmonic welcomes UCCS students to join its ranks, and UCCS invites the Philharmonic to the Ent Center for the Arts for weekly rehearsals. Together, their programming includes both orchestral classics as well as works by diverse contemporary composers across musical styles. Programs will include student compositions, faculty soloists, guest artists, and student concerto winners from the region. The collaboration resonates with the Philharmonic’s origins as an ensemble serving both college students and the musicians from the larger community. As new opportunities for learning and growth emerge for students and orchestra members alike, the combined ensemble also aims to reach wider audiences and deepen the region’s artistic vitality.
Our History
The orchestra now known as the Pikes Peak Philharmonic was formed in 1965 to provide additional playing opportunities for students at Colorado College. The Colorado Springs Community Orchestra, as it was first called, was quickly expanded to include musicians from the rest of the community. In 1972, the Colorado Springs Symphony sponsored and controlled the group with Charles Ansbacher as its Music Director and principal Conductor. The sponsorship of the Symphony was dissolved in 1986 due to financial reasons. With this vital outlet for performing serious symphonic music virtually gone, several musicians from the group incorporated a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under the name, Pikes Peak Civic Orchestra. In 1997, the name of the group was changed to Pikes Peak Philharmonic. The funding for the orchestra has been through the assessment of dues, door receipts, and outside donations.
Pre-concert Lecture Series
Our conductor, Luciano R. Silvestri, Jr., will be providing interesting and educational background information about the pieces of music that we will be performing beginning at 2:15 p.m. immediately before each concert. Please join us for this learning experience!