Not Your Grandfather’s Orchestra

by Bette Erickson
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Broomfield Symphony Orchestra Promises Exciting Upcoming Season

A local symphony orchestra is one of those rare community assets, blending culture, connection, and pure entertainment in a way few organizations can match. And for our local Broomfield Symphony Orchestra, that sentiment is most definitely apropos. The BSO is not your grandfather’s orchestra. The 2026-27 season is set to prove it. “The unfortunate image some people may have is that orchestras are stale – we like to keep BSO relevant and fresh,” explains BSO’s Musical Director David Brussel.

Those of us who have called Broomfield home for decades may remember BSO’s beginnings in 1981, when it was founded by local musicians as the Broomfield Civic Orchestra. It adopted the name Broomfield Symphony Orchestra (BSO) in 2011, reflecting its growth in membership and repertoire.                          

 The BSO season lineup includes:

  • 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 Season Opener featuring renowned violin soloist Gregory Walker
  • 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 and 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 “Holidays with the BSO”
  • 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2027 “Music from England”
  • 3:00 p.m. Sunday, April 4, 2027 featuring piano soloist Brenna Berman
  • 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 22, 2027 “Future Stars” with the 2027 Young Artist Competition Winners                                                                       

All events are at the Broomfield Auditorium, 3 Community Park Rd.           

 In a world that often feels fast and fragmented, enjoying a Broomfield Symphony Orchestra musical experience creates a moment of collective focus: We’re all listening to the same swell of strings, the same triumphant brass, the same jazzy woodwinds. At its core, the value of BSO comes from its ability to gather people around a shared artistic experience.                                                                         

Mary Murray agrees. The retired theatre arts teacher and drama department director with Adams 12 Five Star Schools, adds, “Local performing arts, such as a symphony orchestra, offer community enrichment and social connection for the performers and community members, alike.”                                                                 

Shared musical experience, for example, strengthens the cultural identity of Broomfield and beyond and gives concert-goers a sense of pride in the artistic talent flourishing right here in Broomfield, says Mr. Brussel. “The BSO programming respects many musical styles and audience appeal.”        

Broomfield Symphony Orchestra’s entertainment is unmatched in the community. A symphony concert isn’t just “classical music.” BSO offers jazz collaborations, holiday spectaculars, and themed pops concerts that appeal to audiences of all ages. Hearing familiar melodies—whether it’s John Williams, Duke Ellington, or Tchaikovsky—played live by a full ensemble is electrifying. Spectators feel the music physically, not just emotionally.

 “What we’re doing this season is heavy on the musical scores from movies,” explains maestro Brussels. “We’ll be performing little-known gems by well-known composers, including great works by un-known composers – our challenge is to make our performances appeal to a broad audience.”

Broomfield resident, Christina Lynn-Craig, performs with the acclaimed ASTER Women’s Chamber Choir and has partnered with BSO. She says, “It was a pleasure to collaborate with the Broomfield Symphony Orchestra under the leadership of David Brussel. He is an excellent musician and the choir learned a lot.”

It’s evident when speaking with community members, the excitement felt in anticipation for the upcoming Broomfield Symphony Orchestra season.

 “I’ve lived in Broomfield 34 years, and it has been wonderful to witness the growth of the many arts organizations which make our community such a vibrant place,” explains Ms. Lynn-Craig.

Over four decades, the Broomfield Symphony Orchestra has become a part of the rhythm of our community. Our friends and neighbors dress up for date nights, bring their families for seasonal traditions, or attend outdoor summer concerts under the stars. It’s entertainment that feels both elevated and accessible, something really special to be sure.

For more information, visit www.broomfieldsymphony.org.

Bette Erickson writes about people, places and events. Contact her at bette_erickson@hotmail.com.

The BSO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is an independent, self-governed organization; its musicians are volunteers who donate their time and talents.

For more information and to donate, visit www.broomfieldsymphony.org or Broomfield Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 56, Broomfield, CO 80038.

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