It’s been a strange concert season indeed for the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, but the showcase event is still on the horizon.
Tickets are now on sale for “Red Rocks on a High Note” on Sept. 13 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the conclusion of the symphony’s fundraising series in collaboration with Colorado’s cannabis industry.
The controversial “Classically Cannabis” performances at a Denver art gallery this summer almost didn’t happen when Denver officials warned about a potential crackdown on open consumption of cannabis, after the events were promoted as BYOC — “bring your own cannabis” with a smoking lounge provided.
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After a quickly revised strategy by the organizers changing the series to private, invitation-only events, the show was back on, and kicked off May 23 at the Space gallery on Santa Fe Drive. (The Red Rocks show is not considered a private event.)
The unconventional pairing drew national attention, and late-night host Conan O’Brien talked about it in his monologue.
Conducted by Scott O’Neil, “Red Rocks on a High Note” will include selections from contemporary composers John Williams, John Adams and Radiohead guitarist Johnny Greenwood. The program also will feature works by Beethoven, Debussy, Berlioz and Vivaldi.
“Our goal is to attract people of all backgrounds, to show them that the Colorado Symphony is their orchestra too,” said Jerome H. Kern, CEO and co-chair of the symphony Board of Trustees in a press release.
Event organizers issued a reminder that consumption of marijuana is illegal at the Denver-owned foothills concert venue. As it is for every show — although that usually doesn’t stop a certain percentage of concert-goers from toking.
Orchestra musicians will also hit the Red Rocks stage Aug. 8 and 9 with electronic dance music act Pretty Lights.
Several marijuana-infused product manufacturers and dispensaries are contributing to the Red Rocks event. The performance is presented by Bhang Chocolate and co-produced by Edible Events Co.
The main sponsors include Leafly and Gaia Plant-Based Medicine. Others include Terrapin Care Station, LivWell, The Farm, Cannapages, Walking Raven and Julie & Kate Baked Goods.
“The Colorado Symphony is grateful to our sponsors, who support the orchestra’s ongoing efforts to reach out to new and more diverse audiences,” Kern said.
Tickets range from $20 to $45 and are available via www.coloradosymphony.org, by calling 303-623-7876 or 877-292-7979 or in person at the Colorado Symphony box office at the Denver Performing Arts Complex at 14th and Curtis streets.
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