(COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Colorado Springs Philharmonic made history on Sunday as Chloe Dufresne took the podium as its first female music director in the orchestra’s 99-year history.
Dufresne’s debut concert, titled ‘Firebird,’ was held at the Pikes Peak Center, where hundreds gathered to witness the historic event. The concert marked the official start of the orchestra’s season and was met with multiple standing ovations from the audience.
“The audience just roared in support of her, and everybody that we know thinks it’s just fantastic,” said Mike and Patti Olsen, Colorado Springs Philharmonic ticket holders for twenty-three years.
The selection of Chloe Dufresne as the new music director followed a two-year international search that drew hundreds of applicants. Her appointment is seen as a significant milestone for the orchestra.
“Performing Tchaikovsky was phenomenal, and three standing ovations and an encore return to the stage was, you know, what can you say? Really fantastic,” said Stacey Quarles, another long-time ticket holder.
Dufresne, a rising star in the world of orchestral music from France, expressed her pride in the successful debut. “It went great, I’m proud,” she said after the concert.
Violinists in the orchestra praised Chloe Dufresne’s unique combination of lyrical elegance and commanding presence.
Despite the historic nature of her appointment, Dufresne emphasized her focus on the music rather than making history. “I have been a woman all my life and somehow I work the same way, but it’s the people and the audience and, you know, they all need to adjust or to just they are surprised the first time and then, you know, it’s just normal for them,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Dufresne plans to incorporate more contemporary pieces into the orchestra’s repertoire, including works by female composers. “I have a certain theme that I want to bring for the whole concert to have a big structure in the whole season. So, this season is about fire, about the flame, the spark and and all of that, and next season will be something else,” she said.
Dufresne’s international experience began at a young age, playing piano and viola. She hopes to inspire young musicians by inviting them to play alongside her orchestra, speaking at school events, and hosting open rehearsals.
Chloe Dufresne’s historic debut as the first female music director of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic has set a promising tone for the orchestra’s season, with plans to inspire future generations and expand the musical repertoire.
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