If there is one word to sum up the classical offerings coming Denver’s way this fall, it is this: variety.
There is big opera in the mix, and ballet, too, and a chance to hear one of the most sweeping compositions of the 20th century. At the same time, there are quiet solo recitals where music fans can get up close and personal with the talented musicians coming to town.
I picked a half-dozen offerings that look particularly promising.
Isidore String Quartet and Jeremy Denk, presented by Friends of Chamber Music, Sept. 27
Now, this is how you open a season: by bringing to town a young, in-demand quartet and pairing it with one of the biggest names in classical piano. The New York City-based Isidore String Quartet burst onto the scene a few years back, winning the prestigious Banff Competition and jumping quickly into a busy touring career. Denk, as local music fans have seen through his many appearances here, has a unique expressive quality that has won him rave reviews — and a MacArthur Fellowship — over the course of his long-ish career. The program is powerful and diverse, with Schumann’s Piano Quintet in E-flat Major and Brahms’ F Minor Quintet in the line-up. Those who want to go a little deeper can attend a pre-concert talk by local cellist and writer Kim Millett. The venue is Gates Hall in the Newman Center on the University of Denver campus.
More info: 303-871-7720 or .
“Don Quixote,” Colorado Ballet, Oct. 2-11
Classical fans are well aware that ballet performances offer one of the most budget-friendly twofers in the fine arts ecosystem. There is the dancing, of course, in this case by Denver’s top troupe, but there is also high-quality music, thanks to the presence of a full, live orchestra in the pit. The music for this 1869 piece was composed by Ludwig Minkus, who keeps the energy and the Spanish-inspired themes flowing. As for the dancing, “Don Quixote” has the good fortune of being choreographed by Marius Petipa, the most revered name in classical ballet. His rendering of Miguel de Cervantes’ novel — a book just about everyone has read — captures both its rich character development and comedy. It all takes place in the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
More info: 303-339-1637 or
Pallavi Mahidhara, “Scenes and Images,” Oct. 9, Lakewood Cultural Center
The Lakewood Cultural Center’s season always has a few surprises, and this appearance by Pallavi Mahidhara is one of them. The classical pianist is not as well known as other touring soloists, and most people here probably have not heard her play, but we’re all about new music in acoustically-friendly venues at fair prices — and we’ve learned to trust Lakewood’s choices. What is especially interesting here is the program itself. There will be familiar composers in the mix, like Ravel and Mussorgsky, but also new works by contemporary writers Reena Esmail and Verónique Vaka. That should make the evening just challenging enough for Lakewood audiences.
More info: 303-987-7845 or .
Gabriela Montero, presented by Friends of Chamber Music, Oct. 11
There is a lot of great piano music coming our way this fall, but this concert is a standout. Montero has been taking the classical world by storm over the past few years, gaining a reputation for her interpretations of the standard repertoire while also doing a bit of improvising on the side. Think of it as classical with an added dose of personality. This concert is inspired by the music of Spain, with works by Albéniz, Granados and Liszt on the program. The pre-concert talk, at Gates Hall in the Newman Center, will be delivered by Argentine-American pianist and conductor Steven Aguiló-Arbues.
More info: 303-871-7720 or
“Macbeth,” Opera Colorado, Nov. 7-15
Verdi’s take on Shakespeare’s dark work is one of the most-admired operas in the canon, though many opera companies avoid it, in favor of programming the composer’s sure-fire audience pleasers like “La Traviata” or “Aida.” That makes its appearance as the opener of Opera Colorado’s 2026-27 season a special event. The work of these two masters goes well together. Shakespeare fills his story with the stuff that Verdi turns into music magic — power struggles, fate and just a little bit of violence. This production will be directed by Dan Wallace Miller, known for his adventurous staging choices. It stars Norman Garrett in the lead role of Macbeth, and Marcy Stonikas as the sleepwalking Lady Macbeth. The orchestra will be conducted by music director Ari Pelto.
More info: 303-468-2030 or .
Elgar Cello Concerto, Colorado Symphony, Nov. 20-22
The Colorado Symphony is selling this concert hard, and with good reason — Elgar’s Cello Concerto is one of the 20th century’s most-admired musical compositions. The composer was known for his showmanship until he produced this piece in 1919, shedding “the pomp of his earlier work in favor of introspection and quiet anguish, reflecting … his post-war disillusionment,” as the concert notes dramatically put it. Itap a great concerto, and part of a crowd-pleasing program that also includes a newer work, Vivian Fung’s “Dust Devils,” and a larger-than-life standard, Dvorák’s Symphony No. 7. Itap an all-star event wth guest soloist Johannes Moser, centerstage and the Colorado Symphony’s chief conductor Peter Oundjian on the podium. The concert will be performed Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon. I’ll be betting on the final show when all of the musicians have had a chance to feel the beats.
More info: 303-623-7876 or coloradosymphony.org.
