Six fine arts events to put on your autumn calendar

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Elevating the Arts: A Vibrant Fall Season Along the Front Range

As the summer adventures wind down, the Front Range region is gearing up for a captivating fall arts season. The region's cultural institutions are ready to welcome audiences with a diverse array of high-quality offerings, from thought-provoking exhibitions to stirring musical performances. This season promises to be a true feast for the senses, catering to art enthusiasts of all persuasions.

Unlock the Boundless Creativity of the Front Range This Fall

Alma Thomas: Composing Color at the Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum is set to host a captivating exhibition, "Alma Thomas: Composing Color," from September 8 to January 12. This traveling exhibition, organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum, shines a spotlight on the remarkable artistic journey of Alma Thomas. Despite facing the challenges of racial and gender discrimination, Thomas emerged as a celebrated abstract painter, her vibrant canvases capturing deep emotion and boundless energy through her signature hyphenated, acrylic marks. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to delve into the life and work of an artist whose recognition only blossomed later in her life, after a career as a dedicated schoolteacher in Washington, D.C. Visitors can expect to be captivated by the sheer power and beauty of Thomas' abstract masterpieces, which now command millions at auction.

Verdi Requiem: A Bittersweet Celebration with the Colorado Symphony

The Colorado Symphony's upcoming performance of Verdi's choral masterpiece, the Requiem, holds special significance. Not only does it mark the 40th anniversary of the Colorado Symphony Chorus, which first debuted with this very piece in 1984, but it also serves as the final concert under the baton of Duain Wolfe, the beloved founder and long-time conductor of the chorus. Wolfe's tenure has spanned the tenures of seven different chief conductors of the symphony, making his departure a bittersweet moment for the local classical music scene. Guest conductor Alexander Shelley will lead the orchestra and chorus in this poignant celebration, promising an evening of emotional and musical depth.

Ethel + Robert Mirabal: Exploring Indigenous Sounds at the Lakewood Cultural Center

The Lakewood Cultural Center has long been a hidden gem, consistently delivering a diverse array of high-quality programming across music, dance, and family entertainment. This fall, the center's LCC Presents series is set to captivate audiences with a unique collaboration between the acclaimed contemporary classical music quartet Ethel and renowned Taos Pueblo flute player and composer Robert Mirabal. Titled "The Red Willow," this concert promises a mesmerizing fusion of classical and indigenous sounds, coinciding with the celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day. Expect an evening of sincere, ethereal, and deeply moving musical experiences that transcend genre boundaries.

Movements Toward Freedom: Exploring the Body as Creative Expression at the MCA Denver

The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver is taking a bold and innovative approach with its upcoming exhibition, "Movements Toward Freedom." Curated by Leilani Lynch, this group show delves into the ways in which body movement can serve as a form of creative expression across various artistic disciplines. Featuring a diverse array of participants, including well-known names like Senga Nengudi and Ronny Quevedo, as well as local artists such as Laura Shill and Ben Coleman, the exhibition will come alive through a series of performances and interactive installations. One highlight is an installation by Brendan Fernandes that will resemble a dance studio, allowing performers to engage with his three-dimensional works. This ambitious and thought-provoking exhibition is a testament to the MCA Denver's commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.

Sleeping Beauty: A Timeless Classic with the Colorado Ballet

The Colorado Ballet is set to captivate audiences with its production of the beloved classic, "Sleeping Beauty." Despite the work's long-standing history, dating back to 1890, the ballet company is expecting sell-out performances for its eight-show run. This production stays true to the traditional roots of the work, with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's iconic score and Marius Petipa's renowned choreography, complemented by the grand, magical sets that have become synonymous with ballet's most celebrated productions. The Colorado Ballet's "Sleeping Beauty" promises to be a family-friendly event, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the timeless tale and the sheer artistry of the company's talented dancers.

Ivalas Quartet: Emerging Talent Shines at Friends of Chamber Music

Friends of Chamber Music is offering a diverse lineup of concerts this season, including promising performances by the renowned Takács Quartet and soprano Karen Slack. However, a particular highlight is the two-concert engagement featuring the up-and-coming Ivalas Quartet. On September 24, the ensemble will take the stage at Dazzle Denver, a venue more commonly associated with jazz, showcasing their unique fusion of sounds from various genres. The following night, they will move to the historic Clocktower theater, where they will perform Mendelssohn's String Quartet No. 2. Fresh off a residency at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City, the Ivalas Quartet presents an opportunity for audiences to witness the rise of a talented young ensemble before they become widely recognized.