Due to the pandemic, the orchestra has not been meeting in person for well over a year. This year, in lieu of an orchestra performance, small ensembles of mostly orchestra members played for two evenings during the festival. The first night featured a brass quintet and several small string groups.

The second night of performances featured the accordion! Joan Grauman and Dr. (Bill) Morse played a set of duets by Frank Marocco, Stas Venglevski, Guy Klucevsek, and a few classical pieces arranged for two accordions by Bill Morse.

The accordion was also featured in “Tryptych”, a trio consisting of cello, piano and accordion, a group that has delighted Colorado audiences for several years. Tryptych played several selections by Astor Piazzolla and ended with excerpts from the gorgeous “Enigma Variations” by Elgar, all arranged by Bill Morse.

These musicians were joined by a terrific cello sextet for an evening of fun and, as a few audience members stated, “wonderful live music — finally!! It has been way too long!”