New music director to conduct “Rhapsosy in Blue” on New Year’s Eve

By William J. Dagendesh

As a child, Chloé Dufresne knew that music would figure heavily in her life, but never dreamed she would one day lead an independent symphony orchestra.

Dufresne was appointed as the first female music director for the Colorado Springs Philharmonic earlier this year, and will conduct the orchestra’s performance of composer George Gershwin’s musical masterpiece Rhapsody in Blue at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 31, at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts.

New music director Chloé Dufresne leads the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. — Chloé Dufresne

“Being the music director is both an honor and a profound responsibility,” she said. “I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and for the trust placed in me by the orchestra. This role allows me to shape and share my artistic vision in a meaningful way, and it represents an important milestone in my conducting career – opening doors to new artistic possibilities.”

Born in Montpellier, France, the acclaimed conductor is a rising star in the orchestral music world, bringing an artistic vision, commanding presence and lyrical elegance to the COS Philharmonic.

“As music director, I can engage more deeply in programming, which I truly love,” Dufresne said. “It gives me the chance to think about our audience and community on a broader level, creating experiences that resonate and inspire. I am fortunate to work with a wonderful team that helps bring these goals to life.”

Dufresne first performed with the COS Philharmonic in October as part of the Masterworks Series, the first performance of the 2025-2026 season.

“This position also gives me the privilege of selecting artists and collaborators who will create the most meaningful experiences for the orchestra and, ultimately, inspire and move our audience,” Dufresne said.

Founded in 1927, the COS Philharmonic is southern Colorado’s largest independent arts and cultural organization. As music director, Dufresne plans to lead the orchestra in its second century of music and work to build bridges for new audiences.

“This orchestra is not afraid of taking risks. Together, I believe we can create something profoundly resonant, musically and within the community,” Dufresne said in a press release.

Nathan Newbrough, president and chief executive officer of the COS Philharmonic, said Dufresne’s appointment signals a new chapter for the orchestra, building on a rich legacy while looking to the future.

“From the first downbeat, Chloé brought a rare electricity to the podium,” Newbrough said. “She inspired the musicians and stirred the audience. We knew she had the artistry and the heart to lead this orchestra into its next era … Maestro Dufresne is the maestro to move us into our second century.”

Dufresne’s international career has seen her perform in concert halls throughout Europe, with appearances at the Paris Philharmonie and with the Finnish Radio Symphony, and Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie orchestras. During the 2024–25 season, Dufresne conducted in France and Germany.

Dufresne has collaborated with American composer Michael Daugherty and British composer Hannah Kendall. She’s also slated to work with jazz legend Winton Marsalis, as well as the renowned American composer, conductor and pianist John Williams, who has scored iconic films, such as Jaws, Jurassic Park and the Star Wars franchise.

Dufrense is associate artist of the Orchestre National de Bretagne in Rennes, France, and artistic director of Orchestre Ostinato, Paris. A new music advocate, Dufresne won a prize for her interpretation of music by contemporary French composer Camille Pepin at the Besançon Conducting Competition in France.

“My hope is that everyone leaves smiling, energized and ready to embrace the new year. Expect an atmosphere that is joyful, deeply emotional and full of togetherness,” Dufresne said of her New Year’s Eve performance.

Meanwhile, a Christmas symphony performance by the COS Philharmonic and Colorado Springs Chorale is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Dec. 20, and 2:30 p.m., Dec. 31, at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts.