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Hear the musical inspiration behind music from Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and more. We’re abbreviating a 17-hour epic opera into 75 minutes, highlighting some of pop culture’s most recognizable symphonic music. This concert features the work that demonstrates the final throes of romanticism; soaring brass melodies, amazing string chorales, and a night of exciting, programmatic music.

Preview movements from Wagner's The Ring without Words below on Spotify:

WAGNER arr. Maazel The Ring without Words

Richard Wagner’s The Ring of the Nibelung notoriously takes days to perform in its entirety. In this unique treatment created by conductor and composer Lorin Maazel, Music Director Brett Mitchell leads the orchestra through the fundamental sequences of Wagner’s Ring cycle in a once-in-a-lifetime performance. (Mitchell will describe the leitmotifs in a musical demonstration at the top of the concert, preceding a condensed performance without words.) This is an illuminating and rare performance of The Ring that will resonate with all audiences.

The running time of this performance is approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes. This includes one 20-minute intermission.

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Brett Mitchell, conductor

Boettcher Concert Hall is located in the Denver Performing Arts Complex at 14th and Curtis Streets in the heart of downtown Denver. It's easy to find and there are two large parking garages to the east and west of Boettcher. There are often multiple performances happening at DPAC at the same time, which leads to traffic congestion and lines to get into the parking garages. Be sure to leave plenty of time to get to DPAC—we don't want you to miss any of the music!

Find directions, a map, garage information, construction updates, and more here:

Transportation & Parking

Have questions about what to wear, when to clap, or if you can bring the kids? Check our Frequently Asked Questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t see the answer to your question, feel free to contact Rob Warner, Colorado Symphony Concierge, by concierge@coloradosymphony.org, or call the Box Office at 303.623.7876.

Wagner: The Ring Without Words
This weekend's performances feature a Prelude Lecture with Betsy Schwarm. On Sunday only, enjoy a Talkback with Music Director Brett Mitchell & Principal Horn Michael Thornton.

Preludes
Join Us Before Each Classics Performance!
Join your Colorado Symphony for preludes; pre-concert events to enhance your experience! Preludes take place at 6:30 p.m. (FRI & SAT) and 12 p.m. (SUN) in Boettcher Concert Hall, before every Classics performance, and are included with your concert ticket.

Prelude Lectures: Classical music author and historian Betsy Schwarm will share information about the composers and pieces on the program. Ms. Schwarm is a celebrated Denver icon. Catch her in action before hearing your Colorado Symphony!  

Prelude Musician Highlights: Ever wonder what your Colorado Symphony musicians think about the music? Come find out! Violist Phillip Stevens hosts an informal Q&A featuring additional Colorado Symphony musicians who are delighted to share their unique point of view on the composers and pieces you'll be hearing.  

Prelude Workshops: Be ready to participate! Take your mind, body, and spirit to a deeper listening plane with Catherine Beeson, Assistant Principal Violist and Director of Community Education Programs for your Colorado Symphony. Catherine will guide you to an internal understanding of the music you'll be hearing by encouraging your super powers of inquiry, observation and application.

Talkbacks*
Immediately following select Classics performances, enjoy a special 15-minute, post-concert discussion with the guest artist or conductor. Talkbacks take place in Boettcher Concert Hall and are included with your concert ticket.

*Subject to change, and to guest artist/conductor availability.