As America celebrates its 250th birthday and Colorado marks 150 years of statehood, it’s a great time to celebrate one of Greeley’s longest-standing cultural treasures: the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra (GPO) started in 1911. It is the oldest orchestra in the Rocky Mountain area. For over 100 years, it has shared live music with people in Northern Colorado. As it gets close to its 115th birthday, the orchestra remains a community staple.
People often call the GPO the 'crown jewel' of the arts in Northern Colorado. Since it began, the orchestra has believed that music brings people together. That idea is still important to the GPO today. Many musicians and audience members have made the orchestra a big part of Greeley’s story.
A Season Worth Celebrating
The Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra has three concerts left in its 2025–2026 season. Each concert is a chance to hear live music in Greeley. Whether you have been coming for years or are new, the GPO always puts on a show you will remember.
Tickets and concert details: https://www.greeleyphil.org/tickets
“Stars & Stripes Forever” – January 31, 2026
To celebrate America turning 250, the GPO will perform 'Stars & Stripes Forever' on January 31, 2026. This concert honors almost 250 years of American music and includes classical, jazz and patriotic songs.
The concert starts with 'Liberty Fanfare' by John Williams. He wrote it for the 100th birthday of the Statue of Liberty. Next is 'On the Town: Three Dance Episodes' by Leonard Bernstein. This music mixes classical and jazz styles and tells the story of sailors exploring New York City.
Then, the orchestra will play 'A New World a-Comin’' by Duke Ellington. Pianist Spencer Zweifel will perform with them. This song shows Ellington’s hope for a world full of peace, kindness, and love. After a break, the orchestra will play 'Views Panoramic' by Julie Giroux for the first time ever. This piece celebrates some of the world’s most beautiful places.
The concert will also include 'Appalachian Spring' by Aaron Copland. This piece tells the story of a young couple starting a new life in the country. The night ends with one of the most famous American marches, 'The Stars and Stripes Forever' by John Philip Sousa.
Learn more and purchase tickets: https://www.greeleyphil.org/news/gpo-celebrates-250-years-of-american-music
A Long-Standing Part of Greeley’s Story
For over 100 years, the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra has brought people together with music. As America and Colorado reach big birthdays, the GPO remembers its history and looks forward to the future.
A GPO concert is more than just music. It is a way to be part of Greeley’s history and support the arts that make our community special.