Symphony Orchestra, Winter Sports Club feed Olympic spirit with upcoming events
Steamboat’s Olympic heartbeat is set to quicken with a pair of community celebrations uniting music, sport, and technology. The Steamboat Symphony Orchestra and the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club are teaming up to energize the town ahead of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games with a gala on Jan. 30 and a showcase concert, Symphony of Champions, on Feb. 5.
Symphony of Champions: a fanfare before the flame
Timed just before the opening ceremonies in Milan, the Symphony of Champions concert aims to channel the spirit of excellence shared by elite athletes and dedicated musicians. Expect sweeping cinematic themes and Americana favorites, including works by John Williams and Aaron Copland, designed to lift the roof and the mood.
- Date and time: Thursday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m.
- Venue: Strings Music Pavilion
- Tickets: From $34.50 for adults; $17.25 for students
- Special moment: A procession honoring Olympians with local ties
Organizers envision the night as a musical rally, pairing orchestral fireworks with a community salute to winter sport. The collaboration underscores the similarities between training in music and training in athletics—discipline, repetition, mentorship, and the long arc of goal-setting. It’s a shared language of practice and performance that resonates across the concert hall and the mountain.
Gala night: performances, VR thrills, and community spirit
The Olympic-themed winter gala on Friday, Jan. 30 at the Bud Werner Memorial Library brings a festive, immersive vibe to the celebration. Guests will be treated to live performances from Steamboat Symphony Orchestra musicians, the Simonsez Brass Trio, and talented string students from the orchestra’s education programs.
The evening includes a catered dinner with beer, wine, and champagne, plus interactive virtual reality winter sports stations for attendees eager to test their mettle. From simulated downhill dashes to precision jumps, the VR experiences offer a playful, adrenaline-tinged bridge between the concert stage and the slopes—perfect for a town that lives and breathes snow sports.
Silent and live auctions will raise funds for the orchestra’s free and low-cost education initiatives, helping the next generation of musicians find their footing. Beneficiaries include:
- String Sprouts
- High School Orchestra
- String Immersion Weekends
Celebrating a town of champions
With more than 100 Olympians emerging from Steamboat Springs, the town’s legacy is both remarkable and ongoing. The partnership between the orchestra and the Winter Sports Club highlights how community institutions can inspire excellence in different—but deeply connected—arenas. Scholarships that help young athletes reach the next level mirror the orchestra’s mission to provide pathways for young musicians, creating a culture that values dedication, mentorship, and creativity.
Jennifer Wheeler, the orchestra’s executive director, emphasizes the joy of cross-community collaborations. She notes that pairing the arts with other local passions—whether sports or animal welfare—can lift multiple causes at once and deepen a sense of belonging. It’s a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the idea of an Olympic town: when one group shines, the whole community glows.
How to join the celebration
The winter gala on Jan. 30 sets the tone with music, VR experiences, and fundraising for youth programs. The Symphony of Champions concert on Feb. 5 turns that energy into a full-scale orchestral celebration at the Strings Music Pavilion. Tickets begin at $34.50 for adults and $17.25 for students.
Whether you’re drawn by the thrill of Olympic pageantry, the power of a live orchestra, or the chance to try virtual runs without lacing up boots, these events are crafted to bring the community together. It’s Steamboat’s way of cheering the torch as it lights the world stage—through music, camaraderie, and the shared pursuit of excellence.
