Colorado Symphony names tech veteran as CEO, with fresh collabs and movie scores on tap

Colorado Symphony has brought on tech veteran Daniel Watcher as its new president and CEO.

Watcher, who succeeds Mark Cantrell, served on the Colorado Symphony board starting in 2023, including his ongoing term as co-vice chair. Before that, he worked for five years at Colorado Springs’ Chromatic Technologies, Inc., serving as CEO for the past year or so.

“Music has always been a powerful joy and force in my life – an art form that connects, inspires and unites us in ways that transcend words,” Wachter said in a statement. “The Colorado Symphony is not just an orchestra; it is a vibrant cultural institution that brings people together through the universal language of music. It is a place where artistry meets innovation, and where tradition blends with bold pioneering ideas.”

Cantrell’s two-year tenure saw “significant achievements in artistic programming, community engagement, and financial growth,” leaders wrote. “Under Cantrell’s leadership, the symphony expanded its partnerships, strengthened its financial position, and reached new audiences across Colorado, leaving the organization well-positioned for continued success under Wachter’s leadership.”

Indeed, the symphony has a couple of high notes lately: in September, veteran conductor Peter Oundjian was named music director — starting in the fall-to-spring 2025-2026 season — and popular conductor Christopher Dragon nabbed a new appointment with the Philly Pops. (He’ll continue to serve as Colorado Symphony’s resident conductor, its leaders said.)

This week, the organization announced the return of its Mozart at McGregor Square program (July 25), following a season lineup announced in early March that listed visits from piano star Lang Lang, former Kennedy Center artistic adviser Ben Folds, singer Ingrid Michaelson, and Broadway’s Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara (see bit.ly/43QlA1m for the full list).

The symphony is also barreling forward with its regular classic program, including scores set to live screenings of movies (“Star Wars: Return of the Jedi,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” etc.); pops tributes to John Denver, The Bee Gees, David Bowie, and Dolly Parton; and a concert with Pink Martini and Bruce Hornsby. Single tickets for those are on sale starting June 9 via coloradosymphony.org.

The symphony is also in the midst of a collaborative streak that includes Denver’s Nathaniel Rateliff (April 11-12), as well as upcoming shows at Red Rocks Amphitheatre backing Sting, Beck, The Beach Boys and others.