“But this orchestra, under the direction of Devin Hughes, has come a long way. Mr. Hughes is a fine musician and is certainly capable of getting much out of this orchestra. He proved beyond a doubt that he knows what Brahms and Dvorak are made of, and he draws a wonderful vigorousness and excitement from everyone in front of him. It is contagious!”
— Opus Colorado
“Hughes has proven an ambitious music director, eager to take the orchestra in a new direction and define for it a new role in the community. Today’s concert is a fine example of his success. An adventurous program featuring two world premieres documents Hughes’ willingness to move beyond established repertory.”
— Boulder Daily Camera
“Mr. Hughes himself is another brilliant star in our community musical compendium. The Sultan of all things who comports himself with such aplomb and has such charisma for one who is probably older (chronologically) than he appears—it almost gives one pause. And then you have to look at all that talent and just think “WOW.””
— Boulder Music Festivals Examiner
“One thing every arts organization should take note of is how Devin Hughes breaks the fourth wall. Creating an experience where people feel welcome, included, and fully engaged equals an unforgettable concert!
Before we performed Beethoven’s 6th Symphony, Devin connected with the audience in a way that made the music come alive. He had the orchestra play excerpts and asked the audience for adjectives they associate with Beethoven. People spoke up: “Passionate, Rock & Roll, Mean, Stormy.” He even turned the second movement into a game. Guess the birds represented in the piece correctly and win a Boulder Symphony chocolate bar.
This kind of interaction explains why Boulder Symphony & Music Academy has such a devoted and sold-out following. Amazing. ”
— Holly Mulcahy, violinist, classical music entrepreneur
“The Discovery Concert was the best child-centered symphony I have ever been to (that is saying something in 32 years of teaching!). Furthermore, crafting a delightful musical experience that engaged, entertained, and educated third and fourth graders is no small feat! Thank you for providing an opportunity for them to fall in love with music and inspiring them to want to play it. ”
— Heather Ward, teacher
“Hughes shared the sense of mystery and reverie so inherent in this piece of music. It highlighted his ability to communicate with the orchestra using facial expression and his ever-changing technique, switching from steady beats to conducting in huge, sweeping phrases, to draw what he wanted from the orchestra. It was very clear from the orchestra’s reaction to, and partnership with Devin Hughes, that they were having a very good time wallowing in the music. It was full of life... the tempo of the third movement, the Minuet, was absolutely perfect. He truly imparts to them the joy and excitement of making music. As he conducts, it is clear that he views his relationship with the orchestra as a partnership.”
— Opus Colorado
“Each shift of mood received appropriate attention and even the two livelier melodies (I Got Plenty and It Ain’t Necessarily So) acquired a different flavor in Hughes’ emphasis upon tempo, dynamics, and punchiness (or smoothness) of rhythmic emphasis. Conductor Devin Patrick Hughes deserves a large measure of the credit: to stretch one’s musicians (and one’s audience) without overwhelming them is a challenge in itself.”
— The Scen3: Art.Science.Culture.
“I loved the entire concert, and I am absolutely delighted and ecstatic with your performance of American Solstice with the Arapahoe Philharmonic! It was such a musical performance with an outstanding and sensitive interpretation. The balance between the musicians was perfect with beautifully shaped phrases, transitions, and the effectiveness of the dynamics totally enhanced the performance. You brought out superbly the layering of the melodies. Solstice was written as a ballet, and your interpretation would have been the ideal partner for the ballet. Thank you for performing American Solstice. Kudos to you and the performers of the Arapahoe Philharmonic!!”
— Barbara Harbach, composer
“ Our grandchildren, ages 12, 9, 7, and 6, had a great time seeing the instruments and being able to play many of them. I really appreciated the children’s participation. Mr. Hughes was so kind to include them and really help educate them and give them a chance to understand and enjoy music.
We appreciated Mr. Hughes’s enthusiasm. I also enjoyed hearing the different instruments being singled out to play by themselves. Who would have thought you could bring the sound of a train and a horse’s whip come to life!”
— Tami Smith, Mom attending a Family Concert
“The Discovery Concert was the best child-centered symphony I have ever been to (that is saying something in 32 years of teaching!).
Furthermore, crafting a delightful musical experience that engaged, entertained, and educated third and fourth graders is no small feat! Thank you for providing an opportunity for them to fall in love with music and inspiring them to want to play it.”
— Heather Ward, Elementary Music Teacher
“My Wife and I had a wonderful evening at the Arapahoe Philharmonic - what a wonderful surprise! We really had no idea what to expect but their Conductor, Devin Patrick Hughes was so full of energy that he created passion with the music! Amazing!”
— Robert, severely wounded U.S. Army Veteran through VetTix
