About Stratus

Stratus Chamber Orchestra is a 30-40 piece Denver-area semi-professional orchestra committed to presenting high-quality orchestral performances in an engaging and intimate setting. All musicians have conservatory educations and are paid for their efforts.

Stratus is part of Augustana Arts, a 30-year-old organization dedicated to creating a different kind of music experience – one that breaks down barriers, welcomes every audience, and celebrates curiosity over convention.

We believe great performances begin with great musicianship, but they don't end there. We want our concerts to create a sense of connection among musicians, audiences, and the music itself.

As we look ahead, we are thinking intentionally about how Stratus can serve both our traditional audience - those who already love orchestral music - and the curious audience, people who may be interested in classical music but are looking for a different way into the experience.

Our next Music Director will play an important role in shaping that future.

Why Stratus?

• Exceptional musicianship — Every Stratus musician is professionally trained and compensated for every performance. While they are compensated, their passion is making music at a high level with their artistic family. You will be working with serious, committed musicians who care deeply about each other and the quality of the music we make. 

• 25+ years of artistic achievement — Stratus has built a strong artistic reputation over more than two decades, giving our next Music Director a proven foundation on which to build.

• Room to grow — We see the Music Director role as an opportunity that can evolve. As Stratus develops and potentially adds concerts, programs, educational initiatives, community partnerships, or other services, there is an opportunity for the artistic leadership role to grow with it.

• Stability you can build on — Stratus benefits from the longevity, financial health, and organizational stability of Augustana Arts, providing a solid platform for artistic growth.

• A leadership team committed to innovation — We are not simply looking to preserve what has worked. We are committed to exploring new ideas in programming, audience engagement, and the concert experience.

• An opportunity to realize your vision — We are looking for an artistic leader with ideas. The next Music Director will have a genuine opportunity to shape Stratus's artistic identity, programming, and future direction.

• A focused rehearsal model — Our four-rehearsal schedule gives the Music Director meaningful time to develop interpretation, ensemble, and musical expression without sacrificing the practical realities of a working orchestra.

• An orchestra ready for its next chapter — Stratus has the musicians, reputation, organizational foundation, and leadership commitment to build something special. We are looking for the person who wants to help us determine what comes next.