Grand Junction Symphony Maestro Takes His Final Bow After 29 Years

Kirk Gustafson was one of my musical mentors, and he’s been a huge part of the music education and music performance community in Grand Junction for over 29 years. Gustafson has a long list of achievements and an even longer list of people and music students that he has mentored and helped over those years. He has been an enormous part of the music department at Colorado Mesa University (which is where I learned from him) and he has been the Maestro for the Grand Junction Symphony, for all of these years as well.

Last night, Gustafson performed his final performance, with the Grand Junction Symphony. He ended his incredible concert with Verdi's epic Messa da Requiem. He was joined by four world-renowned vocalists and the Grand Junction Symphony. Over 1,300 people were in attendance for the concert, to watch and support Maestro Gustafson on his final performance.

Among the amazing things that have been said about Gustafson, everyone agrees that his influence on the growth of the Symphony has been enormous. When Gustafson began working with the Grand Junction Symphony, it was a very small orchestra but has since grown to become the biggest arts organization in Western Colorado.

Even though he mentored my musical abilities many years ago, there are still several things I will always remember about Kirk Gustafson. His ability to utilize constructive criticism, and focus in on the things a musician can improve on are nearly impeccable. I remember he could listen to musician once, and already understand what they needed to do to improve. I remember he could always explain tough musical theory concepts, in a way that made them so easy to break them down and understand.

At the end of the day, only those involved in the music scene in Grand Junction will truly understand just how much he has brought and done for Grand Junction, and Western Colorado. We all pay our due respect and wish you the best in whatever new endeavors come his way.