Pianist, graduate of the University of California Berkeley, and the first woman to conduct the New York Philharmonic Orchestra,[3] Brico saw developments such as the Young Artist Competition in 1959 and the inauguration of the Children's Concert in 1960.

Brico resigned in 1964 and Ador Toth, CU Boulder associate professor of music and conductor of the university symphony orchestra, was named her successor.

Toth requested a leave of absence in 1965 to tour with the Alma Trio, and invited his CU colleague, David Burge, to take over as conductor for the 1965–66 season.

[5] Aside from a one-year sabbatical to Copenhagen (during which James Stroud took over as conductor), Burge's tenure lasted until 1972, when he joined the faculty at the Eastman School of Music.

[7] Under Lehnert, the Boulder Philharmonic saw many developments, such as new fundraising campaigns, free concert series, and a Tier II status from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District.

[12] Under Butterman's direction, the Boulder Philharmonic inaugurated a series of Discovery Concerts serving thousands of area elementary school students.

Guest artists during his tenure have included violinist Sarah Chang, clarinetist Richard Stoltzman, and the Takács Quartet, in addition to numerous collaborations with Ars Nova Singers, St. Martin's Chamber Choir, Boulder Chorale, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance, Boulder International Film Festival and others.

[13] Together with Executive Director Kevin Shuck, who joined the organization in 2010,[14] Michael Butterman has also led an expansion of the Boulder Philharmonic's regional presence with concerts in Arvada, Denver, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Lone Tree and the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek.