Cellist Margaret Hoeppner Celebrates 63 Years With Colorado Symphony

Having played in the orchestra since 1961, Hoeppner’s last performance with the group will be on New Year’s Eve

After a 63-year tenure playing in the Colorado Symphony, cellist Margaret Hoeppner will be retiring from her role following one final performance with the ensemble this New Year’s Eve.  

When Hoeppner joined the Colorado Symphony in 1961, she was not yet 20 years old. Additionally, her late husband Fred was a cellist and a conductor with the same orchestra for 53 years; the couple’s combined years in the symphony totals 116 years. 

A native of Bozeman, Montana, Hoeppner studied at the Curtis Institute of Music with Leonard Rose and Orlando Cole, and with Gabor Rejto at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara. 

Additionally, she earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Denver, and worked at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center alongside her private social work practice.

As an educator, she served as cello instructor on the faculty of Colorado Women’s College, taught cello privately, and performed chamber music with fellow faculty members. 

Though she is retiring, Hoeppner says music will always be a big part of her life. She plans on taking some college courses, spending more time with her children, and supporting the orchestra as an audience member. She will also continue teaching cello in her home. 

Hoeppner’s last performance with the Colorado Symphony will be on New Year's Eve at 6:30 PM. The program includes works by Franz Von Suppé, Juvenito Rosas, and the three Strauss brothers. 

“It seems like it’s time after 63 years, and I’m going to look at doing some other things,” Hoeppner told 9News. “There’s a real camaraderie to (being in an orchestra). This is a community for me. I’ve known many of these people for 30 or 40 years and there’s a few I’ve known over 50,” she added. “It’s been a real privilege and a joy for me. It’s been my life’s work and I love it.”

A 2019 interview featuring Hoeppner can be viewed below.