Influential Woman · Performing arts

margaret hoeppner

Cellist, Colorado Symphony

Denver, CO

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Curtis Institute of Music Degree Master's Degree in Social Work Degree University of Denver Cert Licensed Social Worker Member Board of the Colorado Symphony

Her Story

About margaret

I began my career as a professional cellist when I joined the Denver Symphony in 1961, where I studied at the Curtis Institute of Music. Throughout my 63-year career, I remained dedicated to the orchestra even as it transformed into the Colorado Symphony following the Denver Symphony's bankruptcy. Beyond performing, I was deeply involved in the organization's leadership, working on various committees focused on the future of the orchestra, and I continue to serve on the board of the Colorado Symphony even after my retirement on New Year's Eve, 2024. I also pursued a master's degree at the University of Denver in social work and worked as a licensed social worker for several years alongside my musical career. My most notable achievement is completing that many years as a member of the symphony while contributing to its governance and future direction.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with margaret

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to perseverance. Throughout my 63-year career with the symphony, I learned that the best career advice is to just keep your head down and keep going. Even in a field that requires you to work hard and prepare for lots of rejections, perseverance has been the key to completing that many years as a member of the orchestra and continuing to contribute to its future.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I've ever received was to just keep your head down and keep going. This advice served me well throughout my 63 years with the symphony, helping me persevere through challenges and remain dedicated to both my performance and my work on committees focused on the orchestra's future.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice to a young woman entering the performing arts or considering being part of a symphony would be to work hard, but prepare for lots of rejections. It's a field that requires dedication and perseverance, and you need to be ready for the challenges that come with it. But if you keep your head down and keep going, you can build a meaningful career in this field.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I think the arts in general need to be supported, and I think that they are critical to the health of the country and health of communities, to have vibrant arts organizations. That's always the challenge - to make sure that supporting the arts is a priority. The arts are essential to our communities, and ensuring they receive the support they need is one of the most important opportunities and challenges we face in this field.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values most important to me in my work and personal life are fairness, honesty, and optimism. These principles have guided me throughout my 63-year career with the symphony and continue to shape how I approach my work on the board and in my personal endeavors.

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