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Colorado Music Festival Honors Victims Of Boulder Shooting, People Who Died From COVID

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4)- The Colorado Music Festival is back at Boulder's Chautauqua Auditorium. For many patrons, it's the first time they've seen live music since the start of the pandemic.

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"It is unbelievably exciting to be back," said Elizabeth Ferguson. "There's an energy when people are together and there's live music that is unparalleled."

The program started with a world premiere piece by composer Aaron Kernis, honoring the victims of the Boulder shooting, and commemorating those who lost their lives due to COVID-19.

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"I suffered briefly with COVID. I was very lucky, but after that, and witnessing of course what we all went through with the pandemic, I wanted to write something to remember so many people who were lost," Kernis said.

After a devastating year for the Boulder community, residents say there's no better way to come together, than through music.

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"I think it's appropriate that we take time to remember what we've lost and also remember the life we have to live," Ferguson said.

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