Please silence cell phones, alarms, and notifications/alerts during the concert.
RECORDING & PHOTOGRAPHY
No flash photography. Video cameras and other recording devices are strictly prohibited. Concerts may incorporate professional video and/or photography approved by the NRO. By attending NRO performances, you agree that you may be photographed, filmed, or otherwise recorded for use in marketing and/or promotional materials.
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Scan the QR codes found on our performance pages to get detailed program and conductor notes.
Cover photo by Andrew Maguire.
Photography by Elaine Collins, Curtis DeVore, Timothy Faust, John Fielder, Nat Hickman, Joe Kusumoto, Andrew Maguire, and Cat Scanlan.
Welcome to the NRO
WELCOME LETTER: NRO BOARD CHAIR
Welcome to the National Repertory Orchestra’s 2026 season, American Adventures. As someone who has been part of the Summit County community for many years, I’ve seen firsthand how the arts help bring people together and make Breckenridge such a vibrant and meaningful place to call home.
This season invites us on a journey—across landscapes both vast and intimate, through stories that have shaped our nation, and into the enduring spirit of curiosity and possibility that defines the American experience. As we celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th, we are reminded that music, like exploration itself, connects us to one another and to something greater than ourselves.
At the heart of this festival is a simple but powerful belief: access to music matters. It enriches lives, strengthens communities, and creates shared spaces where people of all backgrounds can gather, listen, and feel a sense of belonging. From visits to preschools and classrooms to free concerts and family programs, the NRO creates opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the joy of live music.
Our musicians—rising artists from across the country—bring these programs to life with energy, dedication, and a spirit of discovery that mirrors the theme of this season. Together, we celebrate not only great music, but also the connections it fosters between performer and audience, neighbor and neighbor, past and future.
For more than sixty years, the NRO has helped make Breckenridge unique — not only as a world-class mountain destination, but as a community that values creativity, connection, and culture. Thank you for joining us on this adventure. Your presence helps ensure that music remains a vibrant, accessible, and unifying force for generations to come.
WELCOME LETTER: MAYOR OF BRECKENRIDGE
The National Repertory Orchestra has become an integral part of Breckenridge’s story. Since 1993, its presence has enriched the town in meaningful ways, drawing 80 exceptional young musicians here each summer for a season of rigorous training and inspiring performances. As these artists go on to professional stages around the world, they carry with them the experience—and spirit—of their time in Breckenridge.
Though many first discover us for our legendary slopes, Breckenridge reveals a dynamic arts and culture scene that thrives well beyond winter. Live performances at the Breckenridge Backstage Theatre bring energy and creativity to the stage, while the Breckenridge Arts District offers immersive, hands-on opportunities in everything from ceramics and painting to glass and metalwork. History is woven into the experience, too, with engaging tours and museums that showcase our rich past, and Breck Film adds a cinematic touch to downtown with a steady lineup of films.
The outdoors remain at the heart of it all. An expansive network of trails—more than 60 miles within town alone— invites exploration on foot or by bike, with connections stretching far beyond. The paved recreation path is a local favorite, offering a scenic, accessible way to take it all in. Supporting these experiences is a strong commitment to sustainability, ensuring that both residents and visitors can enjoy Breckenridge responsibly and with ease.
At the center of everything is a community that truly cares. Breckenridge is shaped by people who are deeply invested in its character, its environment, and one another. The result is a place that feels inviting, welcoming, and genuine—and one we’re proud to share.
Kelly Owens Mayor, Town of Breckenridge
Johanna Gibbs NRO Board of Trustees Chair
About the National Repertory Orchestra Changing Lives Through Music!
The National Repertory Orchestra is dedicated to education. For over 60 years, the NRO has been a training ground for the next generation of classical music leaders. Each season, we bring together 81 of the most talented young professional musicians from around the world to perform concerts and engage with the community.
Our musicians participate in a rigorous schedule of rehearsals, concerts, and educational programs—all tuition-free. This transformative experience provides them with the skills, experience, and confidence needed to step into leadership roles with major orchestras across the globe.
Beyond the stage, the NRO is deeply committed to community engagement. We offer free concerts, family-friendly performances, and interactive education programs to inspire a lifelong love of music. Through the support of our community, we continue to make classical music accessible, vibrant, and relevant to today’s audiences while shaping the future of the art form.
THE ORCHESTRA
Each year, the National Repertory Orchestra attracts more than 800 applicants from the nation’s leading conservatories, universities, and graduate programs. These are highly trained young professional musicians who have already dedicated years to mastering their instruments. Most are standing at the threshold of professional orchestral careers, or are in the final stages of their formal training. With their technical skills finely honed, they are looking for the intensive, real-world experience that will propel them onto the world’s stages.
Applicants are drawn to the NRO because it offers something few programs can match: the chance to perform a vast amount of core orchestral repertoire at a professional pace, while learning from Music Director Michael Stern and collaborating with equally passionate peers. They hope to refine their artistry, expand their networks, and build the confidence and resilience needed to succeed in competitive auditions and professional ensembles. For many, NRO is a pivotal step — a bridge between academic study and the launch of a lifelong career in music.
IN THE COMMUNITY
The NRO plays a vital role in Summit County, enriching the region with transformative musical experiences that reach far beyond the concert hall. Each summer, the NRO brings world-class music directly into the heart of the community through free performances in public spaces, partnerships with local organizations, and accessible family programs. These efforts strengthen community bonds, spark curiosity, and inspire audiences of all ages to discover the joy of orchestral music.
A cornerstone of this impact is the work of the NRO Alumni String Quartet, which leads education initiatives designed to engage Summit County’s youngest learners. Through interactive performances in schools, libraries, and day camps, the quartet introduces children to the magic of live music in fun, approachable, and inspiring ways.
OUR MISSION
The National Repertory Orchestra is a preeminent intensive summer music festival developing diverse, thoughtful, and socially conscious musicians through experiential learning. We inspire young musicians to be great leaders in their communities while Changing Lives Through Music!
OUR VISION
Breaking barriers between education, performance, and community to develop 21st century musicians.
SUMMER STAFF
NRO SUSTAINERS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Johanna Gibbs, Chair
Debra Fox, Vice Chair
Anne Mills, Treasurer
Tracey Lambert, Secretary
Jim Anderson
Samuel Bufford
Helen Lemay
Julia Metzger
Matt Michalski
Rob Miles
Gerry Pecht
Pam Piper Yeung
Rick Poppe
Sally Queen
Beth Steele
Janey Trowbridge
Karen Warrick
Stephen Worrall
SUSTAINERS
Patrice Lara, Chair
Carlie and Terry Barnhart
Michael Altenberg* and Libby Bortz
Ann Brewster
Barbara and Jim* Calvin
Geraldine Cohen
M.A. Deen
Nancy and Tom* French
Annette* and Gerry Fricke
Pamela and Reggie Gray
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Sandy L. Mortensen
Ann and Tom Rader
Kate and James* Taucher
Barbara Vonderheid
Pam and Sonny Wiegand
Dr. Glen and Bobbie Zelkind
*Deceased
Ron Lara
Orchestra Manager
Åsa Armstrong Director of Development
Carrie White Carder Principal Librarian
Christin Maguire Director of Marketing
Kevin Borgfeld Production Manager
Kelly Sanders Director of Administration & Community Relations
Lauren Carley Community Engagement Manager
Citlalmina Hernandez Toro Assistant Librarian
Christine Senavsky Development & Events Manager
Zander Bacon Community Engagement Production Manager
Izabel Zambrzycki Director of Artistic Administration & General Manager
Alexa Peevers CEO & Development Coordinator
Lauren Morrow Event & Community Link Coordinator
Jack Arman Stage Manager
Admin & Production Fellows
Analisa Cress
NRO Fellowship Library Fellow
Hometown Gurnee, Illinois
Instrument horn
Education
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Bachelor of Music (2027)
NRO Fellowship
Arts Administration Fellow
Hometown Naples, Florida
Instrument viola
Education
University of Michigan, Bachelor of Music (2027)
NRO Fellowship
Production Fellow
Hometown
Bowling Green, Ohio
Instrument double bass
Education
University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music, Bachelor of Arts (2025) Riley Foos
NRO Fellowship
Artistic Operations Fellow
Hometown
Lakewood, Colorado
Instrument harp
Education
Indiana University
Jacobs School of Music, Bachelor of Music & BSOF (2028) Adaleigh Hellman
NRO Fellowship Community Engagement Fellow
Hometown Boone, North Carolina
Instrument tuba
Education
Appalachian State University, Bachelor of Music (2026)
NRO Fellowship Production Fellow
Hometown Akron, Ohio
Instrument double bass
Education
Eastman School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2028)
THE NRO IS COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION. VIEW OUR VALUES STATEMENT AT NROMUSIC.ORG
Alondra Damian-Noyola
Emma Shepherd
Rowan Toth-Cseplo
Awards of Excellence
MICHAEL ALTENBERG LEADERSHIP AWARD
In honor of those who have demonstrated exceptional foresight, fortitude, and dedication to the NRO’s mission. The recipient sets a standard of patronage, volunteerism, and financial support that few have achieved.
Debra Fox
Debra Fox has distinguished herself as an innovative “out-ofthe-box” thinker, playing a pivotal role in advancing the NRO’s financial stability through strategic planning and expanded donor engagement. Her leadership brings both vision and execution to the organization’s future. Drawing on her background in television news journalism and business, she has strengthened marketing and media efforts, broadening the NRO’s reach through volunteerism, patronage, and generosity of time and talent.
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
In recognition of outstanding service, dedication, and support of the NRO.
Adrienne Frechter
Adrienne Frechter is recognized for her outstanding service, dedication, and support of the National Repertory Orchestra. Since joining the Community Link Host Program in 2020, she has brought enthusiasm and care to every role she undertakes. As Host Program Captain, she fosters meaningful connections between fellows and host families, strengthening the NRO community and enriching the experience for young musicians pursuing their professional dreams.
ROBIN HADLEY PHILANTHROPY AWARD
In recognition of the unparalleled financial support of the NRO.
Annette and Ken Hallock
Annette and Ken Hallock have supported the National Repertory Orchestra for nearly two decades and are longtime Sustainers. United by a passion for meaningful educational opportunities for young professional musicians, they underwrite guest artists and support the NRO in impactful ways. They especially enjoy pairing the orchestra with vocalists, enriching both musician development and the audience experience year after year.
American Adventures
Welcome to the National Repertory Orchestra's 2026 Summer Music Festival, American Adventures, which will be a celebration of the landscapes, stories, and restless creative spirit that define the United States. This summer, as our nation marks its 250th anniversary and Colorado its 150th, we embark on a musical journey that captures what it means to be American: exploratory, diverse, and endlessly alive with possibility. From the towering masterworks of the composers who first gave America its orchestral voice, to the boundary-pushing pioneers who carried that sound into bold new territory, each concert traces a different facet of a nation built on pioneering spirit and the boundless energy born from centuries of colliding cultures, traditions, and visions.
FESTIVAL PHOTOGRAPHY
As Music Director Michael Stern puts it, "American music is not one style — it is a kaleidoscopic experience, just like the American story itself. Music is the reflection of America, shaped by the spirit of exploration, place, and possibility." That spirit pulses through every program this summer, and nowhere more vividly than in the voices of the composers who will shape tomorrow's American sound. This season, the NRO proudly brings to the stage two newly commissioned works — a co-commissioned fanfare celebrating Colorado's sesquicentennial and a sweeping tribute to the Colorado River — both penned by emerging artists who represent the freshest, most vital chapter yet in America's ever-unfolding musical story. Read on to discover the full story behind each extraordinary concert, and prepare for a summer of unforgettable adventures.
This season, the NRO is proud to collaborate with a group of exceptional local photographers whose work captures the spirit of American Adventures. We invite you to discover their work and learn more about the creative voices behind these images.
ELAINE COLLINS
Elaine Collins always had a passion for the outdoors, finding herself totally at peace whenever immersed in nature; whether watching animal behavior, enjoying the interplay of colors, or taking a hike. When she retired, providing photography for nonprofit organizations has been her way to give back to her community. facebook.com/ilovesummitco
JOHN FIELDER
John Fielder was a celebrated Colorado photographer and conservationist whose expansive body of work captured the state’s wild landscapes and helped protect thousands of acres of open space. An avid supporter of the National Repertory Orchestra, he believed deeply in the power of the arts to inspire community. historycolorado.org
CURTIS DEVORE
Curtis DeVore is a Colorado-based photographer & videographer specializing in action sports, outdoor lifestyle & brands, and events. For over a decade, he’s helped clients bring their stories to life, focusing on the authentic experiences that make every project meaningful. curtisdevore.com
JOE KUSUMOTO
Joe Kusumoto partners with organizations to tell compelling brand stories, capture live events, and create dynamic portraits that highlight the people behind the story—whether for local nonprofits or the U.S. Paralympic Games. kusumotophoto.com
TIMOTHY FAUST
Timothy Faust is a Summit County–based photographer and owner of Timothy Faust Photography. He works closely with the local real estate and small-business community and is proud to support the National Repertory Orchestra and its contribution to the cultural vitality of the mountains. timothyfaust.com
ANDREW MAGUIRE
Andrew Maguire is a Breckenridge–based photographer and director known for crafting cinematic, human-centered stories rooted in the outdoor lifestyle. Blending Detroit grit with Rocky Mountain spirit, his work celebrates authentic connection, adventure, and the real people who move through wild places with purpose. andrew-maguire.com
Season Calendar
JUNE
CHAMPAGNE SERIES • 11:00am | PR | pg. 23
TICKETS
NRO ON THE LAKE • 6:00pm | DA | pg. 32
SYMPHONY IN THE STREETS • 11:30am | BAR | pg. 19 1:00pm | BRP | pg. 19
JURASSIC PARK IN CONCERT • 2:00pm | RWC | pg. 48 7:30pm | RWC | pg. 48
KEYSTONE ENCORE • 10:00am | QAA | pg. 18
RETRATOS DE LA VIDA • 6:00pm | RWC | pg. 56
AUGUST
THE AMERICAN SOUND: COLORADO AT 150 • 6:00pm | RWC | pg. 62
EVENT TYPE
• Masterworks
• Community Engagement (free)
• Pops
• Music, Mix & Mingle
• Free Concert
• Education Programs
• Champagne Series
VENUE KEY
BAD Breckenridge Arts District
BAG Breckenridge Alpine Garden
BAR Breckenridge Associates Real Estate
BBT Breck. Backstage Theatre
BD Breckenridge Distillery
BFM Barney Ford Museum
BL Breckenridge Library
BR Beaver Run
BRP Blue River Plaza
BT Breckenridge Troll
DA Dillon Amphitheater
FHP Frisco Historic Park
FL Frisco Library
GFA Gerald R. Ford Amph., Vail
LV Lakeside Village, Keystone
MP Milne Park
PR Private Residence various locations, see pg. #
QAA Quaking Aspen Amphitheater, Keystone RP Rainbow Park, Silverthorne
RRV River Run Village, Keystone
RWC Riverwalk Center
SGPS South Gondola Parking Structure
SL Silverthorne Library
SPAC Silverthorne Performing Arts Center
Venues are in Breckenridge unless otherwise noted
THE LAND THAT SHAPES US • 6:00pm | RWC | pg. 68
LEARN MORE & BUY SEASON PASSES, TICKET BUNDLES, AND INDIVIDUAL TICKETS ONLINE AT NROMUSIC.ORG OR BY CALLING (970) 547-3100.
JOIN US AT AN OPEN REHEARSAL!
Most NRO rehearsals at the Riverwalk Center are free and open to the public!
Education Programs
ABOUT
The National Repertory Orchestra is passionate about fostering artistic growth and enabling aspiring musicians to access music education. With music as the lens, the NRO focuses on the connections between us and our world through meaningful and collaborative programs.
At its core, the NRO is an education organization, and we are proud to celebrate over 60 years educating the next generation of classical musicians with our prestigious, tuition-free program.
The NRO also provides workshops, masterclasses, and school programs to educate students of all ages about classical music, orchestral instruments, and the importance of music education.
FREE COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
The NRO is proud to offer free community education programs open to the public for all ages and stages of musical learning — explore this summer's upcoming dates and join us in bringing the joy of music to everyone.
MASTERCLASSES
The NRO’s commitment to experiential learning comes to life through masterclasses led by experts from preeminent orchestras. Working closely with these performers and educators, musicians gain the skills and guidance needed to thrive in today’s competitive orchestral landscape.
Tuesday, June 16 | 5:00 - 7:00pm | Riverwalk Center
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SEMINAR
Led by Catherine Beeson, Assistant Principal Viola of the Colorado Symphony
Tuesday, July 7 | 12:30 - 1:30pm | Riverwalk Center
MASTERCLASS: AUDITIONING FOR ORCHESTRAS
Led by Carl Topilow, Music Director and Founding Conductor of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra
Tuesday, July 21 | 4:00 - 5:00pm | Riverwalk Center
MASTERCLASS: THE FUTURE OF AMERICAN ORCHESTRAS
Led by Teddy Abrams, Music Director of the Louisville Orchestra
Wednesday, July 29 | 12:30 - 1:30pm | Riverwalk Center
MASTERCLASS: SLATKIN FAMILY LEGACY
Led by Leonard Slatkin, Music Director of the Nashville Symphony
SECTIONALS
Sectionals offer focused, small-group rehearsals where musicians from leading orchestras work directly with each section—strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion. These targeted sessions refine technical passages, improve intonation, and align articulations, ensuring each section is fully prepared for full ensemble rehearsals.
Wednesday, June 17 | 1:00 - 2:30pm | Riverwalk Center
STRING SECTIONAL
Led by Music Director Michael Stern
Wednesday, June 17 | 3:00 - 4:30pm | Riverwalk Center
WINDS/BRASS SECTIONAL
Led by Music Director Michael Stern
Thursday, June 18 | 1:00 - 2:30pm | Riverwalk Center
WINDS/BRASS SECTIONAL
Led by Music Director Michael Stern
Thursday, June 18 | 3:00 - 4:30pm | Riverwalk Center
Led by Daniel Matsukawa, Principal Bassoon of the Philadelphia Orchestra
Monday, July 13 | 1:30 - 3:30pm | Riverwalk Center BRASS SECTIONAL
Led by Jennifer Montone, Principal Horn of the Philadelphia Orchestra
Tuesday, July 14 | 1:00 - 3:00pm | Riverwalk Center
PERCUSSION SECTIONAL
Led by Angela Zator Nelson, Associate Principal Timpani of the Philadelphia Orchestra
INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO
The NRO brings a collection of instruments for people of all ages to interact with, hold, and play, all with the expert guidance of NRO staff. We seek to ignite curiosity, and help individuals discover and develop a lifelong appreciation for music.
Wednesday, June 24 | 6:00 - 7:00pm | Riverwalk Center
Saturday, July 4 | 10:00am - 12:00pm | Rainbow Park
Wednesday, July 15 | 6:00 - 7:00pm | Riverwalk Center
LIBRARY & CLASSROOM ENGAGEMENT
The NRO Alumni String Quartet visits local libraries, day camps, and preschools throughout Summit County combining story time with engaging introductions to music fundamentals. The library performances are free and open to the public, offering all community members an interactive introduction to music.
Thursday, July 9 | 10:30 - 11:30am | Frisco Library
Thursday, July 9 | 2:00 - 3:00pm | Silverthorne Library
Thursday, July 9 | 4:30 - 5:30pm | Breckenridge Library
STAFF & FELLOW PROGRAMS
A core part of the NRO's mission extends beyond the stage — through dedicated professional development opportunities, the NRO equips its fellows and staff with the tools, knowledge, and real-world experience needed to launch meaningful careers in arts administration, ensuring the next generation of artistic leaders is ready to shape the future of the field.
ASPECTS OF ARTS ADMINISTRATION
The NRO offers a series of professional development seminars focused on key areas of arts administration, including operations, development, marketing, and artistic management. These sessions are designed to give our summer staff and fellows a wellrounded understanding of the behind-thescenes work that supports a thriving arts organization to help launch successful careers in arts administration.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The NRO believes that a life in music can begin at any age — through scholarships available for primary school students and support for those pursuing the arts into secondary school, the NRO is committed to removing barriers and ensuring that passion and talent, not circumstance, determine a young artist's path.
SUMMIT COUNTY MUSIC LESSON SCHOLARSHIPS
Through Summit County Music Lesson Scholarships (SCMLS), students who are engaged in a music program will have equitable access to private instruction with musicians and teachers. Scholarships may fully or partially fund after-school studies for various instruments. Beneficiaries of this program receive private instruction on the instrument of their choice.
ARTS SCHOLARSHIP
Each year the National Repertory Orchestra partners with Breck Film and Breckenridge Backstage Theatre to grant a scholarship to graduating seniors of Summit High School who are planning to pursue a degree in the arts. Primary emphasis is placed on demonstrated need and a commitment to artistic and academic achievement.
Community Link
ABOUT
Community Link is the National Repertory Orchestra's volunteer initiative — a program built on the belief that great music belongs to everyone, and that the people who love it most are its greatest ambassadors. Through a variety of roles both inside and outside the concert hall, Community Link volunteers serve as the human connection between the NRO and the broader Breckenridge community, welcoming guests, sharing knowledge, and helping to create the warm, inviting atmosphere that defines the NRO experience. Their contribution goes far beyond logistics — they are the living extension of the NRO's mission, ensuring that every person who encounters the orchestra feels not just welcomed, but genuinely part of something extraordinary.
The NRO simply couldn't do what it does without the dedication of its volunteers. In gratitude for their time, passion, and service, the NRO is proud to offer Community Link volunteers a range of perks and benefits — including exclusive appreciation events and discounts on concert tickets — as a small but heartfelt thank-you for everything they make possible.
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING WITH
THE NRO? CONTACT OUR TEAM AT VOLUNTEER@NROMUSIC.ORG.
VOLUNTEER ROLES
ADOPT A RIVER
Contribute to the Breckenridge Bike Path’s preservation and upkeep. This initiative enhances our stretch of the Blue River and fosters environmental stewardship.
HOSTS
Our hosts extend a warm Summit County welcome to summer staff and fellows, offering meals, practice spaces, and engaging activities like hiking and biking.
REHEARSAL DOCENTS
Rehearsal Docents welcome guests to the NRO's free, open rehearsals at the Riverwalk Center, offering hospitality and insider context that brings the music to life.
HOUSING PREPARATION
Help facilitate a smooth transition for summer staff and fellows by setting up apartments with essential kitchen, bath, and bedroom items.
CHAMPAGNE SERIES
Prepare food, and assist staff in the set up and break down of our in-home concert series featuring intimate ensemble performances.
CONCERT USHERS
Concert Ushers guide and welcome guests at NRO performances at the Riverwalk Center, ensuring every audience member feels at home from the moment they arrive.
BIKE DISTRIBUTION
Help prepare, transport, and distribute bikes to summer staff and fellows for the Summer Music Festival season. Your service will make a real difference!
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Community Engagement
ABOUT
For today’s symphony orchestras to thrive, musicians must be more than exceptional performers—they must also be advocates, educators, and active members of the communities they serve. During their summer fellowship, NRO musicians participate in a Community Engagement program—a vital component of their training that prepares them to be well-rounded, community-minded artists.
Community Engagement performances allow musicians to step outside the concert hall and connect directly with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. These free events bring live music to neighborhoods, parks, plazas, and public spaces throughout Summit County, creating opportunities for residents and visitors to experience classical music in casual, welcoming settings.
Through these outreach events, NRO fellows develop the communication, collaboration, and leadership skills needed to build meaningful relationships through music. At the same time, Summit County benefits from a vibrant series of performances that enrich local culture, inspire new audiences, and foster a deeper appreciation for the arts.
FREE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS
MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS
This series is held in historical and public art spaces throughout town, blending chamber music with engaging stories and context provided by our community partners about each unique location. This series combines live music with Breckenridge’s local history and public art.
Sponsored by Alpine Bank and Climax Molybdenum Company; In partnership with Breck Create and Breckenridge History.
POP-UP CONCERTS
In partnership with various organizations across Summit County, the NRO presents free pop-up concerts performed by chamber groups in public spaces throughout Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, Keystone, and Silverthorne. Held in locations beloved by residents and visitors alike, these intimate performances are thoughtfully programmed to bring live music into the heart of the community.
NRO DISTILLED
NRO Distilled is a new concert series pairing the artistry of NRO ensembles with the craftsmanship of the Breckenridge Distillery. Enjoy live music alongside handcrafted food and beverages in a welcoming setting. Refined taste, in every sense.
In partnership with Breckenridge Distillery.
TUESDAYS, JUNE 23 - JULY 28 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM
KEYSTONE ENCORE
The NRO returns to Keystone, its former home base from 1987–1992, for an outdoor community concert series held in the Quaking Aspen Amphitheater and River Run Village. We are thrilled to be back in this scenic mountain setting, reconnecting with the community through vibrant performances in Keystone’s most beautiful venues.
VIEW THE FULL CALENDAR OF FREE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS ON PG 12-13 OR AT NROMUSIC.ORG.
In partnership with Keystone Neighbourhood Company and the Town of Keystone.
SYMPHONY IN THE STREETS
Symphony in the Streets is a vibrant, day-long celebration that will transform Breckenridge into a sprawling outdoor musical venue, with ensembles from the NRO orchestra serenading audiences in parks and beloved locations across the town throughout the day.
MONDAY, JULY 6 | 11:30 AM - 7:00 PM
11:30am - 12:30pm | Breckenridge Associates Real Estate
1:00 - 2:00pm | Blue River Plaza
2:30 - 3:30pm | Breckenridge Arts District
4:00 - 5:00pm | South Gondola Parking Structure
6:00 - 7:00pm | Beaver Run Resort
OPEN REHEARSALS
Experience first-hand how the conductors and musicians prepare for upcoming concerts at one of our many free Open Rehearsals. You are invited to watch—and listen—as the music comes together in preparation for our performances at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge. These casual rehearsals are open to all, offering a chance to stop by, sip a cup of coffee, or catch up on emails while enjoying a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the orchestra at work.
"The NRO has been a life changing experience for me. The community of Breckenridge is unmatched and creates a home away from home. There are magical things happening in the mountains with the National Repertory Orchestra."
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Champagne Series
Discover the Champagne Series, an intimate collection of chamber performances that celebrate the artistry of music. Set in elegant private homes across Summit County and Colorado Springs, these exclusive concerts feature the exceptional musicians of the National Repertory Orchestra.
Guests will enjoy a carefully curated selection of sweet and savory bites, fine libations, and an unforgettable musical performance.
ALUMNI STRING QUARTET
JUN 26
JUL 10
Grudis Residence
Q Colorado Springs x 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
NRO WIND QUINTET
Dunn Residence
Q Frisco x 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
JUL 24
AUG 2
ALUMNI STRING QUARTET
Louis Residence
Q Breckenridge x 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
NRO BRASS QUINTET
Trowbridge Residence
Q Breckenridge x 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
TICKETS: $125 PER PERFORMANCE
RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY AT NROMUSIC.ORG
The Champagne Series is proudly sponsored by Breckenridge Distillery
Dreams of a New World
SATURDAY, JUNE 20
x 6:00 PM Q RIVERWALK CENTER
FEATURING
Michael Stern, conductor (pg. 70)
Emily Tong, piano (pg. 90)
ON THE PROGRAM
BERNSTEIN
Candide: Overture
GERSHWIN
Concerto in F
I. Allegro
II. Adagio - Andante con moto
III. Allegro agitato
Emily Tong, piano
INTERMISSION
DVOŘÁK
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op.95, “From the New World”
I. Adagio – Allegro Molto
II. Largo
III. Molto vivace
IV. Allegro con fuoco
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
America has always been less a place than a promise — something perpetually ahead, perpetually worth reaching for. This opening concert takes that idea as its foundation, asking what the "New World" meant to the composers who tried to capture it in sound. Each work on this program offers a different lens on the idea of "the New World." One bursts forward with the electric confidence of a nation inventing itself in real time. Another pulls jazz and classical music into the same orbit, forging something neither Europe nor America had heard before. Together, these pieces remind us that America has always been as much an idea as a destination, shaped by those who dream, explore, and create within it.
CANDIDE OVERTURE BY LEONARD BERNSTEIN (1918-1990)
Few pieces capture the exhilaration of possibility quite like Bernstein’s Candide Overture. Composed in 1956 for his operetta based on Voltaire’s satirical novella, the overture has taken on a life of its own in the concert hall, celebrated for its dazzling virtuosity and irrepressible spirit. From its first sparkling notes, the music bursts forward with kinetic energy—bright brass fanfares, racing string passages, and playful rhythmic twists that feel almost breathless in their momentum. Beneath its brilliance lies a deeper connection to the American ethos. Bernstein, one of the defining voices of 20th-century American music, infuses Candide with a sense of forward motion.
CONCERTO IN F BY GEORGE GERSHWIN
(1898-1937)
Composed in 1925, just a year after the sensational success of Rhapsody in Blue, Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F major marked his first fully orchestral work and a bold step toward defining an American symphonic voice. While Gershwin had already bridged the worlds of classical and popular music, this concerto goes further— blending jazz rhythms, blues harmonies, and symphonic structure into something entirely his own. The three movements unfold like a portrait of American life in motion. The opening pulses with urban energy, driven by syncopated rhythms and percussive intensity
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TONIGHT’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
SERIES UNDERWRITERS
Anonymous Ann Brewster
Nancy French
Bonnie Kirschenbaum
Patrice and Ron Lara
Pat and Steve Larson
Helen Lemay
Jan and Rob Miles
Michael Molloy
Sally and Bruce Queen
Juliet Whitcomb and Elliot Schrage
Alan and Kathy Sonnanstine
Barbara and David Weaver
Wiegand Family Charitable Fund
Suzy Iliff Witzler
Susan and Austin Young
CONCERT UNDERWRITER
Jim and Judy Graunke
CONCERT SPONSOR
Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center
Scan to read expanded program notes and composer features.
that evoke the vibrancy of a growing, modern nation. The slow movement shifts into a smoky, blues-inflected reverie, led by a languid trumpet solo and the piano’s expressive lyricism. The finale bursts forward with playful exuberance, fusing classical virtuosity with the swagger of jazz.
SYMPHONY NO. 9 BY ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK (1841-1904)
Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” stands as a landmark musical portrait of America—remarkably written not by an American, but by a visiting Czech composer captivated by the country’s cultural voice. Premiered in 1893 during Dvořák’s time in New York, the symphony draws inspiration from African American spirituals and Native American musical traditions, which he believed held the key to a distinctly American sound. From the haunting English horn melody of the Largo to the driving rhythms of the outer movements, the symphony evokes both vast landscapes and deeply human emotion. There is a sense of distance and longing throughout—a composer observing a new world while reflecting on his own. As the cornerstone of this opening program, “From the New World” embodies the heart of the season’s theme. It reminds us that America’s story has always been shaped by diverse voices and perspectives—and that the promise of the “New World” continues to evolve with each generation.
"America has always been as much an idea as a destination— shaped by those who dream, explore, and create within it."
This year, the NRO is proud to partner with local photographers whose work embodies the theme “American Adventures.”
Photo above by Andrew Maguire (pg. 11)
Free Family and Kids Concert
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
x 9:30 AM - CRAFTS
10:30 AM - MUSIC
Q RIVERWALK CENTER
FEATURING
Jason Seber, conductor (pg. 72)
Amanda Rea, co-host (pg. 74)
Yamaha Piano Competition Winners
Maisie Martin, piano
Andika Muljadi, piano
ON THE PROGRAM
STRAUSS
Also sprach Zarathustra: Introduction, Op. 30
SAINT-SAËNS
Carnival of the Animals, "Fossils"
STRAVINSKY
The Firebird: Suite (1919 Version), "Finale"
MENDELSSOHN
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 61: Scherzo
STRAVINSKY
The Firebird: Suite (1919), "Infernal Dance"
HAYDN
Piano Concerto in D major, Hob. XVIII:11, First Movement I. Vivace
Maisie Martin, piano
KABALEVSKY
Piano Concerto No. 3 in D major, Op. 50 "Youth," Movement III. Presto
Andika Muljadi, piano
HOLST
The Planets, "Mars, the Bringer of War"
WILLIAMS
Theme from Jurassic Park
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
This year’s Free Family & Kids Concert stomps into the spotlight with a dinosaur theme, kicking off at 9:30am with an hour of free, hands-on dinosaur crafts courtesy of Frosted Flamingo. Young concertgoers can create their own prehistoric masterpieces before the music begins, setting the stage for a morning of imagination and discovery. Conductor Jason Seber returns to lead this lively and engaging program, alongside co-host Amanda Rea from Dinosaur Ridge, guiding audiences of all ages through an entertaining musical adventure designed especially for families, inviting everyone to explore a Jurassic-sized celebration of music.
ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA BY RICHARD STRAUSS
This piece starts very quietly, like the world is still asleep… then BOOM! The music swells and blazes, like the sun rising over a land full of dinosaurs. Can you imagine giant creatures waking up and stretching as the music builds?
“FOSSILS” FROM CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS BY CAMILLE SAINTSAËNS
Can you hear the clacking bones? The xylophone in this piece sounds like rattling skeletons, almost like dinosaur fossils coming back to life! The music is playful and a little silly, with hidden tunes tucked inside like a game. Imagine a museum where all the fossils start dancing—what would that look like?
"FINALE" FROM THE FIREBIRD SUITE BY IGOR STRAVINSKY
This music starts soft and gentle, like something magical is about to happen. Then it slowly grows bigger and brighter until the whole orchestra is shining.
SCHERZO FROM A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM BY FELIX MENDELSSOHN
This piece is quick and light, like tiny feet running through the forest. The music zips and flutters, almost like something is hiding just out of sight. Listen closely—you might hear something sneaky and playful moving all around you!
“INFERNAL DANCE” FROM THE FIREBIRD SUITE BY IGOR STRAVINSKY
Hold on tight, this music is fast and wild! It sounds like something exciting (and maybe a little scary) is happening, like a chase between
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TODAY’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
CONCERT UNDERWRITER
Joanne Masica
CONCERT SPONSORS
Town of Breckenridge
Alpine Bank
*deceased
giant dinosaurs. The orchestra plays loud, sharp, and powerful sounds that make everything feel intense. Can you imagine what’s happening while you listen?
PIANO CONCERTO IN D MAJOR BY JOSEPH HAYDN
This well-known piece dances with cheerful melodies and speedy piano passages that sparkle with excitement.
PIANO CONCERTO NO. 3 BY DMITRY KABALEVSKY
This music was written to inspire and challenge young musicians with its bright energy and memorable melodies.
“MARS” FROM THE PLANETS BY GUSTAV HOLST
This music sounds strong and steady, like giant footsteps marching across the land. Boom… boom… boom… Can you feel it? It might remind you of the biggest dinosaurs walking slowly and powerfully.
THEME FROM JURASSIC PARK BY JOHN WILLIAMS
This music might feel familiar—it’s from Jurassic Park! The melody is big, beautiful, and full of wonder, like seeing a dinosaur for the very first time. Close your eyes and imagine standing in front of something amazing and enormous. (see pg. 48 for Jurassic Park in Concert)
YAMAHA PIANO WINNERS
Classical Pianos Denver began hosting the Yamaha Piano Competition in 1988. Since then, hundreds of young piano players have gotten their start on a globally significant musical journey. The NRO is honored to host 4 of this year's winners in a pair of concerts this summer.
Maisie
Martin
Maisie Martin is 9 years old and currently in the fourth grade. She loves classical music and especially enjoys playing Chopin, Debussy, and Bach. When she’s not at the piano, she enjoys playing with friends, exploring new places, building with LEGO, reading, and spending time with animals, particularly corgis and cats.
Andika Muljadi
Andika Muljadi, 12, began piano studies with his mother in 2018 and has studied with Jasmine Steadman since 2021. A Mozart enthusiast, he has won multiple competitions and performed twice as a soloist with the NRO. He enjoys astronomy, Tae Kwon Do, and playingboard games with his family.
This year, the NRO is proud to partner with local photographers whose work embodies the theme
“American Adventures.” Photo above by Curtis DeVore (pg. 11)
American Landscapes
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
x 6:00 PM - MIX & MINGLE
7:00 PM - MUSIC
Q RIVERWALK CENTER
FEATURING
Michael Stern, conductor (pg. 70)
Yoann Combémorel, conductor (pg. 71)
George Young, viola (pg. 82)
ON THE PROGRAM
SCHOENBERG
American Symphony
I. fanfare
II. white on blue
III. rondo
IV. prayer
V. stars, stripes, and celebration
SHULMAN
Theme and Variations, Viola & Orchestra
George Young, viola
BATES
Desert Transport
I. Dengler’s Hangar
II. Sky Ranch
III. Sedona
IV. Montezuma's Castle
Yoann Combémorel, conductor
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
In Memory of Steven Russell
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
As the NRO’s first Music, Mix & Mingle evening, this concert offers a fresh take on a night out: arrive early for drinks and a lively preconcert mingle set to Bridgerton-style strings, then settle in for a dynamic, one-hour performance.
“American Landscapes” invites audiences into a sweeping musical journey shaped by the vast terrains and shifting identities of the United States. From open deserts to evolving cityscapes, this program reflects a nation defined as much by its geography as by its constant motion and reinvention. In this sense, landscape is not just what we see but what we carry with us; it shapes how we understand where we are and who we're becoming along the way. Through rhythm, color, and contrast, these works trace a path across physical and emotional landscapes, capturing moments of stillness, momentum, tension, and release. Together, they offer a portrait of America not as a fixed place, but as a living, breathing environment—expansive, diverse, and always in motion.
AMERICAN SYMPHONY BY ADAM SCHOENBERG (B. 1980)
Composed in 2021, Schoenberg’s American Symphony reflects a pivotal moment in recent American history, shaped by the social and emotional complexities of the early 21st century. Written as a response to a time of division, uncertainty, and reflection, the work unfolds in a single, continuous arc, moving through contrasting emotional landscapes that mirror the tension and resilience of the nation itself. Schoenberg draws on a richly cinematic orchestral language, blending sweeping lyricism with rhythmic drive and bursts of color. Moments of introspection give way to surges of energy, creating a sense of a country grappling with its identity while moving forward. Rather than offering resolution, the symphony invites listeners into an ongoing conversation, one that acknowledges both struggle and hope.
THEME AND VARIATIONS BY ALAN SHULMAN (1915-2002)
Shulman’s Theme and Variations for Viola offers a more intimate perspective, centered on the expressive voice of the viola.
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TONIGHT’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
SERIES UNDERWRITERS
Anonymous Ann Brewster
Nancy French
Bonnie Kirschenbaum
Patrice and Ron Lara
Pat and Steve Larson
Helen Lemay
Jan and Rob Miles
Michael Molloy
Sally and Bruce Queen
Juliet Whitcomb and Elliot Schrage
Alan and Kathy Sonnanstine
Barbara and David Weaver
Wiegand Family Charitable Fund
Suzy Iliff Witzler
Susan and Austin Young
CONCERT UNDERWRITERS
Pam and Sonny Wiegand
CONCERT SPONSOR
Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center
*deceased
Scan to read expanded program notes and composer features.
Composed in the early 21st century, the work reflects Shulman’s background as both a performer and composer, writing idiomatically for the instrument while allowing it to
"Landscape is not just what we see but what we carry with us; it shapes how we understand where we are and who we're becoming along the way."
sing with warmth and clarity. The piece unfolds as a series of transformations on a central theme, each variation exploring a different mood and texture. The viola moves fluidly
between lyrical introspection and virtuosic display, supported by an orchestra that shifts in color and density around it. At times the music feels conversational, at others more introspective, as if tracing an internal journey.
DESERT TRANSPORT BY MASON BATES (B. 1977)
Bates composed Desert Transport in 2016 as part of his ongoing exploration of American spaces through sound. Inspired by the landscapes of the Southwest, the work evokes the sensation of traveling through desert terrain, where vast stillness meets constant motion. Bates, known for integrating electronic influences into his orchestral writing, uses pulsing rhythms and layered textures to create a sense of propulsion and atmosphere. The piece is driven by a steady rhythmic undercurrent, often suggesting the hum of a journey in progress. There is a cinematic quality to the music, as if the listener is moving through an ever-changing horizon.
This year, the NRO is proud to partner with local photographers whose work embodies the theme “American Adventures.”
“A Night at the Opera” celebrates the enduring power and spectacle of the operatic tradition, bringing together some of the most iconic moments ever written for the stage. Featuring the Summit Choral Society alongside soloists from Central City Opera’s Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Young Artists Training Program, this concert showcases opera’s full emotional range—from intimate arias to sweeping choruses—offering a vivid journey through centuries of drama, romance, and musical brilliance.
OVERTURE FROM THE MAGIC FLUTE BY WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART (1756-1791)
Composed in 1791, Mozart’s final opera opens with stately chords and lively fugues. The overture reflects both the opera’s Masonic symbolism and its playful spirit, setting the stage for a fantastical tale of magic, love, and enlightenment.
“HABANERA” BY GEORGES BIZET (1838-1875)
Premiered in 1875, Bizet’s Carmen shocked audiences with its realism. The “Habanera,” sung by Carmen, is a sultry, hypnotic aria built on a Cuban dance rhythm, expressing her free-spirited view of love—unpredictable and impossible to control.
“O MIO BABBINO CARO” BY GIACOMO PUCCINI (1858-1924)
VERDI Nabucco, “Va, pensiero” (Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves)
VERDI Il trovatore, “Vedi! le fosche notturne” (Anvil Chorus)
MASCAGNI
Cavalleria rusticana, Intermezzo
PUCCINI
Turandot, "Nessun dorma"
VERDI
Rigoletto, “Bella figlia del’amore”
OFFENBACH
Les contes d’Hoffman, “Des cendres de ton Coeur, réchauffé ton génie”
Written in 1918, this brief, lyrical aria is one of Puccini’s most beloved. It blends innocence with emotional urgency, as Lauretta pleads with her father. Its simple melody and heartfelt sincerity have made it a staple of the operatic repertoire.
“LARGO AL FACTOTUM” BY GIOACHINO ROSSINI (1792-1868)
Premiered in 1816, Rossini’s comic masterpiece The Barber of Seville features Figaro’s famous entrance aria. Bursting with rapid-fire patter and boundless energy, it showcases the character’s charm and wit, establishing him as the clever, indispensable factotum of Seville.
OVERTURE FROM RIENZI BY RICHARD WAGNER (1813-1883)
Wagner’s early opera (1842) reflects the grand, heroic style that
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TODAY’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
SERIES UNDERWRITERS
Anonymous
Ann Brewster
Nancy French
Bonnie Kirschenbaum
Patrice and Ron Lara
Pat and Steve Larson
Helen Lemay
Jan and Rob Miles
Michael Molloy
Sally and Bruce Queen
Juliet Whitcomb and Elliot Schrage
Alan and Kathy Sonnanstine
Barbara and David Weaver
Wiegand Family Charitable Fund
Suzy Iliff Witzler
Susan and Austin Young
CONCERT UNDERWRITERS
Kathy and John Landon
CONCERT SPONSOR
Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center
*deceased
would define his career. The overture is expansive and dramatic, combining bold brass fanfares with lyrical themes, foreshadowing the revolutionary musical language Wagner would later develop.
“DANCE OF THE HOURS” BY AMILCARE PONCHIELLI (18341886)
Premiered in 1876, this ballet from La Gioconda became famous beyond opera through popular culture. Its elegant melodies and rhythmic clarity depict the passage of time, offering a graceful and accessible orchestral interlude.
BELL CHORUS BY RUGGERO LEONCAVALLO (1857-1919)
From the 1892 verismo opera Pagliacci, this chorus scene captures the excitement of a traveling troupe arriving in a village. Energetic and theatrical, they reflect the blending of everyday life and performance, a central theme of the opera.
CHORUS OF THE HEBREW SLAVES BY GIUSEPPE VERDI (1813-1901)
Premiered in 1842, this 'chorus of Hebrew slaves' became an anthem of Italian unity. Its flowing, lyrical lines express longing for a lost homeland, resonating far beyond the opera itself as a symbol of hope, identity, and collective memory.
ANVIL CHORUS BY GIUSEPPE VERDI
One of opera’s most recognizable choruses, this piece combines rhythmic hammering with bold vocal lines. Its
driving energy and vivid imagery of working life create a powerful, almost cinematic moment.
INTERMEZZO BY PIETRO MASCAGNI (1863-1945)
This 1890 intermezzo is a moment of reflection within Mascagni’s intense opera Cavalleria rusticana. Lush strings and a flowing melody create a sense of calm and spirituality, showcasing the beauty of Italian lyricism.
“NESSUN DORMA” BY GIACOMO PUCCINI
Composed in 1926, this aria is one of opera’s most iconic moments. It builds from quiet determination to a triumphant climax, embodying hope and victory. Its soaring melody has made it a defining piece of the tenor repertoire.
“BELLA FIGLIA DELL’AMORE” BY GIUSEPPE VERDI
This 1851 quartet is a masterclass in ensemble writing. Four characters express different emotions simultaneously—love, seduction, jealousy, and despair—woven together in intricate musical lines that highlight Verdi’s dramatic genius.
“DES CENDRES DE TON COE UR” BY JACQUES OFFENBACH (1819-1880)
From Offenbach’s final opera (1881), this final duet between the soprano and chorus reflects the opera’s themes of love and loss, with intertwining vocal lines that create a rich, expressive dialogue between the characters.
This year, the NRO is proud to partner with local photographers whose work embodies the theme “American Adventures.” Photo above by Curtis DeVore (pg. 11)
NRO On the Lake
MONDAY, JUNE 29 x 6:00 PM Q DILLON AMPHITHEATER
FEATURING
Michael Stern, conductor (pg. 70)
Yoann Combémorel, conductor (pg. 71)
Daria Oleinik, violin (pg. 80)
ON THE PROGRAM
SHOSTAKOVICH
Festive Overture, Op. 96
BEETHOVEN
Romance No. 2 in F major, Op. 50
Daria Oleinik, violin
SAINT-SAËNS
Introduction & Rondo capriccioso, Op. 28
Daria Oleinik, violin
MUSSORGSKY
Night on Bald Mountain (arr. Rimsky-Korsakov)
Yoann Combémorel, conductor
INTERMISSION
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV
Capriccio espagnole, Op. 34
Yoann Combémorel, conductor
SAINT-SAËNS
Samson and Delilah: Bacchanale
WILLIAMS
Suite from Jaws
WILLIAMS
Theme from Jurassic Park
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
NRO On the Lake is a cherished summer tradition, bringing orchestral music to the open air at the Dillon Amphitheater. With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop and Lake Dillon at its edge, this free concert blends natural beauty with the energy of live performance. Led by Michael Stern, the program moves effortlessly between classical masterworks and cinematic favorites, offering something for every listener.
FESTIVE OVERTURE
BY DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH (1906-1975)
Composed in 1954 in just a few days, Shostakovich’s Festive Overture was written for a major public celebration in the Soviet Union. The piece bursts open with brilliant brass fanfares and cascading string passages, immediately establishing a sense of excitement and grandeur. Its fast tempo and bright orchestration create an atmosphere of joyful momentum, making it a perfect concert opener.
ROMANCE NO. 2 BY LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)
Beethoven’s Romance No. 2, composed around 1802, offers a moment of lyrical calm within the program. Featuring a solo violin, the piece unfolds with a graceful, singing melody supported by a gentle orchestral accompaniment. Its simplicity and elegance highlight Beethoven’s ability to convey deep emotion through restrained means.
INTRODUCTION & RONDO CAPRICCIOSO BY CAMILLE SAINTSAËNS (1835-1921)
Written in 1863 for the great violinist Pablo de Sarasate, this work is both elegant and virtuosic. The opening introduction is lyrical and expressive, allowing the soloist to explore rich, singing lines. It then launches into a lively rondo filled with rhythmic vitality and technical brilliance. Drawing inspiration from Spanish dance rhythms, SaintSaëns blends refinement with flair, creating a piece that is both sophisticated and dazzling, and a favorite showcase for violinists.
NIGHT ON BALD MOUNTAIN BY MODEST MUSSORGSKY (1839-1881)
Originally composed in 1867, Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain was later reworked by Rimsky-Korsakov into the version most often performed today. The piece depicts a supernatural gathering of spirits and witches, unfolding with dark intensity and dramatic flair. Furious rhythms and bold orchestral colors create a sense of chaos and energy, before gradually giving way to a peaceful resolution.
IN
RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TONIGHT’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
CONCERT UNDERWRITER
Betty A. Keith*
CONCERT SPONSORS
Town of Dillon
Alpine Bank
*deceased
CAPRICCIO ESPAGNOL BY NIKOLAI RIMSKY-KORSAKOV (1844-1908)
Composed in 1887, Capriccio espagnol is a dazzling display of orchestral color inspired by Spanish folk music. Structured in five connected sections, the piece highlights different instruments and textures, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound. Rhythmic dances and lyrical passages alternate throughout, evoking the warmth and vitality of Spanish culture.
BACCHANALE BY CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS
Composed in 1877 as part of Saint-Saëns’s opera Samson and Delilah, the Bacchanale is a vivid orchestral depiction of an exotic, frenzied dance. Drawing on Middle Eastern-inspired scales and rhythms, the music builds from a mysterious opening into a whirlwind of energy. Sensuous melodies and driving percussion create a sense of intensity and spectacle.
SUITE FROM JAWS BY JOHN WILLIAMS (B. 1932)
Composed in 1975, John Williams’s score for Jaws is one of the most iconic in film history. Its famous two-note motif creates an immediate sense of tension, suggesting danger lurking just beneath the surface. Through subtle orchestration and gradual development, Williams builds suspense with remarkable efficiency. This excerpt highlights his ability to transform simple musical ideas into powerful storytelling, forever shaping how audiences experience suspense in film.
THEME FROM JURASSIC PARK BY JOHN WILLIAMS
The theme from Jurassic Park (1993) represents one of John Williams’s most memorable and expansive creations. Its soaring melody captures a sense of awe and discovery, reflecting the wonder of encountering something extraordinary. As it unfolds, it invites listeners into a world of imagination and possibility, making it a fitting and uplifting conclusion to the concert. (see pg. 48 for Jurassic Park in Concert)
This year, the NRO is proud to partner with local photographers whose work embodies the theme “American Adventures.” Photo above by Curtis DeVore (pg. 11)
Folklore & Fable
THURSDAY, JULY 2
x 6:00 PM
Q RIVERWALK CENTER
FEATURING
Michael Stern, conductor (pg. 70)
Yoann Combémorel, conductor (pg. 71)
Wynter McCray, double bass (pg. 84)
ON THE PROGRAM
RAVEL
Mother Goose: Suite
1. Pavane of the Sleeping Beauty
2. Tom Thumb
3. Laideronnette, Empress of the Pagodas
4. Conversations of Beauty and the Beast
5. The Fairy Garden
ROTA
Divertimento Concertante for Bass and Orchestra
Wynter McCray, double bass
INTERMISSION
COPLAND
Rodeo: Four Dance Episodes
1. Buckaroo Holiday
2. Corral Nocturne
3. Saturday Night Waltz
4. Hoe-Down
Yoann Combémorel, conductor
STRAVINSKY
The Firebird: Suite (1919)
1. Introduction
2. Dance and Variation of the Firebird
3. Round Dance of the Princesses’
4. Infernal Dance of King Kashchei
5. Lullaby
6. Finale
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Every culture tells stories to make sense of the world — stories of magic and transformation, of heroes and tricksters. “Folklore and Fable” draws on the timeless power of storytelling, where myth and legend come vividly to life through music. From enchanted forests to the wide-open American frontier, this program explores how composers transform stories into sound to evoke powerful storytelling. Each work offers a different lens on folklore, reminding us that these tales continue to shape how we see the world and how we figure out, through the stories we tell each other, who we are.
MOTHER
GOOSE: SUITE BY MAURICE RAVEL (1875-1937)
Originally composed in 1910 as a piano duet for children, Ravel later orchestrated Mother Goose into a full orchestral suite, widely regarded as one of his most carefully crafted works. Each movement draws from classic fairy tales—Sleeping Beauty, Tom Thumb, Beauty and the Beast—rendered with luminous orchestral color and remarkable restraint. Ravel’s gift lies in suggestion rather than statement, allowing small gestures and subtle textures to evoke entire worlds. The result is music that feels intimate and dreamlike, unfolding with the quiet magic of a storybook.
DIVERTIMENTO
CONCERTANTE BY NINO ROTA (1911-1979)
Composed in 1973, Nino Rota’s Divertimento Concertante is a playful and virtuosic showcase for the double bass, an instrument rarely featured as a solo voice. Known for his film scores, Rota brings a theatrical sensibility to the piece, blending lyricism with wit and technical flair. The bass moves between lyrical lines and agile passages, revealing unexpected range and character. Lighthearted yet sophisticated, the work highlights Rota’s ability to balance humor, charm, and musical craftsmanship.
RODEO: FOUR DANCE EPISODES BY AARON COPLAND (1900-1990)
Composed in 1942 for choreographer Agnes de Mille, Copland’s Rodeo captures the spirit of the American West with unmistakable clarity and vitality. Drawing on folk tunes and dance rhythms, the
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TONIGHT’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
SERIES UNDERWRITERS
Anonymous Ann Brewster
Nancy French
Bonnie Kirschenbaum
Patrice and Ron Lara
Pat and Steve Larson
Helen Lemay
Jan and Rob Miles
Michael Molloy
Sally and Bruce Queen
Juliet Whitcomb and Elliot Schrage
Alan and Kathy Sonnanstine
Barbara and David Weaver
Wiegand Family Charitable Fund
Suzy Iliff Witzler
Susan and Austin Young
CONCERT UNDERWRITERS
Gerry Fricke
Dave and Cynthia Rosengren
CONCERT SPONSOR
Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center
*deceased
suite evokes open landscapes, community gatherings, and the rugged individuality of frontier life. Each movement paints a distinct scene, from the relaxed sway of “Corral Nocturne” to the exuberant energy of “Hoe-Down,” whose
"These tales continue to shape how we see the world and how we figure out, through the stories we tell each other, who we are."
driving rhythms and bright orchestration have become iconic. Copland’s musical language—spacious, direct, and rhythmically alive—helped define what many recognize as the “American sound.” Beneath its surface charm lies a
deeper sense of identity, reflecting a country rooted in both tradition and reinvention. Rodeo is not just a portrait of the West, but a celebration of movement, character, and the shared cultural stories that continue to shape American life.
THE FIREBIRD SUITE BY IGOR STRAVINSKY (1882-1971)
Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, drawn from his 1910 ballet for Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, marked his breakthrough as a major composer. Based on Russian folklore, the story follows a magical bird whose power brings both danger and salvation. The suite distills this narrative into a sequence of vivid orchestral scenes, ranging from eerie, shadowed textures to brilliant, triumphant climaxes. Stravinsky’s orchestration is extraordinary in its color and precision, using the full palette of the orchestra to create a world of enchantment and tension. The music shifts seamlessly between menace and beauty, culminating in a radiant finale that feels both hard-won and inevitable. In The Firebird, folklore becomes something elemental—transformed into sound that is at once primal, modern, and unforgettable.
This year, the NRO is proud to partner with local photographers whose work embodies the theme “American Adventures.”
Photo above by Andrew Maguire (pg. 11)
Scan to read expanded program notes and composer features.
Fourth of July Spectacular
SATURDAY, JULY 4
x 10:00 AM
Q RAINBOW PARK, SILVERTHORNE
x 7:00 PM
Q RIVERWALK CENTER
FEATURING
Carl Topilow, conductor (pg. 72)
ON THE PROGRAM
WILLIAMS
Liberty Fanfare
SMITH The Star-Spangled Banner
GOULD American Salute
BRUBECK
Can(n)ons of Freedom
WILLIAMS
Theme from Jurassic Park
BERNSTEIN
Theme from The Magnificent Seven
LIVINGSTON & EVANS
Theme from Bonanza
ELLINGTON & TIZOL Caravan
INTERMISSION
WILLIAMS
The Olympic Spirit
ARR. CUSTER
The American Frontier
DILORENZO Trumpets on Parade
ANDERSON Sandpaper Ballet
WENDEL
A George M. Cohan Overture
TCHAIKOVSKY 1812 Overture
BERNS & FARRELL
Hang on Sloopy, Arr.
Bob Cerulli
MURTHA Armed Forces Salute
SOUSA
The Stars and Stripes Forever
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
This year’s Fourth of July Spectacular, A Star-Spangled 250, celebrates a landmark moment in American history with music that reflects the nation’s spirit, history, and cultural energy. Led by Carl Topilow, the program moves from patriotic tradition to cinematic favorites and popular classics, culminating in a high-energy tribute to the sounds that define America. Evening concert will begin at 7:00pm and will be followed by a free drone show on the Riverwalk Lawn.
LIBERTY FANFARE BY JOHN WILLIAMS
Commissioned for the Statue of Liberty’s centennial in 1986, Liberty Fanfare is bold and celebratory. Brilliant brass and sweeping gestures capture the spirit of freedom and national pride.
THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER BY JOHN STAFFORD SMITH
Adapted from an 18th-century English tune, this anthem draws its meaning from the words of Francis Scott Key, written as he watched the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, creating a powerful symbol of perseverance that continues to resonate.
AMERICAN SALUTE BY MORTON GOULD
Based on the Civil War song “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” Gould’s American Salute transforms a familiar melody into a vibrant orchestral showpiece celebrating American heritage.
CAN(N)ONS OF FREEDOM BY CHRIS BRUBECK
Inspired by George Washington’s daring 1776 transport of cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston, Brubeck’s work blends martial rhythms with fife-and-drum motifs.
THEME FROM JURASSIC PARK BY JOHN WILLIAMS
This iconic theme captures a sense of awe and discovery through its soaring melody and rich orchestration. (see pg. 48 for Jurassic Park in Concert)
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TONIGHT’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
SERIES UNDERWRITERS
Anonymous
Alan and Diana Anick
Terri and George Barile
Libby Bortz
Thomas Redd and Montie Callager
Steve Corneillier
Susan Propper and Donald Dankner
Shari and Chris Dorton
Michael and Marylynn Eipper
Barbara Strauss and Paul Finkel
Reggie and Pamela Gray Family
Sandra Holdgreve
Dr. Milton and Gail Klein
Kevin Konieczny
Glen and Georgia Kraatz
Sandy Kuschnerus
Alan and Sharon Levin
Anne Mead
Sandy L. Mortensen
Dave Pfeifle
Charlie Simpson Family
William and Marilyn Taylor
Tom Wahl
Juhree Wendl
Wiegers Family Foundation
CONCERT UNDERWRITERS
Steve Corneillier and daughters
Brittony and Nicole in memory of Kathleen Corneillier
CONCERT SPONSORS
Town of Breckenridge
Town of Silverthorne
*deceased
THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN THEME BY ELMER BERNSTEIN
With its galloping rhythms, this theme has become synonymous with the American West, evoking adventure and wide-open landscapes.
BONANZA THEME BY JAY LIVINGSTON & RAYMOND EVANS
The Bonanza theme reflects the rugged individualism and sense of exploration associated with the American frontier, bringing television’s Western legacy to life.
CARAVAN BY DUKE ELLINGTON & JUAN TIZOL
Caravan blends jazz with exotic influences, creating an atmosphere that feels both mysterious and alluring, securing its place as a timeless jazz standard.
THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT BY JOHN WILLIAMS
Written for the 1988 Seoul Olympics, this piece blends stately brass with a lyrical melody, capturing the pageantry, unity, and human aspiration at the heart of the Olympic Games.
THE AMERICAN FRONTIER ARRANGED BY CALVIN CUSTER
This arrangement weaves together familiar frontier melodies, evoking westward expansion and the mythology of pioneer life through bold orchestration and shifting moods.
TRUMPETS ON PARADE BY ANTHONY DILORENZO
A modern showcase for brass, "Trumpets on Parade" highlights the brilliance and versatility of the trumpet section, offering a spirited display of precision and flair.
SANDPAPER BALLET BY LEROY ANDERSON
A playful and inventive piece using sandpaper blocks for rhythm, blending humor and elegance in Anderson’s signature lighthearted orchestral style.
A GEORGE M. COHAN OVERTURE BY ROBERT WENDEL
A lively tribute to American entertainer George M. Cohan, blending his patriotic Broadway hits into a spirited overture full of theatrical flair and American optimism.
1812 OVERTURE BY PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY
Known for its dramatic use of cannon fire and grand orchestration, the 1812 Overture depicts victory and celebration, making it a Fourth of July favorite.
HANG ON SLOOPY BY BERT BERNS & WES FARRELL
This orchestral arrangement by Bob Cerulli brings the 1960s rock anthem to life, highlighting its infectious groove and enduring cultural energy.
ARMED FORCES SALUTE BY JOHN MURTHA
This medley honors each branch of the U.S. military through their official songs, inviting recognition and appreciation; a meaningful tribute to those who serve.
THE STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER BY JOHN PHILIP SOUSA
Sousa’s most famous march is a defining symbol of American patriotism. With its bold melodies, crisp rhythms, and iconic piccolo solo, it brings the concert to a rousing and unforgettable close.
This year, the NRO is proud to partner with local photographers whose work embodies the theme “American Adventures.” Photo above by Louie Traub courtesy of Breckenridge Tourism.
Topilow Pops: The Final Frontier
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
x 6:00 PM
Q RIVERWALK CENTER
FEATURING
Carl Topilow, conductor (pg. 72)
Devin DeSantis, vocalist (pg. 73)
Gregory Johnson, astronaut & narrator (pg. 73)
ON THE PROGRAM
STRAUSS
Also Sprach Zarathustra: Introduction
ORFF
"O Fortuna" from Carmina burana
WILLIAMS
The Mission WILDHORN
“Into the Fire” from The Scarlet Pimpernel
ARR. WENDEL
The Flinstones Meet the Jetsons
SCHÖNBERG "Stars" from Les Misérables
NERO Voyage into Space
INTERMISSION
WILLIAMS "Adventures on Earth" from E.T. The ExtraTerrestrial
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Topilow Pops: The Final Frontier launches audiences into a musical journey beyond Earth, where imagination and exploration collide. The program traces humanity’s fascination with space—from cinematic scores to Broadway anthems—blending wonder, danger, and aspiration in a celebration of the endless pull of the stars.
ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA BY RICHARD STRAUSS
This iconic opening, immortalized in 2001: A Space Odyssey, unfolds like a cosmic sunrise. From deep, resonant tones to a blazing orchestral statement, it captures the awe of encountering the unknown—perfectly evoking the vastness and mystery of space.
“O FORTUNA” FROM CARMINA BURANA BY CARL ORFF
“O Fortuna” surges with elemental force, its choral power suggesting the vast, uncontrollable forces of the universe. Its dramatic intensity mirrors the unpredictability of space, where fate, danger, and discovery exist in constant tension.
THE MISSION BY JOHN WILLIAMS
HORNER Selections from Apollo 13
WILLIAMS "Across the Stars" from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones
LEIGH “The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha
CARMICHAEL Stardust
HOLST “Mars, the Bringer of War" from The Planets
SCHÖNBERG "Bring Him Home" from Les Misérables
CUSTER Star Trek Through the Years
WILLIAMS "Imperial March" from Star Wars
WILLIAMS Theme from Superman
Williams’s The Mission theme conveys a sense of purpose and destiny. With noble melodic lines and expansive orchestration, it reflects humanity’s drive to venture into the unknown.
“INTO THE FIRE” BY FRANK WILDHORN
“Into the Fire” is driven by determination and bold conviction. Its soaring lines and urgent momentum mirror the spirit of launch and the courage to pursue something greater.
THE FLINTSTONES MEET THE JETSONS ARR. WENDEL
This playful mashup bridges past and future, contrasting prehistoric humor with futuristic imagination, reminding us that our dreams of the cosmos have long been part of popular culture.
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TONIGHT’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
SERIES UNDERWRITERS
Anonymous
Alan and Diana Anick
Terri and George Barile
Libby Bortz
Thomas Redd and Montie Callager
Steve Corneillier
Susan Propper and Donald Dankner
Shari and Chris Dorton
Michael and Marylynn Eipper
Barbara Strauss and Paul Finkel
Reggie and Pamela Gray Family
Sandra Holdgreve
Dr. Milton and Gail Klein
Kevin Konieczny
Glen and Georgia Kraatz
Sandy Kuschnerus
Alan and Sharon Levin
Anne Mead
Sandy L. Mortensen
Dave Pfeifle
Charlie Simpson Family
William and Marilyn Taylor
Tom Wahl
Juhree Wendl Wiegers Family Foundation
CONCERT UNDERWRITERS
Charlie Simpson Family in memory of Carol Simpson, a lover of music
Steve Corneillier and daughters
Brittony and Nicole in memory of Kathleen Corneillier *deceased
“STARS” BY CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG
“Stars” from Les Misérables is contemplative and resolute, with a melody that draws a quiet connection between human introspection and the unchanging stars above.
VOYAGE INTO SPACE BY PETER NERO
Chosen by John Glenn as the wake-up music during his 1998 mission, here narrated by NASA astronaut Greg Johnson, this song celebrates the wonder of space exploration.
“ADVENTURES ON EARTH” BY JOHN WILLIAMS
This sweeping piece from E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial blends childlike wonder with soaring orchestration, evoking the emotional pull of discovering life beyond our own planet.
SELECTIONS FROM APOLLO 13 BY JAMES HORNER
Horner’s score reflects both the danger and resilience of space travel. Expansive textures and restrained lyricism honor one of NASA’s most dramatic missions.
“ACROSS THE STARS” BY JOHN WILLIAMS
This lyrical theme unfolds with a sense of longing and scale, reminding us that even in the grandness of the universe, human emotion remains at the center.
“THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM” BY MITCH LEIGH
A timeless anthem of aspiration, this song from Man of La Mancha reflects the courage to pursue what lies beyond reach, no matter the odds.
STARDUST BY HOAGY CARMICHAEL
Stardust drifts with a sense of nostalgia and quiet beauty. Its gentle, flowing melody evokes the vastness of the night sky and the timeless allure of the stars.
“MARS” FROM THE PLANETS BY GUSTAV HOLST
“Mars” moves with relentless force, its uneven pulse and powerful orchestration suggests both the danger and majesty of space and of encountering the unknown.
“BRING HIM HOME” BY CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG
This intimate, prayer-like piece from Les Misérables offers a moment of stillness. Its simplicity and emotional clarity reflect the human need for connection.
STAR TREK THROUGH THE YEARS BY CALVIN CUSTER
This medley traces the musical legacy of Star Trek and its spirit of exploration and discovery, with a vision of space as a frontier for the future of mankind.
“IMPERIAL MARCH” BY JOHN WILLIAMS
With its bold, commanding presence and unmistakable motif, the “Imperial March” evokes power on a galactic scale.
THEME FROM SUPERMAN BY JOHN WILLIAMS
This triumphant theme soars with confidence and heroism, embodying the idea of flight and limitless potential and offering a dream of reaching beyond what lies ahead.
This year, the NRO is proud to partner with local photographers whose work embodies the theme “American Adventures.” Photo above by Curtis DeVore (pg. 11)
From Man to Myth
SATURDAY, JULY 11
x 6:00 PM Q RIVERWALK CENTER
FEATURING
Michael Stern, conductor (pg. 70)
Yoann Combémorel, conductor (pg. 71)
Xiaoqian Zhu, violin (pg. 80)
ON THE PROGRAM DEBUSSY
Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun Yoann Combémorel, conductor
BARBER
Violin Concerto, Op. 14
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Presto in moto perpetuo
Xiaoqian Zhu, violin
INTERMISSION
BEETHOVEN
Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 55 “Eroica”
I. Allegro con brio
II. Marcia funebre: Adagio assai
III. Scherzo: Allegro vivace
IV. Finale: Allegro molto
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
At the heart of every culture lies deeply embedded legends that give a people their sense of who they are, where they came from, and where they are meant to go. “From Man to Myth” explores the transformation of individuals into enduring legends—how identity, memory, and artistic expression elevate real lives into something larger than life. Through music that balances intimacy and grandeur, this program traces the arc from human vulnerability to mythic stature, revealing both the inspiration and the illusion behind the figures we come to revere.
PRELUDE TO THE AFTERNOON OF A FAUN BY CLAUDE DEBUSSY (1862-1918)
Composed in 1894 and inspired by Stéphane Mallarmé’s symbolist poem, Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun marked a turning point in modern music. The work opens with an ethereal flute solo, unfolding in a fluid, dreamlike atmosphere that resists traditional structure. Rather than telling a linear story, Debussy creates a sensory landscape, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination. The faun itself exists in an in-between state, part human, part myth, suspended in a haze of desire and memory. In this context, the piece reflects how myth emerges not through clarity, but through suggestion and transformation.
VIOLIN CONCERTO BY SAMUEL BARBER (1910-1981)
Barber's Violin Concerto (1939) has one of the stranger origin stories in 20th-century American music. Commissioned as a gift for a young violinist, it was initially rejected — the patron claimed the finale was too difficult, though the real objection seems to have been that it was simply not what anyone expected from the first two movements. These movements unfold with long, expressive lines, allowing the solo violin to sing with warmth and introspection. These moments feel deeply human—intimate, searching, and emotionally direct. The final movement, however, shifts dramatically into a relentless, virtuosic whirlwind, demanding precision and agility from the soloist. This sudden transformation creates a compelling duality, suggesting both vulnerability and brilliance.
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TONIGHT’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
SERIES UNDERWRITERS
Anonymous Ann Brewster
Nancy French
Bonnie Kirschenbaum
Patrice and Ron Lara
Pat and Steve Larson
Helen Lemay
Jan and Rob Miles
Michael Molloy
Sally and Bruce Queen
Juliet Whitcomb and Elliot Schrage
Alan and Kathy Sonnanstine
Barbara and David Weaver
Wiegand Family Charitable Fund
Suzy Iliff Witzler
Susan and Austin Young
CONCERT UNDERWRITERS
Terri and George Barile
Celine and Richard Stetzer
CONCERT SPONSOR
Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center
*deceased
Scan
to read expanded program notes and composer features.
SYMPHONY NO. 3 BY
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, composed in 1803, stands as a watershed moment in the history of Western music. Originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, whom Beethoven admired as a champion of republican ideals, the composer famously withdrew the dedication upon Napoleon’s self-coronation as Emperor—Beethoven reportedly seized the score and scratched through the dedication so violently that he tore the paper. The published score carries only the subtitle "Eroica" (heroic) and a dedication to a nameless "great man." That renaming transformed everything. Beethoven's act of disillusionment reshaped the symphony’s meaning, transforming it from a tribute to a specific figure into a meditation on heroism itself: what it means, what it costs, and whether the heroic ideal survives when the individual hero fails us.
Monumental in scale, the Eroica redefined what a symphony could be, expanding both its length and emotional scope. The opening movement surges with bold, assertive themes, while the second movement—a funeral march—offers a profound expression of loss and mourning. The scherzo introduces restless energy, and the finale builds through variation and transformation toward a hard-won sense of resolution. Together, the four movements trace the complete arc of heroism: aspiration, loss, struggle, and transformation. Throughout, Beethoven
"At the heart of every culture lies deeply embedded legends that give a people their sense of who they are, where they came from, and where they are meant to go."
explores the tension between idealism and reality, elevating the concept of the hero beyond any one individual. In doing so, the Eroica becomes not just a portrait of a man, but a reflection on how myths are made, challenged, and ultimately endure.
This year, the NRO is proud to partner with local photographers whose work embodies the theme “American Adventures.”
Photo above by Andrew Maguire (pg. 11)
Women in the Arts
TUESDAY, JULY 14 x 6:00 PM
Q BRECK. BACKSTAGE THEATRE
PRESENTED BY
Breckenridge Backstage Theatre
Breck Film
National Repertory Orchestra
ABOUT THE EVENT
Women in the Arts is an evening dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary women who shape our creative community — and investing in the next generation of artists who will carry that legacy forward.
Held in memory of Emily Wahl, whose mentorship and advocacy uplifted young women in the arts across Summit County, this event will honor her lasting impact on this community.
Joining forces, the National Repertory Orchestra, Backstage Theatre, and Breck Film have come together to present an unforgettable night of live music, theater, and film — all created and performed by the talented young artists in our midst. Your ticket supports a scholarship fund that opens doors for aspiring creatives right here in the Summit County arts community.
TICKETS
Tickets $20, scan QR code to purchase:
This year's event is in memory of artist, mentor, and former NRO board member Emily Wahl; above, her watercolor "The Path."
American Icons
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
x 6:00 PM - MIX & MINGLE
7:00 PM - MUSIC
Q RIVERWALK CENTER
FEATURING
Michael Stern, conductor (pg. 70)
Yoann Combémorel, conductor (pg. 71)
ON THE PROGRAM
THEOFANIDIS / SOHN / ASSAD / MASON / CUMMINS
Five American Portraits
1. Rachel Carson — Scientist Poet (Theofanidis)
2. Disney — Is this the Happiest Place on Earth? (Sohn)
3. Harry Houdini — The Illusionist (Assad)
4. Echoes of the Forgotten Americans (Mason)
5. Howard Zinn — A People’s History (Cummins)
STRAUSS
Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks, Op. 28
Yoann Combémorel, conductor
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
As a Music, Mix & Mingle evening, this concert offers a fresh take on a night out: arrive early for drinks and a lively pre-concert mingle set to Bridgerton-style strings, then settle in for a dynamic, one-hour performance.
An icon earns its power not by being universally loved, but by being impossible to ignore. To study the icons of a nation is not to study history. It is to study ambition: the collective, often contested work of deciding which lives, which struggles, and which voices deserve to stand at the center of a shared story. “American Icons” turns its focus to the individuals—whether visionaries or disruptors—who shape how our nation sees itself. Through a newly commissioned, multi-composer work and two virtuosic orchestral statements, this program explores how identity is constructed, challenged, and remembered, offering portraits that are at once complex and enduring.
FIVE AMERICAN PORTRAITS BY
CHRISTOPHER THEOFANIDIS (B. 1967), NICKY SOHN (B. 1992), CLARICE ASSAD (B. 1978), QUINN MASON (B. 1996), LIAM CUMMINS (B. 2004)
Five American Portraits is a collaborative work in which five contemporary composers each contribute a movement, creating a mosaic of perspectives on American identity. Originally commissioned by Michael Stern and Orchestra Lumos, the piece reflects a wide-ranging view of what it means to be “American,” not through a single narrative, but through distinct and often contrasting voices. Christopher Theofanidis opens with a tribute to Rachel Carson, capturing her poetic reverence for the natural world and her enduring legacy of environmental advocacy. Nicky Sohn’s portrait of Disney examines the duality of wonder and commercialization, transforming familiar musical gestures into something increasingly complex. Clarice Assad’s movement centers on Harry Houdini, the Hungarian-born immigrant who transformed himself into one of the most iconic performers of his time and came to embody the American ideal of reinvention and limitless possibility. Quinn Mason’s movement offers a broader meditation
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TONIGHT’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
SERIES UNDERWRITERS
Anonymous Ann Brewster
Nancy French
Bonnie Kirschenbaum
Patrice and Ron Lara
Pat and Steve Larson
Helen Lemay
Jan and Rob Miles
Michael Molloy
Sally and Bruce Queen
Juliet Whitcomb and Elliot Schrage
Alan and Kathy Sonnanstine
Barbara and David Weaver
Wiegand Family Charitable Fund
Suzy Iliff Witzler
Susan and Austin Young
CONCERT UNDERWRITERS
Janet and Brad Bradbury
CONCERT SPONSOR
Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center
*deceased
Scan to read expanded program notes and composer features.
on those whose contributions have been overlooked, evoking remembrance through open pastoral textures and distant funerary drums. Liam Cummins turns to historian Howard Zinn and his seminal work "A People's History of the
"An icon earns its power not by being universally loved, but by being impossible to ignore."
United States," which echoes Zinn’s call for a deeper, more principled understanding of history and patriotism. Together, these movements form a layered and thought-provoking reflection on the many faces of American identity. Together, in the words of Michael Stern, what emerges in this piece is "a beautiful collection of portraits which reflects musically the ideal of E Pluribus Unum."
TILL EULENSPIEGEL’S MERRY PRANKS BY RICHARD STRAUSS (1864-1949)
Composed in 1895, Strauss’s Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks is a brilliant example of orchestral storytelling, bringing to life the mischievous German folk hero through vivid musical episodes. Till’s character is introduced through playful themes in the horn and clarinet, which recur throughout the work as he embarks on a series of irreverent adventures— mocking authority, defying convention, and reveling in chaos. Strauss’s orchestration is dazzling in its detail, with rapid shifts in mood and color that mirror Till’s unpredictable nature. Moments of humor give way to tension, culminating in a dramatic conclusion that suggests the consequences of his actions. Yet even in this final moment, a sense of wit remains, as if Till’s spirit cannot be fully extinguished. In the context of this program, Till represents a different kind of icon—one defined not by reverence, but by rebellion. His story reminds us that cultural figures are often shaped as much by their defiance as by their achievements, leaving behind a legacy that is both provocative and enduring.
This year, the NRO is proud to partner with local photographers whose work embodies the theme “American Adventures.” Photo above is from the Agnes Miner Collection courtesy of Breckenridge History.
Jurassic Park In Concert
SATURDAY, JULY 18
x 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Q RIVERWALK CENTER
FEATURING
Damon Gupton, conductor (pg. 71)
ON THE PROGRAM
JURASSIC PARK
Starring
Sam Neill
Laura Dern
Jeff Goldblum
Richard Attenborough
Bob Peck
Martin Ferrero
BD Wong
Samuel L. Jackson
Wayne Knight
Joseph Mazzello
Ariana Richards
Directed by
Steven Spielberg
Music by
John Williams
TONIGHT’S PARTNER
This event is presented in partnership with Breck Film.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
This action-packed adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking special effects, this epic film is sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making. Welcome... to Jurassic Park!
"This epic film is sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making. Welcome... to Jurassic Park !"
Originally released in 1993, Jurassic Park was the result of a visionary collaboration between author Michael Crichton and director Steven Spielberg — two quintessentially American storytellers with an outsized appetite for the spectacular. Adapted from Crichton's bestselling novel, the film fundamentally changed what audiences believed cinema could achieve, blending groundbreaking visual effects with genuine scientific curiosity, edge-of-your-seat tension,
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TONIGHT’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
SERIES UNDERWRITERS
Anonymous
Alan and Diana Anick
Terri and George Barile
Libby Bortz
Thomas Redd and Montie Callager
Steve Corneillier
Susan Propper and Donald Dankner
Shari and Chris Dorton
Michael and Marylynn Eipper
Barbara Strauss and Paul Finkel
Reggie and Pamela Gray Family
Sandra Holdgreve
Dr. Milton and Gail Klein
Kevin Konieczny
Glen and Georgia Kraatz
Sandy Kuschnerus
Alan and Sharon Levin
Anne Mead
Sandy L. Mortensen
Dave Pfeifle
Charlie Simpson Family
William and Marilyn Taylor
Tom Wahl
Juhree Wendl
Wiegers Family Foundation
CONCERT SPONSOR
Timothy Faust Photography
*deceased
and a sense of awe that only the grandest adventures can deliver.
At the heart of the story is Dr. Alan Grant, played with understated brilliance by Sam Neill — a paleontologist who has devoted his life to the study of creatures long extinct, only to come face to face with the impossible. When the eccentric billionaire John Hammond, portrayed by Richard Attenborough, invites a small group of experts to preview his extraordinary new theme park, what begins as a weekend of wonder quickly becomes a desperate fight for survival. With a remarkable cast including Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum, and featuring revolutionary visual effects that continue to astonish decades later, Jurassic Park has captivated audiences across generations and remains one of the most thrilling adventures ever put on screen.
None of that adventure would land with such force without John Williams' magnificent score — one of the most beloved and emotionally layered in cinematic history. The sweeping main theme, with its soaring strings and wide-open sense of possibility, feels unmistakably American: expansive, optimistic, and full of forward momentum. Williams' music doesn't just accompany the film — it captures the thrill of venturing into the unknown.
In this performance, the National Repertory Orchestra brings that score to life in real time, perfectly synchronized with every thunderous footstep and breathless escape on screen.
Live orchestral music transforms the experience entirely — the moments of danger grow more visceral, the scenes of breathtaking wonder more transcendent, and the emotional stakes of the story more deeply felt.
The film draws on a tradition deeply embedded in the American imagination — it is the tale of bold individuals pushing into uncharted territory, certain that human ingenuity can conquer any obstacle, only to discover that some forces are simply beyond our control. The wilderness, whether it's the untamed American West or an island filled with dinosaurs, has a way of humbling even the most confident explorer. As Dr. Malcolm famously warns, "life finds a way."
Formed by alumni of the National Repertory Orchestra, this quartet brings together musicians whose shared roots at the NRO have evolved into dynamic professional careers. In this program, they draw from American narratives that play a critical role in the ongoing evolution of our nation’s history and musical character. Through works that reflect migration, identity, tradition, and transformation, the ensemble creates a throughline between past and present.
WARMTH FROM OTHER SUNS BY CARLOS SIMON (B. 1986)
In Warmth From Other Suns, Simon draws inspiration by the book of the same name by Isabel Wilkerson, bringing to life the stories of the Great Migration, when millions of African Americans left the rural South in search of new opportunities across the United States. Across its three movements—Rays of Light, Flight, and Settle—the work traces a narrative arc of hope, upheaval, and arrival. Simon’s writing blends lyrical warmth with rhythmic drive, allowing each instrument to carry part of the story. Simon’s writing allows each instrument to contribute to a shared narrative; the quartet’s interplay highlights shifting textures and emotional contrasts, capturing the complexity of departure, resilience, and the search for home.
PIANO QUARTET IN E-FLAT BY ROBERT SCHUMANN (1810-1856)
The Andante cantabile from Schumann’s Piano Quartet offers a moment of lyrical intimacy and quiet reflection. A flowing, song-like melody passes seamlessly between instruments, creating a warm, unified texture. Subtle harmonic shifts lend emotional depth without disturbing the movement’s calm surface. The interplay between strings and piano feels conversational, each voice supporting and responding to the others. Marked by tenderness and restraint, the music unfolds with a sense of suspended time, inviting close listening.
PIANO QUINTET IN F MINOR BY JOHANNES BRAHMS (1833-1897)
The Scherzo from Brahms’ Piano Quintet is powerful and unyielding, driven by rhythmic intensity and dramatic contrast. Bold, forceful themes propel the music forward, creating a sense of urgency that rarely relents. Demanding both precision and stamina, dense textures give the ensemble an almost orchestral weight, while moments of lyricism offer brief contrast before tension returns.
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TONIGHT’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
CONCERT UNDERWRITERS
Adrienne and Allen Frechter
STRING QUARTET NO. 3 BY DMITRY SHOSTAKOVICH (19061975)
Shostakovich’s Third String Quartet unfolds as a fivemovement arc that moves from lightness to profound introspection. What begins with a seemingly playful character gradually reveals deeper tension, as driving rhythms and sharp contrasts give way to moments of aggression and unease. The central Adagio offers a stark, emotional core, marked by stillness and gravity. In the final movement, earlier ideas return in altered form, suggesting reflection without full resolution.
RATTLE SONGS BY PURA FÉ, ARR. BY JEROD IMPICHCHA̱ACHAAHA' TATE (B. 1968)
In Rattle Songs, Pura Fé’s original compositions for the groundbreaking Native trio Ulali are reimagined for string quartet by Chicksaw classical composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate, blending traditional song forms with contemporary chamber textures. Rooted in the shared shell-shaking traditions of many Native woodland cultures, the work draws on songs from across Indian Country, honoring community, rhythm, and lineage. Rather than replicate the original percussion, Tate creates a new, impressionistic sound world for the quartet, blending classical textures with postmodern sensibility. The result is both a tribute and transformation, extending Pura Fé’s vision while deepening its spirit of cultural connection and reverence.
YAMAHA PIANO WINNERS
Classical Pianos Denver began hosting the Yamaha Piano Competition in 1988. Since then, hundreds of young piano players have gotten their start on a globally significant musical journey. The NRO is honored to host 4 of this year's winners in a pair of concerts this summer.
Phoenix Cannavo
Phoenix Cannavo, 15, is an award-winning pianist of Italian-Korean heritage with national and international honors. He has performed twice at Carnegie Hall and in Tokyo, winning top prizes for works including Beethoven’s Appassionata. A student of Zina Rabinovich, he values expression as much as technique.
Eric Kim
Eric Kim, 18, is a senior at Cherry Creek High School and a piano student of Jasmine Steadman and Larry Graham. An award-winning pianist, he has earned top prizes in Yamaha, Schmitt, and international competitions, and performed as a soloist with orchestra. He also leads Musicians United for Change and is a multi-instrumentalist.
This year, the NRO is proud to partner with local photographers whose work embodies the theme “American Adventures.” Photo above by Elaine Collins (pg. 11)
Scenes From the City
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
x 6:00 PM
Q RIVERWALK CENTER
FEATURING
Teddy Abrams, conductor (pg. 71)
Kari Novilla, harp (pg. 90)
ON THE PROGRAM
BERNSTEIN
On the Town: Three Dance Episodes
I. The Great Lover
II. Lonely Town (Pas de deux)
III. Times Square: 1944
GUTHMAN
Concerto Romantico for Harp and Orchestra
I. Intrigue
II. Dalliance
III. Covenant
Kari Novilla, harp
INTERMISSION
ADAMS
Frenzy: a short symphony
GERSHWIN
An American in Paris
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The city is America's great laboratory — the place where the country's contradictions come most fully into contact, where cultures collide and recombine, where aspiration and reality are closest to each other and farthest apart. “Scenes from the City” immerses audiences in the rhythm and vitality of urban life, where constant motion and cultural exchange shape the modern experience. From Broadway stages to bustling streets, this program captures the energy, restlessness, and unpredictability of the city, revealing both its dazzling exterior and its more reflective, intimate moments. Together, they trace not a single city but the idea of the city itself, alive with possibility as the most concentrated expression of the American experience.
ON THE TOWN BY LEONARD BERNSTEIN
(1918-1990)
Premiered in 1944, Bernstein’s On the Town captures the exuberance and spontaneity of New York City at mid-century. Based on the story of three sailors on a 24-hour leave, the score follows their whirlwind search for connection, adventure, and meaning in a city that never slows down. Bernstein blends jazz idioms, Broadway theatricality, and symphonic sophistication, creating a sound world that feels distinctly American and unmistakably urban. The music shifts quickly between moods—playful, romantic, brash, and reflective—mirroring the unpredictability of city life itself. Syncopated rhythms and bold brass writing evoke crowded streets and late-night energy, while lyrical moments reveal the humanity beneath the surface. In On the Town, Bernstein doesn’t just depict New York—he captures its heartbeat, its diversity, and its endless sense of possibility.
CONCERTO ROMANTICO BY ANDY GUTHMAN
(B. 1952)
Guthman’s Concerto Romantico offers a more introspective take, centering the harp as a voice of lyricism within a larger orchestral landscape. The piece balances delicate textures with sweeping gestures, allowing the soloist to navigate moments of intimacy and expansiveness. Its Romantic influence is filtered through a contemporary lens, creating a sense of timeless expression within a
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TONIGHT’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
SERIES UNDERWRITERS
Anonymous Ann Brewster
Nancy French
Bonnie Kirschenbaum
Patrice and Ron Lara
Pat and Steve Larson
Helen Lemay
Jan and Rob Miles
Michael Molloy
Sally and Bruce Queen
Juliet Whitcomb and Elliot Schrage
Alan and Kathy Sonnanstine
Barbara and David Weaver
Wiegand Family Charitable Fund
Suzy Iliff Witzler
Susan and Austin Young
CONCERT UNDERWRITERS
Mark and Barbara Puccia
CONCERT SPONSOR
Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center
*deceased
Scan to read expanded program notes and composer features.
modern context. In the framework of city life, the concerto suggests a quieter perspective—an individual voice emerging amid the surrounding noise, reflecting the personal stories that exist within the broader urban environment.
FRENZY BY JOHN
ADAMS (B. 1947)
Composed in 2023–24 and premiered by the London Symphony Orchestra under Simon Rattle, Frenzy is a one-movement symphony that blends Adams’s pulse-driven language with a renewed focus on motivic development. Built from small, vivid ideas that constantly transform, the piece unfolds as a continuous arc, moving from buoyant, extroverted energy into a lighter, more transparent middle section. The title is ultimately realized in the final moments, where surging brass, churning strings, and restless woodwinds converge in a burst of intensity.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS BY GEORGE GERSHWIN (1898-1937)
"The idea of the city itself [is] alive with possibility as the most concentrated expression of the American experience."
Composed in 1928 following Gershwin’s time in France, An American in Paris is both a travelogue and a cultural snapshot, blending American jazz sensibilities with European orchestral tradition. Gershwin sought to capture the experience of an American wandering through the streets of Paris, absorbing its sights and sounds while carrying a sense of home with him. The score famously incorporates real taxi horns, adding a layer of authenticity to its vivid street scenes. The music moves between bustling, rhythmic passages and more introspective blues-inflected melodies, suggesting both excitement and longing. Gershwin’s gift lies in his ability to balance sophistication with accessibility, creating a work that feels both cosmopolitan and deeply personal. In this piece, the city becomes a place of encounter—where cultures meet, identities shift, and the energy of urban life unfolds in all its color and complexity.
Retratos de la vida ("Portraits of Life")
SATURDAY, JULY 25 x 6:00 PM
Q RIVERWALK CENTER
FEATURING
Carlos Miguel Prieto, conductor (pg. 71)
Asher Blackburn, violin (pg. 80)
Tzu-Yun Anna Huang, viola (pg. 82)
ON THE PROGRAM
ORTIZ
Antrópolis
MOZART
Sinfonia concertante for violin and viola, K. 364
I. Allegro maestoso
II. Andante
III. Presto
Asher Blackburn, violin
Tzu-Yun Anna Huang, viola
INTERMISSION
DE FALLA
El sombrero de tres picos ("The Three-Cornered Hat"), arr. Prieto
MONCAYO
Huapango
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
“Retratos de la vida” broadens the scope of American Adventures, turning outward to celebrate the rhythms, traditions, and cultural expressions that define life across Spanish-speaking worlds. Rooted in dance, folklore, and lived experience, this program explores how music reflects identity—capturing moments of celebration, intimacy, and collective memory through vibrant orchestral color and movement. To listen to these works is to be reminded that the American adventure has always been hemispheric — that these cultures have been in conversation far longer than any national narrative, and that the most vital music has always known how to cross a border.
"Cultures have been in conversation far longer than any national narrative, and that the most vital music has always known how to cross a border."
ANTRÓPOLIS BY GABRIELA ORTIZ (B. 1964)
Composed in 2019, Gabriela Ortiz’s Antrópolis draws inspiration from the vibrant nightlife of Mexico City, particularly the dance halls and clubs where music pulses late into the night. The title itself references these spaces—sites of gathering, release, and shared energy. Ortiz blends orchestral writing with rhythmic
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TONIGHT’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
SERIES UNDERWRITERS
Anonymous Ann Brewster
Nancy French
Bonnie Kirschenbaum
Patrice and Ron Lara
Pat and Steve Larson
Helen Lemay
Jan and Rob Miles
Michael Molloy
Sally and Bruce Queen
Juliet Whitcomb and Elliot Schrage
Alan and Kathy Sonnanstine
Barbara and David Weaver
Wiegand Family Charitable Fund
Suzy Iliff Witzler
Susan and Austin Young
CONCERT UNDERWRITERS
Janey and Russ Trowbridge
CONCERT SPONSOR
Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center *deceased
Scan to read expanded program notes and composer features.
patterns rooted in Latin dance traditions, including mambo and danzón, creating a sound world that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to cultural history. The piece unfolds with a sense of propulsion, driven by layered percussion and bold instrumental textures that evoke movement and atmosphere. Rather than a fixed narrative, Antrópolis captures an environment alive with color, rhythm, and human interaction.
SINFONIA CONCERTANTE BY WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART (1756-1791)
Composed in 1779 during Mozart’s return to Salzburg, the Sinfonia concertante stands as one of his most refined and expressive orchestral works. Written for violin and viola, it elevates both instruments as equal partners, creating a dialogue that is both conversational and deeply expressive. Mozart famously tuned the viola slightly higher than usual, giving it added brilliance and presence alongside the violin.
EL SOMBRERO DE TRES PICOS BY MANUEL DE FALLA (1876-1946) ARR. BY CARLOS MIGUEL PRIETO
Composed in 1919 for Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, El sombrero de tres picos is rooted in Spanish folklore, telling a humorous tale of love, deception, and village life. De Falla draws heavily on Andalusian musical traditions, incorporating flamenco rhythms, folk melodies, and dance forms into a richly orchestrated score. The music is vivid
and theatrical, filled with sharp contrasts, playful gestures, and moments of sensual lyricism. Each section of the suite evokes a distinct scene, from lively village dances to more intimate, expressive passages. De Falla’s orchestration captures both the raw energy and the refinement of Spanish musical culture, blending authenticity with sophistication.
HUAPANGO BY JOSÉ PABLO MONCAYO (1912-1958)
Premiered in 1941, Moncayo’s Huapango has become one of the most iconic works in Mexican orchestral repertoire, often regarded as a musical emblem of national identity. Drawing on traditional huapango melodies from the Veracruz region, Moncayo transforms folk material into a symphonic work of striking vitality and color. The piece captures the spirit of communal celebration, where music and dance are inseparable. Rhythmic interplay is central to the work’s character, with shifting meters and layered patterns creating a sense of spontaneity and movement. Lyrical passages emerge between bursts of energy, offering contrast and emotional depth. Moncayo’s orchestration amplifies the brilliance of the original material, turning it into a dynamic and immersive experience. As a closing statement, Huapango radiates joy and pride, embodying the enduring power of cultural tradition through music.
This year, the NRO is proud to partner with local photographers whose work embodies the theme “American Adventures.”
Photo above by Joe Kusumoto (pg. 11)
The Journey Home
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
x 6:00 PM Q RIVERWALK CENTER
FEATURING
Leonard Slatkin, conductor (pg. 72)
Elisabeth Hsi-yuan Chang, cello (pg. 83)
ON THE PROGRAM
MCTEE Circuits
SLATKIN
Voyager 130
KORNGOLD
Cello Concerto in C major, Op. 37
Elisabeth Hsi-yuan Chang, cello
INTERMISSION
RACHMANINOFF
Symphony No. 3 in A minor, Op. 44
I. Lento; Allegro moderato
II. Adiago ma non troppo
III. Allegro
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
“The Journey Home” offers a deeply personal perspective within the American Adventures season, shaped by the life and legacy of Leonard Slatkin. Drawing on his family’s path from Europe to America and their enduring connection to music, this program reflects themes of migration, memory, and identity. Each work speaks to the idea of home, not as a fixed place, but as something carried through experience, artistry, and time. The program asks what home means for people who have had to leave it, whether home can be carried in the body, transmitted through music, held in the memory of a melody or a harmonic color. These are not abstract questions; they are the questions at the heart of the American experience. Every family, in every era, is doing the same thing: moving toward home and forging their identity in the process.
CIRCUITS
BY CINDY MCTEE (B. 1953)
Composed in 1990 by Leonard Slatkin's wife Cindy McTee, Circuits is a dazzling orchestral work defined by precision, clarity, and momentum. The title refers to the intricate pathways of energy that move through the orchestra, with musical lines passed rapidly between sections in a constant state of motion. McTee’s writing is highly rhythmic, with sharp accents and interlocking patterns that create a sense of propulsion and cohesion. Despite its modern language, Circuits is rooted in connection—between players, ideas, and musical gestures. The piece reflects a network of relationships, where each voice contributes to a larger whole. In the context of this program, it suggests the unseen threads that link generations and experiences, forming the foundation of a shared artistic journey that continues to evolve.
VOYAGER 130 BY DANIEL SLATKIN (B. 1994)
Voyager 130, composed by Leonard Slatkin's son Daniel, reflects both a personal and universal sense of exploration. Inspired in part by the Voyager spacecraft and its message to the cosmos, the work contemplates distance, memory, and the search for connection. At the same time, it carries an intimate resonance, shaped by the
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TONIGHT’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
SERIES UNDERWRITERS
Anonymous Ann Brewster
Nancy French
Bonnie Kirschenbaum
Patrice and Ron Lara
Pat and Steve Larson
Helen Lemay
Jan and Rob Miles
Michael Molloy
Sally and Bruce Queen
Juliet Whitcomb and Elliot Schrage
Alan and Kathy Sonnanstine
Barbara and David Weaver
Wiegand Family Charitable Fund
Suzy Iliff Witzler
Susan and Austin Young
CONCERT UNDERWRITERS
Kipp and Helen Friedli
CONCERT SPONSOR
Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center
*deceased
Scan to read expanded program notes and composer features.
"Every family, in every era, is doing the same thing: moving toward home and forging their identity in the process."
composer’s relationship to his father and their shared musical lineage. The piece unfolds with a sense of openness, blending expansive gestures with moments of introspection. Musical ideas emerge and recede, suggesting both outward movement and inward reflection.
CELLO CONCERTO BY
ERICH WOLFGANG KORNGOLD
(1897-1957)
Composed in 1946, Korngold’s Cello Concerto reflects the composer’s transition from European opera to Hollywood film scoring after fleeing Austria during World War II. Originally adapted from his film score for Deception, and
premiered by Leonard Slatkin's mother Eleanor Aller of the Hollywood String Quartet, the concerto is rich with lyrical intensity and cinematic sweep. Korngold’s music blends late-Romantic tradition with the immediacy of film, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking. Within this program, the concerto reflects the experience of exile and reinvention—how artists carry their cultural heritage into new contexts, reshaping it while preserving its emotional core.
SYMPHONY NO. 3 BY SERGEI RACHMANINOFF (1873-1943)
Rachmaninoff composed his Symphony No. 3 in 1935–36, decades after leaving Russia following the Revolution. Living in the United States, he found himself both celebrated and displaced, and this symphony reflects that duality. While more concise than his earlier works, it retains his signature lyricism, with long, expressive melodies and rich harmonic language. The music moves between nostalgia and vitality, often juxtaposing introspective passages with moments of rhythmic energy. Echoes of Russian chant and folk influence remain, even as the work embraces a more modern sensibility. In the context of The Journey Home, the symphony becomes a profound statement on identity— capturing the tension between memory and adaptation, and the enduring pull of a place that can no longer be returned to, yet never truly left behind.
This year, the NRO is proud to partner with local photographers whose work embodies the theme “American Adventures.”
Photo above by Andrew Maguire (pg. 11)
The American Sound
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
x 6:00 PM
Q RIVERWALK CENTER
FEATURING
Michael Stern, conductor (pg. 70)
ON THE PROGRAM
AMICK
O Beautiful Unity (Co-Commission)
TCHAIKOVSKY
Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48
I. Pezzo in forma di Sonatina
II. Walzer
III. Élégie
IV. Finale (Tema Russo)
INTERMISSION
COPLAND
Symphony No. 3
I. Molto moderato; with simple expression
II. Allegro molto
III. Andantino quasi allegretto
IV. Molto deliberato – Allegro risoluto
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
What does America sound like? The history of American music is, in part, the history of composers wrestling with exactly that question. "The American Sound" anchors itself at a specific and resonant moment: 2026, the nation's 250th anniversary and Colorado's 150th, a year that invites both celebration and reflection. Its three works approach the question from different directions: a world premiere commission written in direct response to this moment and this place; a Russian master's tribute to Mozart that became, paradoxically, a model for the American orchestral tradition; and the symphony widely regarded as Copland's most complete statement of what American music could be. Together, they trace a lineage — European roots, transnational transmission, a distinctly American flowering — that is itself part of the answer. The American sound is not a single voice. It is what happens when many voices, over many generations, discover what they share.
O BEAUTIFUL UNITY (CO-COMMISSION) BY LEIGHA AMICK
Co-commissioned in celebration of Colorado’s 150th anniversary with Colorado Music Festival and Music in the Mountains—and here played on the exact anniversary of Colorado’s statehood—Leigha Amick’s O Beautiful Unity stands as a tribute to the state’s landscape, history, and collective spirit. As a Colorado-based composer, Amick brings a personal connection to the work, shaping a fanfare that feels both ceremonial and deeply rooted in place. The piece draws on bold brass writing and expansive textures, evoking the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains and the sense of possibility they represent. Amick builds the work around a lyrical eight-note theme inspired by early 20th-century American orchestral writing, interwoven with fragments of “America the Beautiful”—whose text was inspired by Colorado—allowing the two ideas to converge in a musical expression of unity and shared purpose. O Beautiful Unity marks not just a historical milestone, but a living moment of celebration, capturing the enduring spirit of the Centennial state through sound.
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TONIGHT’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
SERIES UNDERWRITERS
Anonymous Ann Brewster
Nancy French
Bonnie Kirschenbaum
Patrice and Ron Lara
Pat and Steve Larson
Helen Lemay
Jan and Rob Miles
Michael Molloy
Sally and Bruce Queen
Juliet Whitcomb and Elliot Schrage
Alan and Kathy Sonnanstine
Barbara and David Weaver
Wiegand Family Charitable Fund
Suzy Iliff Witzler
Susan and Austin Young
CONCERT UNDERWRITERS
Elizabeth Hainen and Dave DePeters
Barbara and Sam McCleneghan
CONCERT SPONSOR
Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center
*deceased
Scan to read expanded program notes and composer features.
SERENADE FOR STRINGS BY PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893)
Composed in 1880, Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings is both a tribute to classical form and a deeply personal expression of lyric beauty. Written with affection for Mozart’s style, the work balances structural elegance with rich Romantic warmth. Though rooted in European tradition, the piece resonates within this program as a reminder of the influences that shaped the American orchestral voice. Its clarity, warmth, and expressive depth reflect a lineage that would later inform composers like Copland, connecting past and present through a shared musical language.
SYMPHONY NO. 3 BY AARON COPLAND (1900-1990)
Composed between 1944 and 1946, Aaron Copland’s Symphony No. 3 is widely regarded as one of the defining works of American symphonic music. Written in the closing years of World War II, the symphony reflects a moment of national transition—marked by both reflection and optimism. Copland brings together the elements that came to define his musical voice: open, spacious harmonies, clear textures, and a sense of breadth that evokes the American landscape. The symphony unfolds on a grand scale, moving through moments of quiet introspection and bold, expansive energy. Its most recognizable element appears in the final movement, where Copland incorporates his earlier Fanfare for the Common Man. This theme, with its broad, declarative brass writing, becomes a unifying force, elevating the
symphony’s message of resilience and collective identity. Beyond its iconic moments, the work captures something more elusive—the idea of America as both place and possibility. It reflects a confidence rooted in openness, a belief in shared purpose, and a sense of forward motion. In Symphony No. 3, Copland creates not just a musical statement, but a lasting portrait of the American spirit.
"The American sound is not a single voice. It is what happens when many voices, over many generations, discover what they share."
This year, the NRO is proud to partner with local photographers whose work embodies the theme
“American Adventures.”
Photo above by Timothy Faust (pg. 11)
NRO at the Vail Dance Festival
MONDAY, AUGUST 3 x 7:00 PM Q GERALD FORD AMPHITHEATER
FEATURING
Michael Stern, conductor (pg. 70)
Colorado Ballet ON THE PROGRAM
TCHAIKOVSKY
Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The evening's program, State of Grace, will be a luminous evening under the stars celebrating the beauty and harmony of dance, with extraordinary artists from the American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and more of the world’s great dance companies.
Spanning generations of choreographic brilliance through repertory chosen especially for this unique program, the performance culminates with Vail Dance Festival stars and the Colorado Ballet in George Balanchine’s magnificent Serenade, set to Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, performed live by the National Repertory Orchestra and conducted by Michael Stern.
TICKETS
Lawn Seating: $10.00 - $35.20
Pavilion Seating: $55.00 - $126.50
BUY TICKETS ONLINE AT VAILDANCE.ORG OR CALL (970) 845-8497
Encountering Nature
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5 x 6:00 PM
Q RIVERWALK CENTER
FEATURING
Michael Stern, conductor (pg. 70)
Yoann Combémorel, conductor (pg. 71)
Thacher Schreiber, english horn (pg. 86)
William Lewis, trumpet (pg. 88)
Eliane Menzel, violin (pg. 80)
ON THE PROGRAM
COPLAND
Quiet City
Yoann Combémorel, conductor
Thacher Schreiber, english horn
William Lewis, trumpet
PROKOFIEV
Violin Concerto No. 1 in D Major, Op. 19
I. Andantino
II. Scherzo: Vivacissimo
III. Moderato
Eliane Menzel, violin
INTERMISSION
MAHLER
Symphony No. 1 in D major, “Titan”
I. Langsam schleppend
II. Kräftig bewegt
III. Feierlich und gemessen
IV. Stürmisch bewegt
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Nature has always been central to the American story, not as backdrop but as protagonist, shaping the character and consciousness of everyone who has lived within its reach.
“Encountering Nature” turns outward, exploring how composers translate the natural world into sound, from moments of stillness to sweeping, elemental force. These works reflect not just landscapes, but the emotional experience of encountering them: solitude, wonder, tension, and renewal, unfolding across an expansive musical terrain. Colorado's landscapes — these mountains, this sky, this particular quality of late-summer light — make this more than a programmatic exercise. This is music written for exactly the kind of place we are right now.
QUIET CITY BY AARON COPLAND (1900-1990)
Composed in 1940 as incidental music for a play by Irwin Shaw, Quiet City has since taken on a life of its own as one of Copland’s most intimate and evocative works. Scored for trumpet, English horn, and strings, the piece unfolds with a sense of suspended time, its sparse textures and open harmonies creating an atmosphere of stillness and reflection. The dialogue between the solo instruments feels both distant and deeply personal, as if echoing across an empty landscape. While rooted in an urban setting, the music suggests something broader—a quiet, expansive space that blurs the line between city and nature. In this program, Quiet City becomes a meditation on solitude, capturing the feeling of standing alone within a vast environment, where silence and sound carry equal weight.
VIOLIN CONCERTO NO. 1 BY SERGEI PROKOFIEV (1891-1953)
Composed between 1915 and 1917, Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1 blends lyricism with a sense of dreamlike atmosphere, unfolding in three movements that feel both fluid and unconventional. The opening begins in a hushed, almost otherworldly manner, with the solo violin emerging as if from a distant horizon. Throughout the concerto, Prokofiev contrasts moments of delicate beauty with
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TONIGHT’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
SERIES UNDERWRITERS
Anonymous Ann Brewster
Nancy French
Bonnie Kirschenbaum
Patrice and Ron Lara
Pat and Steve Larson
Helen Lemay
Jan and Rob Miles
Michael Molloy
Sally and Bruce Queen
Juliet Whitcomb and Elliot Schrage
Alan and Kathy Sonnanstine
Barbara and David Weaver
Wiegand Family Charitable Fund
Suzy Iliff Witzler
Susan and Austin Young
CONCERT UNDERWRITERS
Bill and Lee Ann Hieber
Louis Gargasz
CONCERT SPONSOR
Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center
*deceased
Scan to read expanded program notes and composer features.
passages of sharper rhythmic character, creating a shifting landscape of sound. The outer movements share a sense of quiet introspection, while the central scherzo introduces a more playful, elusive energy. In the context of Encountering Nature, the concerto suggests a more internalized landscape—one shaped by fleeting impressions, subtle color, and the changing light of a natural world experienced through memory and imagination.
"This is music written for exactly the kind of place we are right now."
SYMPHONY NO. 1, “TITAN” BY GUSTAV MAHLER (1860-1911)
Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, composed in the late 1880s and later revised, marks his first major symphonic statement and establishes many of the elements that would define his voice. Though he eventually abandoned the nickname “Titan,” the work retains a sense of scale and ambition that feels elemental. Drawing on influences ranging from folk
song to nature imagery, Mahler constructs a symphony that unfolds as a journey through both the physical and emotional landscapes of the natural world. The first movement begins in near stillness, with distant sounds and bird-like calls gradually coalescing into a pastoral scene that feels as if it is awakening at dawn. The second movement shifts into a rustic dance, grounded in folk rhythms and earthy energy, while the third movement introduces a darker, more ironic tone, built around a minorkey transformation of “Frère Jacques.” This funeral march carries an undercurrent of unease, blending humor and melancholy in a way that feels distinctly Mahlerian. The final movement erupts with sudden intensity, moving through turbulence and struggle before arriving at a triumphant conclusion. Here, Mahler expands the orchestra to its fullest, creating a sense of overwhelming scale and affirmation. Across its four movements, the symphony captures nature not as a static image, but as a living force—serene, unpredictable, and ultimately transcendent.
This year, the NRO is proud to partner with local photographers whose work embodies the theme “American Adventures.”
Photo above by John Fielder courtesy of History Colorado (pg. 11)
The Land That Shapes Us
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
x 6:00 PM
Q RIVERWALK CENTER
FEATURING
Michael Stern, conductor (pg. 70)
Ha-eun Chung, cello (pg. 83)
ON THE PROGRAM
SCHUMAN
New England Triptych
1. Be Glad Then America
2. When Jesus Wept
3. Chester
SAINT-SAËNS
Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33
I. Allegro non troppo
II. Allegretto con moto
III. Allegro non troppo
Ha-eun Chung, cello
INTERMISSION
PORTER
The Colorado (NRO Commission)
I. Closer to God / No Idle Engine
II. Canyon Dam
III. Short of the Pacific
RESPIGHI
Pines of Rome, P. 141
1. The Pines of the Villa Borghese
2. Pines Near a Catacomb
3. The Pines of the Janiculum
4. The Pines of the Appian Way
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
“The Land That Shapes Us” brings the season to a resonant close, reflecting on the landscapes that define identity, memory, and belonging. From the waterways of the American West to the hymns of early New England and the grandeur of ancient Rome, this program traces how place leaves a lasting imprint—on culture, on character, and on the stories we carry forward. The land shapes us. And in shaping us, it becomes, in some sense, ours.
NEW ENGLAND TRIPTYCH BY WILLIAM SCHUMAN (1910-1992)
Composed in 1956, William Schuman’s New England Triptych draws on the hymn tunes of early American composer William Billings, reimagining them through a bold, modern orchestral lens. The work unfolds in three movements, each rooted in a different hymn, yet transformed by Schuman’s dynamic rhythmic language and vivid orchestration. The opening movement, based on “Be Glad Then, America,” bursts forward with energy and vitality, reshaping Billings’s patriotic spirit into something bracing and contemporary. The second movement, “When Jesus Wept,” offers a striking contrast— introspective and restrained, it unfolds with a quiet dignity that highlights the simplicity of the original hymn. The final movement, “Chester,” returns to a more assertive character, building from a stately opening into a powerful, full orchestral statement. Schuman’s Triptych bridges past and present, honoring early American musical traditions while reinterpreting them for a modern audience.
CELLO CONCERTO NO. 1 BY CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS (1835-1921)
Composed in 1872, Saint-Saëns’s Cello Concerto No. 1 is a masterclass in clarity, balance, and virtuosity. Unlike traditional concertos, it unfolds as a continuous structure, seamlessly connecting its movements without pause. The cello enters immediately, asserting itself with bold, commanding presence before shifting into more lyrical and expressive passages. SaintSaëns writes with remarkable economy, allowing the soloist to move fluidly between technical brilliance and singing lines. The interplay between cello and orchestra is tightly woven, creating a sense of dialogue rather than opposition.
IN RECOGNITION AND GRATITUDE OF TONIGHT’S UNDERWRITERS
SEASON UNDERWRITERS
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
SERIES UNDERWRITERS
Anonymous
Ann Brewster
Nancy French
Bonnie Kirschenbaum
Patrice and Ron Lara
Pat and Steve Larson
Helen Lemay
Jan and Rob Miles
Michael Molloy
Sally and Bruce Queen
Juliet Whitcomb and Elliot Schrage
Alan and Kathy Sonnanstine
Barbara and David Weaver
Wiegand Family Charitable Fund
Suzy Iliff Witzler
Susan and Austin Young
CONCERT UNDERWRITERS
Linda Dameron and Leonard Himes
CONCERT SPONSOR
Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center
*deceased
Scan
to read expanded program notes and composer features.
THE COLORADO BY TANNER PORTER
Commissioned by the National Repertory Orchestra, Tanner Porter’s The Colorado offers a musical reflection on one of the American West’s most vital and iconic natural forces. Inspired by the Colorado River, the work traces the river’s journey from its quiet origins in the mountains to its powerful, life-sustaining flow across vast landscapes. Porter’s score unfolds with a sense of organic movement, mirroring the shifting character of the river itself. Gentle, flowing textures suggest its beginnings, while surging orchestral passages capture its strength and momentum as it carves through canyons and terrain. The work also grapples with the human impact on the river, from the ambition behind large-scale water projects like the Glen Canyon Dam to the profound consequences of reshaping natural systems. Its final section reflects a striking reality: a river that once reached the Pacific now often fades short of the sea, dispersed across the West. As a newly commissioned work, The Colorado speaks directly to the season’s theme, grounding it in the geography and spirit of the region. It stands as both a tribute and a meditation, reflecting the profound connection between environment and identity, and the ways in which the land continues to shape the stories we tell.
PINES OF ROME BY
OTTORINO RESPIGHI (1879-1936)
Composed in 1924, Respighi’s Pines of Rome is a masterful example of orchestral tone painting, capturing four scenes that depict the presence of pine trees across the city of Rome.
Each movement presents a distinct atmosphere, unified by Respighi’s vivid use of color and texture. The opening movement portrays children
"The land shapes us. And in shaping us, it becomes, in some sense, ours."
playing beneath the Villa Borghese pines, full of light and playful energy. This gives way to the solemn stillness of the catacombs, where low, resonant tones evoke ancient spaces and a sense of timelessness. The third movement shifts to the Janiculum Hill, where a recorded nightingale call enhances the impression of quiet, nocturnal beauty. The final movement builds toward one of the most famous climaxes in orchestral music, depicting a triumphant Roman army marching along the Appian Way. With growing intensity and monumental scale, Respighi creates a sense of inevitability and grandeur. In this program, Pines of Rome stands as a powerful reflection on how landscapes—both natural and historical—shape collective memory and identity.
This year, the NRO is proud to partner with local photographers whose work embodies the theme “American Adventures.”
Photo above by Curtis DeVore (pg. 11)
Music Director Michael Stern
Conductor Michael Stern has long been devoted to building and leading highly acclaimed orchestras known not only for their impeccable musicianship and creative programming, but also for collaborative, sustainable cultures that often include a vision of music as service to the community. He also is passionate about working with young musicians not only in music making, but also to incorporate the idea of “service” into their experiences as they become the artists and advocates of the future who will take classical music into the 21st century and beyond.
Stern is Music Director of the National Repertory Orchestra and Orchestra Lumos (formerly the Stamford Symphony). He is Music Director Emeritus of the Kansas City Symphony where he just concluded his 19-year tenure at the end of the 20232024 season. He co-founded Iris Orchestra in 2000 and was Founding Artistic Director and Principal Conductor until 202122, when he had planned to step down from his post. After his departure, he now serves as Artistic Advisor to the newly reimagined Iris Collective.
As part of his ongoing activities to engage and mentor young musicians, he was asked by Yo-Yo Ma to be the Music Director of YMCG, Youth Music Culture Guangdong, where he and Ma worked with students and young professionals in partnership with the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra. He has also been invited to the National Orchestral Institute, Music Academy of the West, and has been a regular guest at the Aspen Music Festival and School, where he also worked with students at the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen.
Stern’s illustrious American conducting engagements have included the Boston Symphony at Tanglewood, the Chicago Symphony at Ravinia, the Atlanta Symphony, and the Minnesota Orchestra. He debuted with the New York Philharmonic in 1986, and has served as guest conductor with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Internationally, he has led major orchestras in London, Stockholm, Paris, Helsinki, Budapest, Israel, and Moscow, Taiwan, and Tokyo. Stern has been Chief Conductor of Germany’s Saarbrücken Radio Symphony Orchestra (the first American chief conductor in the orchestra’s history), Principal Guest Conductor of the Orchestre National de Lyon in France, and Principal Guest Conductor of the Orchestre National de Lille, France.
Stern received his music degree from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where his primary teacher was the noted conductor and scholar Max Rudolf. Stern is a 1981 graduate of Harvard University, where he earned a degree in American history.
Guest Conductors
TEDDY ABRAMS
YOANN COMBÉMOREL
Conducting Fellow
Grammy Award-winning conductor and composer Teddy Abrams has been Music Director of the Louisville Orchestra since 2014, driving remarkable artistic renewal and community impact. His Kentucky initiatives include the Creators Corps composer residency program, the In Harmony Tour, and the Louisville Orchestra Rap School, co-founded with artist Jecorey "1200" Arthur. Beyond Louisville, Abrams has conducted the Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Cincinnati, and National Symphonies, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, among others. Named Musical America's 2022 Conductor of the Year, he begins a new role as Artistic and Executive Director of California's Ojai Music Festival in September 2026. As a composer, highlights include a piano concerto for Yuja Wang recorded for Deutsche Grammophon, his rap opera The Greatest: Muhammad Ali, and a premiere with Yo-Yo Ma at Mammoth Cave National Park.
Hometown
Grenoble, France
Education
Sibelius Academy, Bachelor of Music (2024)
Curtis Institute of Music, Post-Baccalaureate Diploma (2026)
Emerging French conductor Yoann Combémorel is an exceptional young talent who exhibits clear technique and a magnetic stage presence. Deeply committed to expanding access to education and artistic development, he has consistently developed projects that bring culture, musical training, and creative opportunities to communities, especially in rural areas and regions with limited access to the arts.
A native of Detroit, Damon Gupton is a versatile artist distinguished in both acting and conducting. His acting credits include the Academy Award-winning films Whiplash and La La Land and the Broadway production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Clybourne Park He is a graduate of Juilliard's Drama Division. As a conductor, Gupton serves as Principal Guest Conductor of the Cincinnati Pops, and previously served as American Conducting Fellow of the Houston Symphony and assistant conductor of the Kansas City Symphony. His podium appearances include the Philadelphia Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Boston Pops, National Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and San Francisco Symphony. He led the Sphinx Chamber Orchestra on national tours at Carnegie Hall, conducted the 2021 Classic FM Live at Royal Albert Hall, and is a winner of the Third International Eduardo Mata Conducting Competition.
Grammy Award-winning Mexican conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto has established himself as a major figure in the orchestral world, and as an influential educator, cultural changemaker, and champion of new music. In 2019 Prieto was named Musical America's 2019 Conductor of the Year, was named Music Director of the North Carolina Symphony in 2023 and has been Music Director of Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería since 2008. From 2007 to 2022, he served as Music Director of the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de México, and led the Louisiana Philharmonic from 2006 to 2023. Guest engagements include the Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and London Philharmonic, among many others. Prieto has conducted over 100 world premieres championing Latin American and African American music, and has recorded on Deutsche Grammophon, Naxos, and Sony labels.
DAMON GUPTON
CARLOS MIGUEL PRIETO
Guest Conductors
Jason Seber is known for his engaging approach on and off the podium, making music of many genres accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences. Seber has conducted leading American orchestras including the Baltimore, Colorado, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Nashville, National, and St. Louis Symphony, among others. He has conducted over 30 full feature films and performed alongside artists such as Ben Folds, Melissa Etheridge, Leslie Odom Jr., Lindsey Stirling, and Lyle Lovett. From 2016 to 2022, Seber served as associate conductor of the Kansas City Symphony, leading over 300 performances. Prior to that, he was education and outreach conductor at the Louisville Orchestra from 2013 to 2016. A passionate advocate for music education, Seber has led the Honors Performance Series Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and London's Royal Festival Hall.
Internationally acclaimed conductor Leonard Slatkin is Music Director of the Nashville Symphony, Music Director Laureate of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Conductor Laureate of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Directeur Musical Honoraire of the Orchestre National de Lyon, and Principal Guest Conductor of the Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria. He remains active as a composer, author, and educator. A recipient of six Grammy Awards and 35 nominations, Slatkin also holds the National Medal of Arts and the rank of Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor. Additional honors include the League of American Orchestras' Gold Baton and Austria's Decoration of Honor in Silver. An accomplished author, his books include Conducting Business, Leading Tones, and Classical Crossroads, as well as an ongoing series of symphonic essays published by Bloomsbury.
Carl Topilow served as the NRO's Music Director and conductor for over four decades, mentoring countless young musicians and aspiring conductors. Now Conductor Laureate, he remains active with the organization alongside Music Director Michael Stern. Topilow is the founding conductor of the Cleveland Pops Orchestra and music director of the Firelands Symphony Orchestra in Sandusky, Ohio. He has guest conducted 133 orchestras across 37 states and 12 countries. His book, The Orchestral Conductor's Career Handbook, published by Rowman and Littlefield, has been endorsed by conductors Leonard Slatkin, JoAnn Falletta, and Gerard Schwarz, among others. His NRO assistant conductors have gone on to hold positions with distinguished ensembles including the Cleveland Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony, Seattle Symphony, and St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.
JASON SEBER
LEONARD SLATKIN
CARL TOPILOW
Special Guests
NATACHA CÓNDOR
Central City Opera, Mezzo Soprano
GREGORY JOHNSON Narrator, NASA Astronaut
Natacha Cóndor is a versatile Ecuadorian mezzo-soprano with extensive experience in Latin American popular music and a growing presence in opera. Recent highlights include La Zia Principessa in Suor Angelica, Zita in Gianni Schicchi, and Dido in Dido and Aeneas with Lamont Opera Theatre, and Wowkle in La Fanciulla del West with Central City Opera. In 2025 she performs the role of Frida in Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World with Central City Opera's Education Department. Her awards include the Marcia Ragonetti Exceptional Mezzo Award, the Denver Lyric Opera Guild Award, First Place in the Ann Logan Craft Voice Competition, and the Outstanding Young Artist Award from Central City Opera. She is currently completing her bachelor's degree at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music.
Jeff Award nominated artist Devin DeSantis is regarded as one of Chicago's leading theatrical vocalists. A graduate of Northwestern University's School of Music and proud member of Actors' Equity Association, he performs across Chicago, New York, and Equity houses nationwide. Favorite credits include the regional premiere of Dear Evan Hansen, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Jeff Nomination, Best Actor), Waitress at The MUNY, Kinky Boots, The Who's Tommy (Jeff Nomination, Best Actor), Les Misérables (Jeff Nomination, Best Supporting Actor), and Anyone Can Whistle starring Patti LuPone and Audra McDonald. He spent four years as a singer in The Radio City Christmas Spectacular and is a regular guest artist with the Colorado and San Diego Symphonies. He also performs as lead singer with the Bluewater Kings Band and as a member of The Four C Notes, a Frankie Valli tribute group.
Colonel Gregory H. Johnson is a retired USAF officer, aerospace engineer, and NASA astronaut, currently serving as an F-16/FA-50 test pilot at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. He began his career in the Air Force, flying over 50 different aircraft and accumulating more than 5,000 hours, including approximately 60 F-15E combat missions in the Persian Gulf. In 1998 he joined the NASA astronaut corps, piloting two Space Shuttle missions, STS-123 and STS-134. Following NASA, he served as Executive Director of the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, focused on maximizing utilization of the International Space Station. He holds a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from the US Air Force Academy, an MS in Flight Structures Engineering from Columbia University, and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.
Soprano Mackenzie Laun is a Denver native holding a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado and currently pursuing a Master of Music Education with a conducting emphasis from Colorado State University. After nine years as a high school choir teacher in Jeffco, she now balances life as a stay-at-home mom and freelance singer. Mackenzie performs regularly with St. Martin's Chamber Choir, Anima Chamber Ensemble, and Elus Vocal Ensemble. Favorite past engagements include soprano soloist for Mozart's Requiem and Bach's Magnificat, Pousette in Massenet's Manon with Boulder Opera, and Lisette in Puccini's La Rondine at UNC.
DEVIN DESANTIS vocalist
MACKENZIE LAUN
Central City Opera, Soprano
Special Guests
DANIEL MILLER
Central City Opera, Tenor
MASON O'BRIEN
Central City Opera, Baritone
Dinosaur Ridge, Co-Host
Tenor Daniel Miller, a native of Arvada, Colorado, returns to Opera Colorado's Artists in Residence for the 2025-26 season. He holds degrees from the University of Northern Colorado and Carnegie Mellon University. This season, Miller performs in La traviata (Gastone) on the Ellie Caulkins mainstage, and in touring productions of Romeo & Juliet (Romeo) and The Pirates of Penzance (Frederic). Recent credits include Apprentice Artist with Central City Opera, covering Count Almaviva in The Barber of Seville. Additional roles include Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, Tamino in The Magic Flute, and Laurie in Little Women
Baritone Mason Fontanilla O'Brien, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, joins Opera Colorado's Artists in Residence for the 2025-26 season. He holds degrees from the University of Kentucky and the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music. This season, Mason appears on the Ellie Caulkins mainstage in La traviata (Baron Douphol) and Madama Butterfly (Prince Yamadori), and in touring productions of Romeo & Juliet (Mercutio) and The Pirates of Penzance (Major General). Favorite past credits include Leporello in Don Giovanni at Prague Summer Nights, Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Gianni Schicchi in Gianni Schicchi at Lamont Opera, and Imperial Commissioner in Madama Butterfly with the Colorado Springs Philharmonic.
Amanda Rea is the Director of Camp and Collections at Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison, CO. A geologist by training, she holds a B.S. in Geology with a minor in Biology from the University of Texas at Arlington and is currently pursuing a master's degree in geology at Colorado School of Mines. At Dinosaur Ridge, Amanda manages the award-winning summer camp program hosting over 300 kids annually, as well as the organization's fossil collections.
The Summit Choral Society is a community chorus made up of singers from across Summit County, Colorado. At the Summit Choral Society, we believe that everyone can experience the magic of choral music, regardless of experience level. Our mission is bringing people together through the power of song and fostering a sense of belonging and creativity. Since its founding, the ensemble has presented a wide range of musical programming, including sacred and classical choral works, Broadway selections, light opera, and popular favorites. The Society presents three concerts each year for residents and visitors and frequently partners with local non-profit organizations to support and promote their missions.
AMANDA REA
Alumni String Quartet
Amelia Bailey is a Virginia-based violinist who freelances and teaches. She earned her MM from the Manhattan School of Music (Sheryl Staples) and a BM from the University of Virginia in Music Performance and Environmental Science. Before college, she studied with NSO members and participated in the NSO Youth Fellowship at the Kennedy Center. Her orchestral work includes a monthly position with the Albany Symphony and performances with numerous Virginia regional orchestras. Festival experience includes Spoleto USA, the National Orchestral Institute, the Robert Mann String Quartet Institute, and Curtis's Young Artist Summer Program. This is Amelia's third summer at NRO, having previously served as orchestra member (2022) and co-concertmaster (2025). She is actively pursuing full-time orchestral positions, and enjoys photography, plants, and time on her family's farm.
Anna Kelleher returns to NRO as a member of the Alumni String Quartet after two summers with the orchestra. Having completed her MM at the University of Maryland in May 2025, she now freelances in the Washington DC area, affiliated with New World Symphony, Annapolis Symphony, National Philharmonic, and Baltimore Chamber Orchestra. She has also performed at Spoleto Festival USA, Aspen Music Festival, and festivals in Austria and France. A 2025 soloist with the UMD Wind Ensemble and Korngold Concerto competition finalist, Anna has also contributed to arts administration and the "vAIolin Initiative," an AI-powered learning platform for beginning violinists. She performs across genres — classical to jazz to video game music — while pursuing orchestral auditions. Outside music, she enjoys traveling, roller coasters, and cooking for loved ones.
Sarah Nichols, originally from Albany, NY, is a Cincinnati-based violist. She recently won a position as Section Violist with the Lexington Philharmonic beginning in the 2025–2026 season, and frequently substitutes with the Indianapolis Symphony and other orchestras across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Sarah earned her MM from the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music (Dr. Catharine Carroll Lees, full scholarship) and her BM from Baldwin Wallace University (Lembi Veskimets), having previously studied at Ithaca College with Kyle Armbrust. Notable masterclass appearances include performances for Beth Guterman Chu, Daniel Foster, Pierre-Henri Xuereb, and others. Sarah performed with the NRO in 2024 and 2025 and returns in 2026 as a member of the Alumni String Quartet. Outside of music, she enjoys reading, running, mending jeans, and any excuse to sit in the sun.
Andrew Shinn is a Chicago-based cellist and member of both the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra (2023) and Illinois Symphony Orchestra (2024). He also performs with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Orchestra Iowa, and Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra. Andrew maintains a private teaching studio with students ages 4–40, ranging from beginners to youth symphony participants and adult community orchestra members. He also teaches at the Merit School of Music. This is Andrew's third summer with the NRO as a cellist. Past festival experience includes two summers at the Chautauqua Institution (serving as principal) and the Castleman Quartet Program. He holds an MM from DePaul University (Brant Taylor) and a BM from the Cleveland Institute of Music (Melissa Kraut). Outside of music, Andrew enjoys hiking, cooking, Contract Bridge, and coffee.
SARAH NICHOLS viola
AMELIA BAILEY violin
ANNA KELLEHER violin
ANDREW SHINN cello
TEAM BRECKENRIDGE
YOUTH SKI TEAM
All Mountain Rippers
Mountain
It is our mission to provide youth athletes with the positive environment and balanced guidance that fosters self-confidence, embraces goals, and nurtures a lifelong love for the mountains and snow sports.
August 13 - 22
When the NRO season ends, the music continues at the Alpenglow Chamber Music Festival.
Rieko Aizawa and Jesse Mills, Artistic Directors
Presenting diverse and creative programming of beloved masterpieces from the standard repertoire, cutting-edge contemporary works, and hidden treasures.
Horszowski Trio: Ensemble-in-Residence Jesse Mills, v violin Rieko Aizawa, p piano Ole Akahoshi, c cello
CONCERTS
Exciting collaborations with guest artists
Music on an intimate scale
TICKETS: $30
General admission Students are free
Thursday, August 13, 7 pm | Silverthorne Pavilion
Wednesday, August 19, 7 pm | CMC, Breckenridge
SOIREES
An evening of music and socializing
TICKETS: $125
Champagne, wine and abundant appetizers
Saturday August 15, 6 pm | Private home
Saturday August 22, 6 pm | Private home
Concert details, guest artists, and tickets at alpenglowchambermusic.org
Photo: Elaine Collins
Photo: Elaine Collins
Meet the Orchestra
Each year, 81 of the most promising young musicians from across the country and around the world are selected through a highly competitive audition process to join the National Repertory Orchestra. These emerging artists, typically in the early stages of their professional careers, come to Breckenridge for an intensive eightweek summer festival that prepares them for life as full-time orchestral musicians. Each participant receives a full scholarship covering tuition, housing, and meals—an investment of approximately $10,000 per fellow—allowing them to focus fully on their craft.
During their time with the NRO, musicians perform an extraordinary range of repertoire—more than any other festival of its kind—spanning classical masterworks, contemporary pieces, film scores, and pops programming. Under the leadership of Music Director Michael Stern and a rotating roster of esteemed guest conductors and industry professionals, they engage in a rigorous schedule of full orchestral rehearsals, chamber music coaching, masterclasses, and sectionals.
Beyond the stage, NRO musicians are immersed in real-world experiences that help shape them into well-rounded, socially conscious artists. Through our Community Engagement initiative (pg. 18), musician fellows perform throughout Summit County, gaining valuable experience in audience engagement while contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the community.
Alumni of the National Repertory Orchestra now hold positions in nearly every major symphony orchestra in the United States and many abroad, including the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, and Berlin Philharmonic. Their success stands as a testament to the professional caliber of the NRO experience—and the lasting impact this unique program has on shaping the future of classical music.
Musicians: Strings
Eliane
VIOLIN co-concertmaster
Xiaoqian
VIOLIN co-concertmaster
co-principal violin II
Hometown
Zetel, Germany
Education
Manhattan School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2022)
The Juilliard School, Master of Music (2024)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Hometown
Beijing, China
Education
Peabody Institute, Bachelor of Music (2026)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Juliet Whitcomb and Elliot Schrage
Hometown Louisville, Kentucky
Education
Cleveland Institute of Music, Bachelor of Music (2024)
San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Master of Music (2026)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Annette and Ken Hallock
Hometown Moscow, Russia
Education
Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, Master of Music (2023)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Louis Gargasz
Hometown Monrovia, California
Education
San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Bachelor of Music (2024)
San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Master of Music (2026)
CHAMPION CHAIR Bochatey Foundation
Hometown
Itu, São Paulo, Brazil
Education
Universidade Estadual Paulista, Bachelor of Music (2020)
Duquesne University, Master of Music (2023)
Texas Christian University, Doctor of Musical Arts (2028)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Pam and Sonny Wiegand
Hometown Caracas, Venezuela
Education
University of North Texas, Bachelor of Music (2023)
Texas Christian University, Master of Music (2025)
LEGACY CHAIR
Kathie and Michael Massey*
Hometown
Bemidji, Minnesota
Education
Baylor University, Bachelor of Music (2020)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Town of Breckenridge
Menzel
Zhu
Asher Blackburn VIOLIN
Daria Oleinik
VIOLIN
co-principal violin II
Danielle Barbosa VIOLIN
Oriana Gonzalez VIOLIN
Sarah Hamrin VIOLIN
Ella Askren VIOLIN
Hometown Nashville, Tennessee
Education
Vanderbilt University, Bachelor of Music (2025)
Indiana University
Jacobs School of Music, Master of Music (2027)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Mark and Barbara Puccia Abigail Harms
Heo
Sofia Janssen VIOLIN
Kiran Kaur VIOLIN
Hometown Northbrook, Illinois
Education
Indiana University
Jacobs School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2023)
Indiana University
Jacobs School of Music, Master of Music (2025)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Celine and Richard Stetzer
Madeleine Nysetvold VIOLIN
Hometown London, United Kingdom
Education
Boston University, Bachelor of Music (2024)
Indiana University
Jacobs School of Music, Master of Music (2027)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Jan and Rob Miles
Hometown Potomac, Maryland
Education
University of Maryland, Bachelor of Music (2025)
University of Maryland, Master of Music (2027)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Timothy Faust Photography Chair
Hometown Calgary, Canada
Education
Eastman School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2024)
Eastman School of Music, Master of Music (2026)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Bonnie Kirschenbaum
Hometown Chicago, Illinois
Education
Eastman School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2025)
Northwestern University, Master of Music (2027)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Breckenridge Grand VacationsBGV Gives Chair
Hometown Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Education
Freiburg Conservatory, Bachelor of Music (2025)
Freiburg Conservatory, Master of Music (2027)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Thomas Redd and Montie Callager
Hometown Fuzhou, China
Education
Eastman School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2025)
Eastman School of Music, Master of Music (2027)
LEGACY CHAIR
Harriet Bobo*
Veronica Rokicki VIOLIN
Jakob Schmidt VIOLIN
Yunkun Shen VIOLIN
Musicians: Strings
Zoe Shiu VIOLIN
Spencer Stover VIOLIN
Juliet Swaim VIOLIN
Hometown
Long Beach, California
Education
Andrews University, Bachelor of Arts (2023)
California State University
Long Beach, Master of Music (2026)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Genesee Mountain Foundation
Hometown Miami, Florida
Education
Carnegie Mellon University, Bachelor of Music (2023)
Carnegie Mellon University, Master of Music (2025)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Kathy and John Landon
Hometown
Southampton, Pennsylvania
Education
Pennsylvania State University, Bachelor of Music Education (2023)
Carnegie Mellon University, Master of Music (2027)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Anne Mills
Ward
Hometown
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Education
University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Bachelor of Music (2022)
Arizona State University, Master of Music (2024)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Adrienne and Allen Frechter
Hometown Columbia, South Carolina
Education
Furman University, Bachelor of Music (2027)
LEGACY CHAIR
Janice Ward Parrish*
Hometown Singapore, Singapore
Education
Chicago College of Performing Arts, Bachelor of Music (2020)
Chicago College of Performing Arts, Master of Music (2022)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Hamill Foundation
co-principal viola
VIOLA co-principal viola
Hometown Zhubei City, Taiwan
Education
Taipei National University of Arts, Bachelor of Music (2022)
Manhattan School of Music, Master of Music (2025)
Manhattan School of Music, Orchestra Performance Program Master of Music (2027)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Hometown
Marietta, Georgia
Education
Indiana University
Jacobs School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2027)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Barbara Calvin
Jiddu Vega VIOLIN
Justine Teo VIOLIN
Bella
VIOLIN
Tzu-Yun
Anna Huang VIOLA
George Young
Ian Aistrup
Eunseo Cho
Lola Gehman
Jay Lipsutz
Hometown
Sudbury, Massachusetts
Education
Boston University, Bachelor of Music (2026)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Barbara and David Weaver
Simon Schlenker
Hometown Devils Lake, North Dakota
Education
Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of the Performing Arts, Bachelor of Music (2027)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Climax Molybdenum Company
Hometown Goyang, South Korea
Education
YONSEI University, Bachelor of Music (2029)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Wiegers Family Foundation
Hometown Hannover, Germany
Education
Oklahoma City University, Bachelor of Music (2022)
DePaul University, Master of Music (2024)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Susan Propper and Donald Dankner
Hometown Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Education
Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, Bachelor of Music (2026)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Alan and Diana Anick
Elisabeth Hsi-yuan Chang
CELLO
co-principal cello
Hometown St. Louis, Missouri
Education
Cleveland Institute of Music, Bachelor of Music (2025)
Indiana University
Jacobs School of Music, Master of Music (2027)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Barbara Strauss and Paul Finkel
Ha-eun Chung
CELLO
co-principal cello
Hometown Yang-mei, Tao-yuan, Taiwan
Education
The Juilliard School, Bachelor of Music (2023)
The Juilliard School, Master of Music (2025)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Sandy L Mortensen
Hometown Jinju, South Korea
Education
Chung-Ang University, Bachelor of Music (2023)
Manhattan School of Music, Master of Music (2025)
University of Georgia, Doctor of Musical Arts (2028)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
VIOLA
VIOLA
VIOLA
VIOLA
VIOLA
Sophia Schölch VIOLA
Musicians: Strings
Hometown Sudbury, Massachusetts
Education
Boston University, Bachelor of Music (2026)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Patrice and Ron Lara
Hometown
Maracaibo, Venezuela
Education
Boston Conservatory, Bachelor of Music (2025)
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Master of Music (2027)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Charlie Simpson Family Andrés Celis
Hometown Newcastle, Washington
Education
San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Bachelor of Music (2023)
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Master of Music (2025)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Libby Bortz
Hometown Colorado Springs, Colorado
Education
University of Colorado Boulder, Bachelor of Music (2027)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Suzy Iliff Witzler
Hometown Mason, Ohio
Education
University of Cincinnati
College-Conservatory of Music, Bachelor of Music (2028)
CHAMPION CHAIR
William and Marilyn Taylor
Wynter McCray
DOUBLE BASS
principal bass
Hometown
Columbia, South Carolina
Education
Eastman School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2024)
The Juilliard School, Master of Music (2026)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Susan and Austin Young
Hometown Sudbury, Massachusetts
Education
Cleveland Institute of Music, Bachelor of Music (2026)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Glen and Georgia Kraatz
Hometown Mooresville, North Carolina
Education
The Juilliard School, Bachelor of Music (2026)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Money Arenz Family Charitable Fund
CELLO
Daniel Ryu CELLO
Caleb Seifert CELLO
Krish Subramanian CELLO
Halden Aistrup
DOUBLE BASS
Lucas Caceres
DOUBLE BASS
Nate Aistrup CELLO
Lawrence Hall
DOUBLE BASS
Collin LeBlanc
DOUBLE BASS
Hometown
Chicago, Illinois
Education
New England Conservatory, Bachelor of Music (2027)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Summit Foundation
Jacob O’Toole DOUBLE BASS
Hometown
Kansas City, Missouri
Education
University of North Texas, Bachelor of Music (2029)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Barbara and Sam McCleneghan
Hometown Lutz, Florida
Education
Indiana University
Jacobs School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2028)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Helen Lemay
"This summer at the NRO has been truly life changing. I've developed my confidence and my musicianship."
-2025 MUSICIAN FELLOW
Musicians: Winds
Hometown
Springfield, Virginia
Education
Eastman School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2026)
LEGACY CHAIR
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Hometown
Downers Grove, Illinois
Education
Northwestern University, Bachelor of Music (2024)
New England Conservatory, Master of Music (2026)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Steve Corneillier
Hyomin Lee
Hometown Yongin, Korea
Education
Manhattan School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2028)
CHAMPI0N CHAIR
Bill and Lee Ann Hieber
Hometown
Portland, Maine
Education
Eastman School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2025)
New England Conservatory, Master of Music (2027)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Juhree Wendl
Hometown ShenZhen, China
Education
The Juilliard School, Bachelor of Music (2027)
LEGACY CHAIR
Mark Addison*
Hometown Suwanee, Georgia
Education
Oberlin Conservatory, Bachelor of Music (2028)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Dave and Cynthia Rosengren
Hometown
Los Angeles, California
Education
University of California Los Angeles, Herb Alpert School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2022)
Mannes School of Music, Master of Music (2024)
University of California Los Angeles, Herb Alpert School of Music, Master of Music (2026)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Linda Dameron and Leonard Himes
Hometown Vernon Hills, Illinois
Education
Northwestern University, Bachelor of Music (2025)
New England Conservatory, Master of Music (2027)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Dave Pfeifle
Helen Freeman FLUTE
Emma Krause FLUTE
FLUTE
Alex Lehmann FLUTE
Ashley Na OBOE
Thacher Schreiber OBOE/ ENGLISH HORN
Timothy Zhang OBOE
Jiayun Li OBOE
William Foye CLARINET
Hometown Naperville, Illinois
Education
The Juilliard School, Bachelor of Music (2025)
The Juilliard School, Master of Music (2027)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Hometown Louisville, Kentucky
Education
Eastman School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2027)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Joanne Masica
Hometown Bowie, Maryland
Education
Oberlin Conservatory, Bachelor of Music (2026)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Dian Wilson
Hometown Charlotte, North Carolina
Education
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Bachelor of Music (2026)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Shari and Chris Dorton
Hometown Westport, Connecticut
Education
Northwestern University, Bachelor of Music (2027)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Ann Brewster
Hometown Superior, Colorado
Education
University of South Carolina, Bachelor of Music (2022)
Eastman School of Music, Master of Music (2024)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Gerry Fricke
Hometown Los Angeles, California
Education
Eastman School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2027)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Kipp and Helen Friedli
Hometown Madison, Wisconsin
Education
University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Bachelor of Music (2024)
New England Conservatory, Master of Music (2026)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Alan and Kathy Sonnanstine
Adam Kolers CLARINET
Keyvar Smith-Herold CLARINET
Casey McGuire BASS CLARINET
Jason Capozucca BASSOON
Avery Dabe BASSOON
Alistair Picken BASSOON
Owen Schigiel BASSOON
Musicians: Brass
Sam Bangert
Aiden Call HORN
Yui Ginther HORN
Mark Morris HORN
Hometown
Austin, Texas
Education
Indiana University, Bachelor of Music (2028)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Sandra Holdgreve
Hometown Wooster, Ohio
Education
Baldwin Wallace University, Bachelor of Music (2024)
Southern Methodist University, Master of Music (2027)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Jim and Judy Graunke
Hometown
Austin, Texas
Education
Northwestern University, Bachelor of Music (2025) Rice University, Master of Music (2027)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Anne Mead
Hometown
Temple, Texas
Education
Northwestern University, Bachelor of Music (2022)
Northwestern University, Master of Music (2024)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Karen and James Warrick
Hometown Hillsdale, New Jersey
Education
Northwestern University, Bachelor of Music (2023)
Southern Methodist University, Master of Music (2026)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Jean DePeters
Hometown Roswell, Georgia
Education
Georgia State University, Bachelor of Music (2025)
The Juilliard School, Master of Music (2027)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Reggie and Pamela Gray Family
Hometown Portland, Oregon
Education
Eastman School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2026)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Terri and George Barile
Hometown
Highland Park, Illinois
Education
Northwestern University, Bachelor of Music (2026)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Tom Wahl
HORN
Fish Brosmer TRUMPET
Ted Ekstrand TRUMPET
William Lewis TRUMPET
Julian Stiles HORN
Nicholas Peterson-Hunt TRUMPET
Aidan Davidson TROMBONE
Jacob Ogbu TROMBONE
Damon Webb TROMBONE
Hometown
Salem, Oregon
Education
Rice University, Bachelor of Music (2028)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Dr. Milton and Gail Klein
Jordan Strominger BASS TROMBONE
Hometown
Jupiter, Florida
Education
The Juilliard School, Bachelor of Music (2026)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Michael and Marylynn Eipper
Hometown
Poughkeepsie, New York
Education
Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Bachelor of Music (2024)
New England Conservatory, Master of Music (2026)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Michael Molloy
Hometown
Mount Horeb, Wisconsin
Education
Vanderbilt University, Bachelor of Music (2026)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Janet and Brad Bradbury
Hometown
Frisco, Texas
Education
Manhattan School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2025)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Wiegand Family Charitable Fund
JULY 1 - AUGUST 23, 2026
Hometown
American Fork, Utah
Education
Brigham Young University, Bachelor of Music (2023)
Duquesne University, Master of Music (2026)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Kevin Konieczny
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
SUNDAY AUGUST 23
Featuring the Carpe Diem String Quartet, the Oros Trio, Clancy Newman, Shane Werts, David Korevaar, Matt Lammers, Yoshi Ishikawa, Brenda Ishikawa, and more…
Ally Hansen TUBA
Musicians: Percussion, Harp, Piano
Hometown
Morristown, Tennessee
Education
Indiana University
Jacobs School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2021)
Royal Academy of Music, Master of Music (2024)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Robert Follett*
Pak TIMPANI
Tyler Brown PERCUSSION
Josh Conklin PERCUSSION
Hometown
Columbia, Maryland
Education
Manhattan School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2025)
Cleveland Institute of Music, Master of Music (2027)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Kai Gray PERCUSSION
Cash Langi PERCUSSION
Hometown
San Diego, California
Education
University of Denver, Bachelor of Music (2024)
University of Southern California, Master of Music (2026)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Janey and Russ Trowbridge
Emily Tong PIANO principal keyboard
Hometown
Austin, Texas
Education
Eastman School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2027)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Sally and Bruce Queen
Hometown
West Covina, California
Education
University of California Los Angeles, Herb Alpert School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2023)
University of Southern California
Thornton School of Music, Master of Music (2027)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Sandy Kuschnerus
Hometown
Flushing, New York
Education
Manhattan School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2025)
Manhattan School of Music, Master of Music (2027)
UNDERWRITER CHAIR
Nancy French
Hometown
Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Education
Manhattan School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2026)
CHAMPION CHAIR
Alan and Sharon Levin
"The NRO has showed me what it's like to be a professional musican, and made me believe that I am capable of success."
-2025 MUSICIAN FELLOW
Kari Novilla HARP principal harp
Hwanee
Support the NRO
YOUR SUPPORT COUNTS
Your support of the National Repertory Orchestra has a profound and lasting impact on the future of classical music. Over 70% of our budget is supported by charitable giving, while ticket sales account for less than 15% of our annual revenue. Your generosity ensures that our young professional musicians have life-changing opportunities and enables us to offer innovative education and community engagement programs for all ages and abilities, enhancing access to high-quality arts and culture experiences for Summit County's residents and visitors.
Every gift, no matter the size, helps the NRO achieve its mission of developing young musicians, inspiring audiences, and making transformative musical experiences accessible throughout our community. Together, we are changing lives through music!
"I give because NRO musicians share their youthful excitement and musical talents with our community, uplifting my soul and reminding me what brings our community together."
-STEVE CORNEILLIER
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF CLASSICAL MUSIC
By investing in the NRO, you are not only empowering young musicians to pursue their dreams, but also ensuring a continued legacy of music leadership.
88% of musicians said it would have created a financial hardship to attend the NRO without the tuition-free model
$810,000+
awarded in merit-based scholarships to each of the 81 musician fellows in 2025
99% of musicians said the NRO has been a crucial part of their musical growth
70% of NRO alumni from the past six years have landed jobs in the music industry; another 10% are still pursuing their higher education
WAYS TO GIVE
DIRECT CONTRIBUTION
Make an immediate impact by giving directly to support musicians, concerts, and community programs.
PLANNED GIVING
Leave a lasting legacy by including the NRO in your estate or long-term financial plans.
FOUNDATION & GRANT SUPPORT
Partner with the NRO through foundation or grant funding to expand access and artistic excellence.
RECURRING GIVING
Set up a convenient, recurring gift each month that’s easy to manage and fits your budget.
MATCHING GIVING
Double the impact of your contribution by participating in your employer's matching gifts program.
HOW TO MAKE A GIFT
Online
Please visit nromusic.org or scan the QR code below to make a one-time donation or to schedule recurring gifts.
TAX-SMART GIVING FROM YOUR IRA
For those 70½ an older, support the NRO through qualified charitable distributions from your IRA.
GIFTS OF STOCK
Donate appreciated securities to maximize your impact while potentially receiving tax advantages.
IN-KIND GIFTS
Contribute goods or services that relieve budgeted items and reduce operating expenses.
DONOR BENEFITS
Donors enjoy meaningful perks like early ticket access, invitations to exclusive events, dinners with the music director, and behind the scenes experiences with the orchestra.
Mail
To make a gift by mail, please send your check, made payable to:
National Repertory Orchestra PO Box 6336
Breckenridge, CO 80424
Discuss your Options
We encourage you to connect with the NRO to explore how your philanthropic aspirations can align with the various giving opportunities available.
Åsa Armstrong Director of Development asa@nromusic.org
(970) 453-5825 x3
"Since 2010, we’ve gone from subscribers to donors to revising our estate plans to include NRO. The NRO has given us inspirational music, new friends, and the satisfaction of investing in the future of the music we love."
-JIM AND JUDY GRAUNKE
Planned Giving
WALTER CHARLES LEGACY SOCIETY
The National Repertory Orchestra recognizes supporters who have included the organization in their estate plans through the Walter Charles Legacy Society. Gifts through a will, trust, retirement plan, or other estate arrangement help provide longterm support for the NRO's mission.
THE NRO ENDOWMENT TRUST
Established in 2004, the Endowment Trust provides long-term financial support for the orchestra. Annual earnings from the fund help support musicians, performances, and programs each year. Your planned gift to NRO’s endowment helps ensure a bright future for the organization for years—if not decades—to come.
LEGACY CHAIR
A Legacy Chair offers families and individuals a way to name a musician chair in honor of a loved one or create a family legacy. With a total gift of $250,000—made as a one-time contribution or through installments—donors may establish a named chair for a ten-year period, with the exclusive option to renew. Each chair directly supports the musicians and helps strengthen the future of the orchestra.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PLANNED GIVING, CONTACT THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AT (970) 453-5825 x 3. THEY WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH MORE INFORMATION AND ASSIST YOU WITH THE PROCESS.
Endowment Donors
The National Repertory Orchestra thanks those listed below for their vital endowment support and dedication to the NRO.
Pamela and Douglas* Adams
Mark Addison*
Kristin Ahlstrom
Liz and Tuck Aikin
Lovina A. Thompson and Pamela A. Anderson
Åsa and Olin Armstrong
Dennis and Barbara Baldwin
Carlie and Terry Barnhart
Marilyn Beebe
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Harriett Bobo*
Michael Altenberg* and Libby Bortz
Ann Brewster
Sandi and Bill Bruns
Art* and Marilynn Burger
Robert and Irene Burns
David and Kathryn Bussman
Barbara and Jim* Calvin
Patti Casey*
Tim Casey
Julie and Jim Chandler
Kathleen Clabby
Mary and Dick Clark
Lesley Cleary
Geraldine Cohen
Diane Courchene
Bobby and Carol Craig
Dr. and Mrs. Edward Crane*
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Brian Moriarty and Joan Davids
M.A. Deen
Laura DeLuca
Elizabeth Hainen and Dave DePeters
William T. Diss
Paul and Susan Dugdale
The Family Mayer Foundation, Inc.
Federated Department Stores Foundation
Kathleen and Thomas Fingleton
Tony and Barbara Flitcraft
Robert and Nancy Follett*
Follett Corporation
Douglas Thompson and Jean FollettThompson
Cecile Forsberg
Nancy and Tom* French
Annette* and Gerry Fricke
Wendy Friedman
Edward and Carolyn Gabelman
Donald and Beverly Gale
Jo Leta Gavit
Donald J. Gersuk
Reggie and Pamela Gray Family
Mary Lou and John Grossmann
Robin Hadley
Heider Trust
Edward and Gloriann Heinz
The Helen F. Whitaker Fund
The Helen M. Harrison Foundation
Peg and Lee Henry
Alison Heydt
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Hodges Jr.
Marc and Marilyn Hogan
Joel Horwich
Joan Manley Houlton*
Judy Hunt
Donald and Susan Alt Johnson
Fred and Carolyn Johnson
Carole and Marvin* Johnson
John Rynes and Mary Lou Johns
Belinda and Anthony Jones Jr.
Terese Kaptur
Jayn and Jerry Karl
Betty and Raymond Keith*
James and Diana Kennedy
Bonnie Kirschenbaum
James and Jane Knox
Don and Helen Knutzen
Anita and James Kreider
Sam Kuller
Dr. Tim Steele and Inge La Cour
Patrice and Ron Lara
John and Polly Loewy
Jeannie Powers Mann
Joanne and Dick* Masica
Michael and Kathie Massey
Lee and Barbara Mendel
Eric S Mendelsohn
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
General Mills
Marion Milton
Sandy L Mortensen
Harriet Neiman
Jose-Luis Novo
Janice Ward Parrish
Catherine Payne
Pete* and Linda Kay Peterson
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Rotary Foundation of Summit County
John G. Russell*
Fred and Barbara Schiller
Marc and Joelle Schlesinger
Frank and Jen Schrage
Linda and Paul Schutt
Robert Kent Scott
Sam Sherstad
Tara Sieber
Sarah Smith
Steve and Sandee Smith
Maxine and Martin Solomon
Pat Spitzmiller*
Jan and Sheldon Steinhauser
Harold Herring and Susan Lee D. Stevens
Melissa Witzler Stone
Anne Stonington*
David Street
David and Zandra Swenson
Gretchen* and John Swift
Kate and James* Taucher
Mr. and Mrs. William D. Taylor
Lee and Kathy Terry
Pat and Jack Thomas*
Charles and Kathy Vasilius
Barbara and Mark Vonderheid
Lou Wagner*
Patty and Ed Wahtera
Dr. Roberta and Leonard* Waldbaum
Robert and Nadyne Walton
Larry and Nancy Warren
Juhree Wendl
Dave and Mary Whitham
Pam and Sonny Wiegand
Cap* and Suzy Iliff Witzler
Dr. Kai Yiu Yeung * and Pam Piper Yeung
*Deceased
Thank You to Our Supporters
The National Repertory Orchestra relies on the generosity and vision of its donors, sponsors, funders, and partners to bring world-class music to Summit County each summer. Ticket sales cover only a small portion of what it takes to deliver an exceptional season. It’s the support of individuals, foundations, corporations, and in-kind contributors that allows us to provide extraordinary performances, mentor the next generation of musicians, and remain accessible to our community through free concerts and educational programs.
These investments don’t just fuel music—they fuel impact. Support from our partners enables us to reach thousands of residents and visitors each year with inspiring live music experiences. It allows us to bring music education into libraries, schools, and public spaces, and to support the cultural and economic vitality of our mountain community. Our donors are not just supporters, they’re changemakers who help enrich lives through music, and we are deeply grateful for this shared commitment to excellence and access in the arts.
We are immensely grateful to each contributor listed, who made a gift between April 15, 2025 and April 15, 2026 to make our 2026 concert season possible.
"When people ask me why they should support the NRO my answer is always the same. Because it’s the greatest investment that you can make, not only in young people, but for the future."
-MUSIC DIRECTOR, MICHAEL STERN
Season Tribute Gifts
Honorary and memorial gifts to the NRO are thoughtful ways to celebrate the legacy and impact of loved ones while providing vital support to our mission. Each tribute has an esteemed place with the National Repertory Orchestra.
IN HONOR OF CONTRIBUTIONS
Åsa Armstrong
Nancy and Mike Rowe
Libby Bortz
Patricia Bortz
David DePeters
Patrice and Ron Lara
Margarita Montanaro
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Debra Fox
Steven Adelman and Katherine Elsner
Dr. Milton and Gail Klein
Reggie and Pamela Gray
Michael Lipfield and Jill Tabak
Annette and Ken Hallock
Barbara and Mark Vonderheid
Sy and Elinor Katz
Adele and Erwin Gelfand
Gail Klein
Steven Adelman and Katherine Elsner
Benjamin Kronk
Barbara and Mark Vonderheid
Anne Mills
Crosby Living Trust
Jeanie McCarthy
Kenneth and Karen Pinkham
Sandy L. Mortensen
The Family Mayer Foundation, Inc.
Potter & Edge
Judy Edge
Chris Callager and Jan Redd
Thomas Redd and Montie Callager
Jack Spanks Arman
Chris Demink
Beth Steele and Mike McGhee
Jerome and Helen Smith
Michael Stern
William and Marilyn Taylor
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Kate Taucher
Arnstein Family Donor Fund
Carl Topilow
Craig Knox
IN MEMORY OF CONTRIBUTIONS
Michael R. Altenberg
Patricia Bortz
Jim Calvin
Andy Searls
Patricia and E. Wyllys Andrews
Karla Schapansky
Reggie and Pamela Gray Family
Barrie Alix Chi
Emile Chi
Kathleen Corneillier
Steve Corneillier
Carol Ehrlich
Carolyn and William Rainbow
Judy Ezra
Ann Erickson
Bob and Nancy Follett
Kim Dykstra and Dan Bell
Melinda and Brian Follett
Bob Follett
Åsa and Olin Armstrong
Steve Corneillier
Jack Taylor and Ann Marie Damian
Elizabeth Hainen and Dave DePeters
Debra Edwards
Barbara Strauss and Paul Finkel
Gerry Fricke
Bob Girvin
Reggie and Pamela Gray Family
Robin Hadley
Helen M. Harrison Foundation
Rebecca Johnson
Patrice and Ron Lara
Helen Lemay
Sandy L. Mortensen
Kate Taucher
Barbara and Mark Vonderheid
Suzy Iliff Witzler
Dr. Glen and Bobby Zelkind
Annette Fricke
John and Jean Fitzgerald
Reggie and Pamela Gray Family
Mary Kay Pera
Greg Horne
Barbara Wuehrmann
Joan Manley Houlton
Åsa and Olin Armstrong
Sandi Bruns
Howard and Sue Carver
Linda Clem
Steve Corneillier
Elizabeth Hainen and Dave DePeters
Debra Edwards
Barbara Strauss and Paul Finkel
Gerry Fricke
Reggie and Pamela Gray Family
Robin Hadley
Helen Lemay
Sandy L. Mortensen
Wiegers Family Foundation
Suzy Iliff Witzler
Jane and Don King
Alan and Diana Anick
Howard Lee Koch
Wendy Plank Rosen
Hans Kuschnerus
Sandy Kuschnerus
Jim Maller
Penelope Maller
Bill Mills
Crosby Living Trust
Ray Smith
Shari and Chris Dorton
James Spearot
Rebecca Spearot
Shirley Morgenstern Topilow
Åsa and Olin Armstrong
Steve Corneillier
Elizabeth Hainen and Dave DePeters
Reggie and Pamela Gray Family
Pamela and Robert Wiegand II
Dr. Glen and Bobbie Zelkind
Lou Wagner
Åsa and Olin Armstrong
Elizabeth Hainen and Dave DePeters
Reggie and Pamela Gray Family
Emily Wahl
Jesus Aguayo
Åsa and Olin Armstrong
Janis and Richard Bunchman
Elizabeth Hainen and Dave DePeters
Diane and Steven Jaffee
Nannette Helmcamp
Helen Lemay
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Fran and Robert Rothman
Alan and Kathy Sonnanstine
Cynthia Speyrer
Celine and Richard Stetzer
Barbara and Mark Vonderheid
Linda and Richard Wiesner
Pam Piper Yeung
Hans Wurster
Elizabeth Hainen and Dave DePeters
Funders & Partners
Generous Support from corporations, foundations, government agencies and trusts continue to sustain the NRO every year. These crucial partnerships help fund concerts, education and free community outreach programs as well as special projects.
$100,000 AND UP
Town of Breckenridge
$20,000 - $99,999
Colorado Creative Industries
Hamill Foundation
National Endowment of the Arts
Summit Foundation
$10,000 - $19,999
Breckenridge Grand Vacations/BGV Gives
Climax Molybdenum Company
Helen M. Harrison Foundation
Town of Dillon
Town of Silverthorne
$5,000 - $9,999
Alpine Bank
Bochatey Foundation
Genesee Mountain Foundation
Keystone Neighbourhood Company and Town of Keystone
$2,500 - $4,999
Jane Alexandra Storm Foundation
John Tobey Events
Money Arenz Family Charitable Fund
$1,000 - $2,499
Breckenridge Associates Real Estate
The Family Mayer Foundation, Inc.
Timothy Faust Photography
Pinnacle Gives
Summit County Rotary Club
Summit Seniors
Town of Frisco
Wind Crest, Inc
UP TO $999
Amy L. Scott Family Foundation
Coach Leatherware
Colorado Gives Foundation
Kroger/City Market
Shell USA Company Foundation
In-kind Donors
The NRO welcomes in-kind contributions that are budget-relieving and align with IRA guidelines and support the NRO’s mission.
Donor designated gifts are unique opportunities to direct your support towards a specific established cause or program that resonates with you.
GUEST CONDUCTOR FUND
The Guest Conductor Fund provides essential funding to bring in toptier guest conductors who elevate performances and enrich both musician and audience experiences.
Robert and Cynthia Benson
COMMISSIONED MUSIC FUND
The Commissioned Music Fund supports the creation of new works, bringing fresh voices to life and enriching the orchestra’s repertoire for musicians and audiences alike.
Annette and Ken Hallock
Dian Wilson
TRAVEL FUND
The Travel Fund provides a stipend to all unpaid Summer Music Festival fellows to assist with travel expenses to and from the festival.
Bonnie Kirschenbaum
HOUSING FUND
The Housing Fund supports Summer Music Festival fellows with rent-free housing, ensuring equal access to lifechanging education opportunities.
Barbara Calvin
GUEST ARTIST FUND
The Guest Artist Fund provides essential funding to bring in top-tier guest artists who elevate performances and enrich both musician and audience experiences.
Annette and Ken Hallock
COMMUNITY LINK/HOST FAMILY FUND
The Community Link/Host Family Fund connects the Summer Music Festival fellows with the local community through a plethora of activities and experiences beyond the concert hall.
Barbara Calvin
STEVE AND PAT LARSON ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
The Steve and Pat Larson Artist in Residence Program provides emerging musicians with a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders, through masterclasses, seminars, and sectionals, gaining fresh perspectives, techniques, and artistry that are crucial for navigating a career in the music world.
Steve and Pat Larson
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FUND
The Community Engagement Fund expands access to classical music through educational programs and outreach initiatives, connecting the National Repertory Orchestra with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Dian Wilson
BIG INSTRUMENT FUND
The Big Instrument Fund offers financial aid to musicians who require assistance with transportation costs associated with their large instruments.
Bonnie Kirschenbaum
INSTRUMENT FUND
The Instrument Fund supports the acquisition and care of essential instruments, enhancing performances and creating new opportunities for connection, education, and shared musical experiences.
Barbara Calvin
ART SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The Art Scholarship Fund, presented by Breck Film, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre, and the National Repertory Orchestra, supports graduating Summit High School seniors pursuing degrees in the arts, prioritizing students with demonstrated need and a commitment to artistic and academic achievement.
Tom Wahl
Individual Donors
The NRO is essential to the future of classical music. From enjoyable concerts throughout Summit County to guest artist appearances, education programs and free community events, our summer festival continues to thrive because of annual support from friends like you.
PRESENTER’S CIRCLE
$25,000 AND UP
Mark Addison*
Robert and Cynthia Benson
Col (ret) J. L. Berkheiser
Barbara Calvin
John and Elizabeth Crossman*
Robert Follett*
Robin Hadley
Annette and Ken Hallock
Samuel L. Bufford and Julia Metzger
Anne Mills
Gerry and Joli Pecht
Jana Edwards and Rick Poppe
Debra Fox and Dr. Jules Rosen
Karen and James Warrick
Dian Wilson
MAESTRO’S CIRCLE
$10,000-$24,999
Anonymous
Ann Brewster
Nancy French
Bonnie Kirschenbaum
Patrice and Ron Lara
Pat and Steve Larson
Helen Lemay
Jan and Rob Miles
Michael Molloy
Sally and Bruce Queen
Juliet Whitcomb and Elliot Schrage
Alan and Kathy Sonnanstine
Barbara and David Weaver
Wiegand Family Charitable Fund
Suzy Iliff Witzler
Susan and Austin Young
CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE
$5,000-$9,999
Anonymous
Alan and Diana Anick
Terri and George Barile
Libby Bortz
Thomas Redd and Montie Callager
Steve Corneillier
Susan Propper and Donald Dankner
Shari and Chris Dorton
Michael and Marylynn Eipper
Barbara Strauss and Paul Finkel
Reggie and Pamela Gray Family
Sandra Holdgreve
Dr. Milton and Gail Klein
Kevin Konieczny
Glen and Georgia Kraatz
Sandy Kuschnerus
Alan and Sharon Levin
Anne Mead
Sandy L. Mortensen
Dave Pfeifle
Charlie Simpson Family
Michael Stern
William and Marilyn Taylor
Tom Wahl
Juhree Wendl
Wiegers Family Foundation
ARTIST’S CIRCLE
$3,000-$4,999
Janet and Brad Bradbury
Elizabeth Hainen and Dave DePeters
Wally and Maggie Ducayet
Adrienne and Allen Frechter
Gerry Fricke
Kipp and Helen Friedli
Louis Gargasz
Jim and Judy Graunke
Bill and Lee Ann Hieber
Linda Dameron and Leonard Himes
Belinda and Anthony Jones Jr.
Kathy and John Landon
Joanne Masica
Barbara and Sam McCleneghan
Mark and Barbara Puccia
Dave and Cynthia Rosengren
Celine and Richard Stetzer
Janey and Russ Trowbridge
Pam and Sonny Wiegand
ORCHESTRA’S CIRCLE
$1,000-$2,999
Anonymous
Åsa and Olin Armstrong
Frederick and Annette Barta
Alan Nye and Jeanne Blaine
Scott and Janie Cantine
Howard and Sue Carver
Jan and Charlie Cole
Cary Cooper
Douglas and Gretchen Davies
Stephen and Suzanne Day
Phillippa Greathouse and Dottie Wolcott
Barrett and John Edstrom
Steven Adelman and Katherine Elsner
Linda Ewald
Mark and Carla Ewing
John and Jean Fitzgerald
Melinda and Brian Follett
Stephen and Cheryl Golub
Beth and Neil Groundwater
Jim and Jeanie Hammond
Carolee and John Hayes
Lee and Peg Henry
Joel and Christine High
Joan Manley Houlton*
Rich and Dee James
Jennifer and Mikael Anderson Charitable
Giving Fund
Margaret Johnson
Charles Dinarello and Edward Kinney
Tracey and Chester Lambert
Leslie Lenser
Dan A. Lewis
Marie Ann Logan
Jeanie McCarthy
Paul and Anthea Millar
Caroline and James Murphy
Bonnie M. Orkow
Pam Piper Yeung
Freddy and Jim Powell
Jeannie Mann
Paul and Rachel Forward Charitable Fund
Laurie and Bruce Schroffel
Linda Graebner and Charlie Shalvoy
Jo Shannon
Carin and Bill Simpson
Helen and Jay Smith
Martin and Maxine Solomon
Rebecca Spearot
Dr. Arthur Turton
Barbara and Mark Vonderheid
Dr. Jonathan Whitfield
Gordon and Carolyn Wright
Christine Yuhas
Dr. Glen and Bobbie Zelkind
PATRON'S CIRCLE
$250-$999
Larry Abston
Bill and Kathy Adams
Richard and Linda Bateman
Dr. Lance and Sharon Beshore
Faye Morin
John Blair
Jeffrey and Lou Ann Bode
Craig and Annette Bolt
Patricia Bortz
Peter Brinckerhoff
Marty and Melvin Buck
Tim Casey
Linda Clem
Kristin Conroy
Elaine Bellin and Phyllis Coontz
Diane Courchene
Jack and Stephany Crosby
June Cvelbar
Jean DePeters
Jonathan Desimone
Robert and Lisa Dieckhaus
Paul and Susan Dugdale
Marsha and Don Dunn
Judy Edge
Alice and Mike Epstein
Ann Erickson
Eric and Jill Flamm Charitable Fund
Diane and Henry Fuchs
Deborah Gaensbauer
Joan and Lester Garrison
Jeffrey Germanotta
Donald J. and Julie Gersuk
Dan and Johanna Gibbs
Michael and Rosemary Ginzberg
Ben and Cynthia Gordon
Deena and Brian Graham
Dr. Greenberg Family Foundation
Patricia Gunckel
The Hargis Family DA Fund
Paul Hamilton
Jeanette and Donald Hansen
Vicki L. Hedlin
Nannette Helmcamp
Steven and Ellen Hirsch
Lynda A. McNeive and Lynn E. Hornbrook
Joel Horwich
Kenneth Hutchins
Chris and Holly Jacobsen
Diane and Steven Jaffee
Seymour and Elinor Katz
William and Jody Z. Kerr
Judy and Dale Kesler
Patricia Kopystianskyj
Jim and Polly Kuelbs
Karen and Gary Lach
Peggy and David Lindstrom
Scott Logan
Gary Martinez
Linda Matsui
Clark Miller
Max Miller
Margarita Montanaro
Angus Morrison
Scott Mozlin
Charles R. and Jane F. Olsen
Margaret Oneal
Pam and Jack O'Neil
Glenda and Colin Osborne III
Deloris Ouren
Travers Paterson
Kenneth and Karen Pinkham
Barbara Pollack
Michael and Katie Pomphrey
Suzanne Price
Lynn and Bill Rainbow
Joseph and Sharon Rakoski
Sandy and Gail Richardson
Tad Riley
Cyndi Tanaka and Larry Rowley
Jay and Kathleen Rust
Charles I Shofnos
Renee Silven
Steve and Sandee Smith
William Snyder
Jacqueline and Eric Stern
Mike and Karen Svetlic
Matt Svoboda
Ev and Edwina Thomas
Deb and Ken Torrington
Gordon Manin and Margot Waitz
Andrea and Loren Weinstein
Linda and Richard Wiesner
Robert Williams and Treva Womble
Barbara Wuehrmann
MJ Wurster
FRIEND'S CIRCLE UP TO $249
Anonymous
Raydean Acevedo
Dr. and Mrs. James Adams
Jesus Aguayo
Larry Amberg
Emily Anderson
Eric Anderson
Will and Patty Andrews
Arnstein Family Donor Fund
Peter K. Beck
Kim Dykstra and Dan Bell
Kirana Bercich
Jan and Barry Bischoff
Christopher Alleman and Joshua Blanchard
Randy Blondeau
Donna and Michael Boender
Alexis Bradley
Mary and Dick Bremer
Sandi Bruns
Janis and Richard Bunchman
Bruce Camping
Susan Carlson
Emile Chi
James and Katherine Conely
Michael Connolly
Michael Crawford
Jack Taylor and Ann Marie Damian
Jim and Suzanne Davis
Laura DeLuca
Chris Demink
Andrea and Steve Diamond
Carl and Diane Dobrovolny
Mary and Herbert Donovan
Dr. Alex and Marsha Douglass
Becky and Kevin Durham
Debra Edwards
Bev Emery
Mary Farnin
Rich and Marty Ferris
Jeffrey Franke
Ron and Jacque Frazzini
Jake Gallegos
Maia Gardner
Laurie and David Gaspar
Patrice K. and Elden H. Geer
Adele and Erwin Gelfand
Sarah German
Mr. Bob Girvin
Carl Scofield and Leigh Girvin
Beth McKenna Greenberg
Suzanne Greene
Julie Greenspoon
Karla Gross
Adriana and Henk Guitjens
Elise Hamilton
Scott Hamilton
Rebecca Handley
Shannon and Peter Haynes
Jim and Judy Heinze
Tom and Gigi Hillyer
Kenneth Hoagland
Cindy Horn
Nancy N. Hurd
Donna Jewett
Larry and Judy Johansen
Carole Johnson
Rebecca Johnson
Susan Juergensmeier
Terese Kaptur
Jeff Keesecker
Craig Knox
Sherwin Kruger
Christie Leidal
Steve Levy
Jason Lichtenwalter
Debbie and Larry Lieberman
Jesse Lipson
Mary Jo and Thomas Liston
Penelope Maller
Darlena and Tom Marmins
Doozie Martin
Karen Martin
Michael and Faye Masanoff
Robert and Martine Matzke
Scott Yule and Karen McDonough-Yule
James and Mary McShane
Robert and Kathleen Megginson
Eric and Francie Mendelsohn
Steve and Heather Mescher
Theresa Meyer
Matt Michalski
Craig Miller
Robert and Susan Miller
CJ Milmoe
Richard Jackson and Cheryl Moskal
Larry and Daria Moskowitz
Marie Mullen
Sam and Kathy Munoff
Michael Murphy
Elise Murphy Rowe
Sheila Nevin
Sonya Norris
Rick O'Brien
Kendra and Arthur O'Hayre
Scott Paul
Mary Kay Pera
Ryan Persaud
Oifan Peters
Frank Rabbio
Michael and Anne Reizer
Caryn Rifkin
Tim Riley
Dr. John Roehm
Wendy Plank Rosen
Fran and Robert Rothman
Nancy and Mike Rowe
Jessica and Harry Ruda
Paul and Cindy Sale
Jarisse Sanborn
Monique Sattler
Sheila Schaefer
Karla Schapansky
Andy Searls
Richard and Beth Seeley
Suzanne Singer
June Skinner
Christy and Terry J. Smith
Martha Smith
Deborah Spangler
Cynthia Speyrer
Dr. Tim Steele and Inge La Cour
David Michael Stretchberry
Michael Lipfield and Jill Tabak
Barb and Mike Tabb
Kate Taucher
Lee and Kathy Terry
John Thorne
Debra S. and Harold Tyber
Elaine and Alan Wade
John Warren III
Barbara and Gary Widmar
Evelyn Wolf
Luke Wolstenholme
Marek Zambrzycki
* Deceased
Our Partners
GOVERNMENT FUNDERS
CONCERT FUNDERS
EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FUNDERS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
COLLABORATION PARTNERS
Summit Seniors
Amy L. Scott Family Foundation
Summit County Rotary Club
Jane Alexa Storm Foundation
The Hamill Foundation
We believe in honesty, integrity, meaningful service, and using our work to strengthen the community around us. The home building process should be enjoyable. We welcome the opportunity to share it with you.
