2021 ANNUAL REPORT NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA
MUSIC DIRECTOR
MICHAEL STERN
Fellow Feature “The National Repertory Orchestra is a unique Festival compared to others I have been to... Here, I feel like I have gotten a real taste of what is like to be a professional musician.” – Amelia Merriman, oboe
Hometown:
Education:
Sharpsburg, Georgia
Yale School of Music, Master of Music Arts University of Georgia, Bachelor of Music
2 | 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Most meaningful person(s) in your life: My Mom and Dad
Table of Contents Fellow Feature – Amelia Merriman
2
Mission & Vision 4 From the CEO 5 Music Director Highlights 6 Fellow Feature – Julius Adams
7
Your 2021 National Repertory Orchestra
8–9
The People Behind the Mission
10 – 11
Audience and Community
12 – 14
Guest Artists and Artists in Residence
15
Fellow Feature – Allison Taylor
16
Financial Summary 17 Spotlight on Philanthropy 18 Awards of Excellence 19 Program Supporters 20 Contributing Photographers: Elaine Collins breckhappens
LovePris loveprisphotos
Byron Swezy byronswezy
Joshua Geurink cinematicjosh
Photos are consistent with and representative of public health guidelines at the time the image was taken. Some persons may be wearing face masks by personal choice or by recommendation of the venue, organization, town or county.
Cover Photo: Marin Osawa, violin
National Repertory Orchestra PO Box 6336 | 111 S. Main Street, C7 Breckenridge, CO 80424 970-453-5825 | NROmusic.org MUSIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL STERN
NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 3
Changing Lives Through Music!
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!
VISION Breaking barriers between education, performance and community to develop 21st century musicians!
MUSIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL STERN
4 | 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
From the CEO
2021 WAS A SEASON OF FIRSTS Hello, friends, Thank you for reading the National Repertory Orchestra’s 2021 Annual Report. I am incredibly excited for you to dive into the pages ahead to experience the many astounding aspects of the NRO and how we are Changing Lives Through Music!
You cannot really look forward without first looking back. Although the NRO is a 62-year-old organization, the festival season held many firsts for us. In January of 2021, we welcomed a new music director, Michael Stern, only the third in the NRO’s distinguished history. Our new artistic leader delivered passion, inspirational energy, and unmatchable excitement to all aspects of the orchestra and fully embraced our mission. Meanwhile, staff, fellows, musicians, and audiences gave Michael’s inaugural season a resounding standing ovation. “The world changed during the pandemic in many ways, and with it, the musical landscape across our country,” he said. “But that did not affect the determination and dedication of our musicians, who seemed even more motivated to hone their craft and go out into the world to make a difference.” The 2021 Summer Music Festival was our first season with a full orchestra in Breckenridge during a worldwide pandemic. While COVID-19 continued making its mark on the world, the staff did a remarkable job preparing for all contingencies. Despite implementing frequent changes and going through a few surprises, personnel and staff remained positive and flexible. I think you will agree, our numbers and highlights bear this out. I am also proud to share we carefully designed the festival to operate in two sessions due to unknown COVID restrictions, another feat we could not have imagined before these unique times. This structure allowed the greatest number of musicians to safely attend our life-changing program while adhering to Summit County Public Health guidelines. All our firsts and successes are possible because of supporters like you. Thanks to our phenomenal Board, community, and all who bought tickets or sent a donation, the NRO is still here for you now. We are infinitely grateful for your belief in us and our ability to carry on our mission. Please read on to see how much you have impacted others through the National Repertory Orchestra! By the way, it is nice for the NRO to still have a few “firsts” at 62.
Dave DePeters NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 5
Music Director Highlights
“
The 2021 Concert Season with Michael Stern
FIRST YEAR AS MUSIC DIRECTOR
“
In his own words...
“I had been to NRO as a guest several times, and during those visits, I met many of
the musicians individually. But in this first summer, when I was present for the entire season, I could witness how the musicians worked through the intense rhythm of preparing so much repertoire and so many performances. Each one of our musicians could express their unique selves and talents, but most inspiring was how generous, supportive, and engaged they were with one another.”
BIGGEST TAKEAWAY “The pool of gifted, committed, and accomplished young musicians in our country is as deep as it has ever been and best of all, NRO is attracting them.”
NRO AND COVID-19 “Even with the COVID-19 shortened season, after a year’s absence, and the challenges
presented by the need for mitigation, the NRO organization functioned superbly, bringing the customary breadth of repertoire, the density and variety of the many events, and the different opportunities for discovery and growth. All in all, we exceeded the expectations of our participants, our audiences, and the larger community.”
THE FUTURE OF CLASSICAL MUSIC “Orchestras will have to adapt to the 21st century; that is only possible if musicians
bring all their capacities and creativity to serve their communities through their art. This past NRO season proved to me again that our musicians were there to develop further how they play and why they play — to learn to do more and be more as musicians. Because of that, I think what the NRO offered to our musicians was more important than ever.”
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Fellow Feature “I am an aspiring conductor as well as a violist. Working with Michael Stern has enlightened me on how to address an orchestra in an inspiring and motivating way so that we work as a collaborative unit to make music as best as we can and as passionately as we can.” – Julius Adams, viola
Hometown:
Education:
Chicago, Illinois
University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Master of Music Arts
Most meaningful person(s) in your life: My mother, Dorothy Adams
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Bachelor of Music NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 7
YOUR 2021 NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA Abigail Kent, harp
VIOLIN
VIOLA
Christophe Koenig Co-Concertmaster
Nicholas Lindell Principal
Benjamin Kronk Co-Concertmaster
Silvana Ferrarin Assistant Principal
Michael Romans Co-Concertmaster
Julius Adams
Henry Jenkins Principal Second
Charles Alves Michael Ayala
Sarah Elert Assistant Principal Second
Joshua Muzzi
Sarah Biagini
Madeline Warner
Robert Herbst Caroline Joyner Luke Lentini
CELLO Kyle Anderson Co-Principal
Bryce Martin
Alex Chambers-Ozasky Co-Principal
Christopher Nelson
Carlton Colby
Maggie Niekamp Marin Osawa Jinyoung Song Allison Taylor Jonathon Winter 8 | 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
DOUBLE BASS Dante Ascarrunz Max Mulpagano Olivia Reyes Mark Stroud Kevin Thompson
FLUTE Trey Bradshaw
Evan De Long Sean Diehl
Henry Jenkins, principal second violin
Jessamyn Fry Joe Kovac Esther Seitz Magalí Toy
Jamie Kim Tessa Vermeulen
OBOE Jillian Kouzel Amelia Merriman Andrew Port
Magalí Toy, cello
CLARINET
TRUMPET
Justin Best
Wyeth Aleksei
Paul Hafley
Douglas Amos
Elena Murphy
Justin Bernardi
Hector Noriega
Julia Tsuchiya-Mayhew
BASSOON
TROMBONE
Michael Stern and the 2021 NRO
TIMPANI Charles Renneker
PERCUSSION Caleb Breidenbaugh Emma Gierszal Mary La Blanc
Amelia del Caño
Andrew Danforth
Michael Lamar
Cameron Kerl
Nicolas Richard
James Tobias
Parker Olson
HARP
Brendon Sill
BASE TROMBONE HORN Rachel Nierenberg Rachel O’Connor Lauren Robinson
Abigail Kent
Ross Sanchez
TUBA
PIANO Thomas Steigerwald
Brian Kelley
Austin Ruff Jeremy Steven Ulm NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 9
Darrin Blume, Production Manager and Chace Williams, Assistant Production Manager
The People Behind the Mission BOARD OF TRUSTEES Michael Massey*, President Pam Piper Yeung, Vice President Sally Queen, Secretary Anne Mills, Treasurer John Stafford, Assistant Treasurer Rick Poppe, Past President Libby Bortz Sam Bufford
Barbara Calvin Sean Gatzen Johanna Gibbs John Landon Patrice Lara Emily Wahl Pam Wiegand Stephen Worrall
NRO SUSTAINERS The Sustainers are past board members and significant contributors to the National Repertory Orchestra in time, talent, and finances. Their role is to support the Orchestra by raising awareness of its existence, provide a vehicle to stay connected to the organization, and have camaraderie with others having similar interests and goals in supporting the continuation of live orchestral music in the world. Paul Finkel, Co-Chair Sandra Mortensen, Co-Chair Murray and Marlene Altman Carlie and Terry Barnhart Ann Brewster Michael Altenberg* and Libby Bortz Barbara and Jim Calvin Geraldine Cohen M.A. Deen JoAnn Falletta John Fielder Robert and Nancy* Follett 10 | 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Nancy and Tom French Annette and Gerry Fricke Reggie and Pamela Gray Robin Hadley Annette and Ken Hallock Joan Manley Houlton Anne and John Kern Jane and Don* King Anita and James Kreider Patrice and Ron Lara Anne and Bill Mills Harriet Neiman
Tom and Ann Rader Barbara Strauss Kate and James* Taucher Jack Thomas Pam and Sonny Wiegand Lou Wagner Dr. Glen and Bobbie Zelkind John Krakauer*
*Deceased
ENDOWMENT TRUSTEES Jim Calvin John Landon Fred Menzer Anne Mills John Stafford Barbara Vonderheid
NRO VOLUNTEER ACCOUNTANT Gerald Fricke
YEAR-ROUND STAFF
Dave DePeters, CEO Michael Stern, Music Director Carl Topilow, Music Advisor Åsa Armstrong, Director of Development Carrie Benefiel, Director of Marketing Debbie Higgs, Director of Finance Alexis Luque, Director of Operations and Education Carl Topilow, NRO Music Advisor
2021 SUMMER STAFF
2021 FALL STAFF
Production
Administrative
Darrin Blume, Production Manager Chace Williams, Assistant Production Manager Lea Baumert, Stage Manager Chris Kerr, Production Fellow Liam McBane, Production Fellow
Ethan Knapp, Development and Marketing Intern
Library
In keeping with our dedication to equal rights and opportunities for all people, the National Repertory Orchestra is committed to fostering an organizational culture where all people are treated fairly, valued for their differences, and given equal opportunities to maximize their success.
Paul Gunther, Principal Librarian Ellen Ogihara, Assistant Librarian David Sterrett, Library Fellow
Operations David Bullman, Orchestra Manager Justin Goldsmith, Community Engagement Manager
Administrative Brittney Geurink, Development Fellow Alex Johnson, Events Fellow Hannah O’Brien, Marketing Fellow Alina Xiong, CEO Assistant Fellow Justin Bernardi, trumpet NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 11
Audience and Community The condensed six-week National Repertory Orchestra summer festival featured 72 musicians animating Summit County and beyond with 79 live performances that reached 16,377 music enthusiasts.
,0
REHEARSALS 45
3
COMMUNITY PERFORMANCES
6,777
ES
3,160
4,395
CONCERTS
CONCERTS
OPEN 2
11 TICKETED
3 FREE
8,822 INDIVIDUALS ATTENDED 65 FREE MUSIC EVENTS
3,160
7,555 INDIVIDUALS ATTENDED 14 ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCES
AT T E N D E
3,500 INDIVIDUALS TUNED IN TO NRO ENCORE
A virtual evening of music, celebration, and community.
100% NRO EVENTS
had physically distanced seating options
What audience members said they liked most:
√ √ √ √
Exceptional quality of music and enthusiasm of musicians Variety of music selection Energy of the concerts Expertise of the performers
98% OF SURVEYED AUDIENCE
MEMBERS SAID THEY
WOULD RETURN FOR ANOTHER
SEASON BASED ON THEIR
CONCERT EXPERIENCE 12 | 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Joe Kovac, cello and Jessamyn Fry, cello
YOUTH AND MUSIC EDUCATION
Through collaborative partnerships, music lessons and bilingual music initiatives the NRO engaged pre-K and K-12 students in the classroom and throughout Summit County and beyond.
TAILS AND TALES A collaborative, national summer reading program • Main Branch Library, Frisco • North Branch Library, Silverthorne • South Branch Library, Breckenridge • Vail Public Library NRO at Breckenridge Library
SCIENCE, ADVENTURE & FUN WITH KEYSTONE SCIENCE SCHOOL’S SUMMER CATCH PROGRAM • Dillon Valley Elementary School site • Silverthorne Elementary School site • Summit Cove Elementary School site
BILINGUAL CLASSROOM MUSIC EDUCATION In keeping with its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion the NRO partnered and launched the award-winning Dalí Quartet to engage Summit County elementary school students in a bilingual, Spanish Heritage Month, three-part learning series, spotlighting: • Latin Fiesta • Ginastera and the Gauchos • Happy Birthday Piazzolla
SUMMIT COUNTY MUSIC LESSONS SCHOLARSHIPS (SCMLS) The National Repertory Orchestra and Breckenridge Music pooled their resources to support music education in Summit County. Through SCMLS, middle school and high school students already engaged in a music program received equitable access to private instruction with local musicians and teachers.
NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 13
YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARDS THE NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA, SUMMIT HIGH SCHOOL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP The NRO is honored to support the hopes and dreams of a graduating Summit High School senior pursuing a degree in the field of Arts or Arts Administration with a scholarship, annually.
FUTURE CITY COLORADO COMPETITION Colorado Academy was the winner of the 2021 NRO STEAM Ahead Award at the 29th Annual International Competition for Colorado Middle Schools, Future City Colorado. By creatively incorporating art and culture in their Moon city, Mångata Subexo the Colorado Academy team sinched the victory.
VOLUNTEERS We cherish our volunteers who work tirelessly to support the NRO musicians, staff, and the community year-round through: • Special Events • Committee Work • Community Link Programs • Open Rehearsals • Ushers
173 VOLUNTEERS
4,752
NRO Ushers
VOLUNTEER
HOURS
VOLUNTEER TODAY! NROmusic.org As a local organization with a global reach, the NRO is dedicated to Changing Lives Through Music, by educating and entertaining people of all ages, fostering talent, creating future audiences, and inspiring creativity in students, families, teachers, and lifelong learners.
14 | 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Guest Artists and Artists in Residence The NRO prepares talented young people with real-world insights into today’s opportunities and responsibilities for symphony musicians.
GUEST ARTIST Midori Midori is not only recognized as one of the greatest violinists of our time but is also a United Nations Messenger of Peace and a recent Kennedy Center Honoree. She offered a violin masterclass for NRO musicians and joined the orchestra on July 9 for Bach’s iconic Concerto for Two Violins featuring soloist, Allison Taylor and on July 10 for Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto.
Bryce Martin, Violin with Midori
ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
NRO musicians with Mary Javian
Time for Three
Mary Javian
Time for Three
Ms. Javian is Chair of Career Studies at the Curtis Institute of Music and a leader in the CE field. Her teachings nurture social interaction, helping NRO musicians create innovative and experiential programming to connect with diverse audiences.
Nicolas “Nick” Kendall (violin, vocals) Charles Yang (violin, vocals) Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals)
Musicians had an opportunity to attend an entrepreneurship and workshop rehearsal with genre-breaking group Time for Three (TF3) and composer Kevin Puts.
NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 15
Fellow Feature “People should support the NRO because the NRO does so much for budding musicians who want to enter the professional world. Being here...is like one long masterclass on how to be a successful classical musician, how to work with other people, how to learn music quickly and how to be fulfilled as a musician.” – Allison Taylor, violin
Hometown:
Education:
West Palm Beach, Florida
University of Michigan, pursuing a Master of Music in Violin Performance, Improvisation, and Chamber Music
16 | 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Most meaningful person(s) in your life: My family
Financial Summary Revenue 2021 Contributions
$
801,863
Fundraising Events
$
35,640
Concert Revenue
$
178,237
Audition Tour
$
11,000
Miscellaneous
$
356
Endowment Distribution
$
68,744
Total Income
$ 1,095,840
REVENUE Contributions Fundraising Events Concert Revenue
Expenses Fundraising
$
22,738
Audition Tour
Fundraising Events
$
28,655
Miscellaneous
Marketing
$
49,887
Endowment Distribution
Education & Concert Production
$
351,950
Miscellaneous
$
1,240
Personnel
$
496,296
Administrative
$
134,400
Total Expense
$ 1,085,166
Net Income
$
10,674
Endowment Fund Beginning Balance
$ 2,363,510
Contributions
$
220,300
Dividends and Realized Gains/Losses ($
69,541)
Distributions
($
68,744)
Market Change
$
262,658
Closing Balance
$ 2,708,182
EXPENSES Fundraising Fundraising Events Marketing Education & Concert Production
Above represents a final audit by McNurlin, Hitchcock & Associates, P.C. The NRO performs yearly audits in accordance with accepted U.S. auditing standards. In 2021, the NRO provided a multitude of free community and educational events true to the organization’s mission and long-range plan. The success of these events required
Miscellaneous Personnel Administrative
certain investment of operating funds. These investments, along with vigorous development activities allowed the NRO to complete the season with a small surplus. NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 17
Spotlight on Philanthropy The National Repertory Orchestra is immensely grateful to the many individuals, philanthropic foundations, government agencies and corporate partners who contributed a total of $1,012,287 in annual and endowment support to the organization in 2021 and beyond.
$801,863 | ANNUAL GIVING Nearly 75% of the National Repertory Orchestra’s budget comes from annual giving, providing life-changing experiences for professional musicians, innovative education and community engagement programs and outstanding orchestral performances at affordable ticket prices.
$594,063 | Individual Contributions $207,800 | Grant and Foundation Contributions
Carl Topilow Society Named in honor of Carl Topilow, Music Director of the NRO, 19782020. The society was launched in 2021 to continue to strengthen NRO’s vision of breaking barriers between education, performance, and community to develop 21stcentury musicians.
Carl Topilow and Andrew Danforth, trombone
MUSIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL STERN 18 | 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
The premier recognition society honors philanthropists who give $10,000 annually and/or have cumulatively invested more than $100,000 over the past ten years in support of the National Repertory Orchestra.
Awards of Excellence MICHAEL ALTENBERG LEADERSHIP AWARD This award was created in honor of those individuals 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.
RICK POPPE
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD This award is given in recognition of outstanding service, dedication and support of the NRO.
JOHANNA GIBBS
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD This award is given annually to an individual or couple that demonstrates long-term exemplary support, not only of the NRO but many Summit County non-profit organizations.
BARBARA STRAUSS AND PAUL FINKEL
ROBIN HADLEY PHILANTHROPY AWARD
This award is given in recognition of the unparalleled financial support of the NRO and other arts and cultural organizations in Summit County.
SONNY AND PAM WIEGAND NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 19
Program Supporters Special thanks to the following funders and partners for supporting critical programs that share the power of music with all. GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PARTNERS
Barbara Strauss and Paul A. Finkel
Pat and Steve Larson
LODGING PARTNERS
Jack and Wendy Wolfe
MEDIA PARTNERS
CREATIVE & EVENT PARTNERS
COLLABORATION PARTNERS Breck Film Festival
Breckenridge Music
Lake Dillon Theatre Company
Breckenridge Creative Arts
Breckenridge Tourism Office
Summit School District
Breckenridge Heritage Alliance
Building Hope Summit County
20 | 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 21
The NRO’s mission is more urgent now than ever. The energized national conversations around diversity and equity require all of us to find solutions which bring us together, and I have always believed that music and the arts must be part of the equation. For 62 years, the NRO has been about
Michael Stern, Music Director
more than the training of young orchestral players at the highest level. I believe that if we are lucky enough to make a life in music, as artists, we can also be advocates and activists for music as a force for good. – Michael Stern, NRO Music Director
Lauren Robinson, horn, Andrew Port, oboe, Paul Hafley, clarinet, Brendan Sill, bassoon
NROmusic.org
National Repertory Orchestra PO Box 6336 | 111 S. Main Street, C7 Breckenridge, CO 80424
22 | 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
970-453-5825