NRO Annual Report 2021

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

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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