National Repertory Orchestra 2022 Impact Report

NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

Changing Lives Through Music!

2022 IMPACT REPORT

MUSIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL STERN

Musician Spotlights HENRY JENKINS, violin co-concertmaster “Few experiences in my life have come close to my time at NRO. This is my third season here in Breckenridge, and the friendships and opportunities, musical and otherwise, I will undoubtfully cherish throughout the rest of my life. Thank you so much for your kindness and hospitality to Photo: Elaine Collins

myself and my peers.”

SEAN DIEHL, violin “Being at NRO the last two years has been a fulfilling experience in so many ways for me that it’s almost hard to know where to start. I’ve always known that I wanted to be an orchestral musician, but being here at NRO has solidified that dream to the point where I feel like I absolutely need to be an orchestral musician. I’m incredibly grateful for all I know that I am a better musician and human being for it.”

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Photo: Elaine Collins

that I’ve gained from this experience, as

2022 Impact Report TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPECIAL THANKS Brittney Geurink, Development Fellow and Project Lead Dan Dardon, CEO Assistant Fellow Nikki VerMeulen, Development Fellow

Musician Spotlights 2 Table of Contents 3 Mission 4 Michael Stern, Music Director

5

Impact Summary 6 Survey Data 7 Musicians 8 Educational Impact 10

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

NRO in the Community

12

Elaine Collins breckhappens

Orchestral Concerts 14

Joshua Geurink Marketing and Photography Fellow cinematicjosh

Economic Impact 16

Fabiana Huffaker fabianabeatrizphoto Todd Rosenberg toddrphoto

Marketing and Communications

18

Volunteers 19 Program Supporters 20

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 recommendations of the venue, organization, town, or county.

On the Front Cover: Claire Thai, harp | Photo: Joshua Geurink

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 NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 3

Mission 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!

BRENDON SILL, bassoon “The NRO has helped me experiment with my personal growth as a musician by providing a full-time orchestra.

This year’s repertoire has challenged all of us to grow together and to prepare for even better music in our careers as

Photo: Elaine Collins

Photo: Elaine Collins

humanitarians.”

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Michael Stern,, Music Director 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.

“He is an exceptional conductor Photo: Todd Rosenberg

with a wealth of knowledge about both education as well as the music we perform.”

– 2022 NRO Musician Stern currently holds three Music Director positions: with the Kansas City Symphony, where he will be concluding his 19-year tenure at the end of the 2023-2024 season; with the National Repertory Orchestra, a summer music festival in Breckenridge, CO; and with the newly rebranded Orchestra Lumos (formerly the Stamford Symphony). Stern was recently named Artistic Advisor of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. And, following a 22-year tenure as founding Artistic Director of Iris Orchestra in Germantown, Tennessee, he now serves the newly reimagined Iris Collective as Artistic Advisor.

“Michael Stern brings new life to the orchestra and inspires us all to put everything into the music we’re playing. He’s a huge reason this summer was so meaningful!”

– 2022 NRO Musician During Stern’s tenure with the Kansas City Symphony, he and the orchestra have been recognized for their remarkable artistic ascent, original programming, organizational development, stability, and extraordinary audience growth. Under Stern’s leadership, the orchestra explored a wide range of repertoire, including commissioned work, some of which was recorded for the GRAMMY® Awardwinning Reference Recordings.

Michael Stern makes his home in Connecticut, with his two daughters.

NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 5

Impact Summary Based in Summit County, Colorado, The National Repertory Orchestra (NRO) is a local organization with a global reach. Under the baton of Music Director Michael Stern, the NRO develops the next generation of world-class, young professional musicians through its merit-based and tuition-free summer music festival. The NRO is an educational non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has been Changing Lives Through Music for 62 years.

Photo: Joshua Geurink

SHINAE RA, cello co-principal

The NRO impacts young professional musicians to be leaders in their communities through: • Rigorous orchestral training through experiential learning • Opportunities to perform diverse and new composers and genres while balancing the traditions of classical music • Masterclasses with world-renowned guest artists • Community Engagement education to encourage positive social change • Professional development seminars and discussions

The NRO impacts the community through: • Orchestral performances featuring some of the most talented young professional musicians in the world • Free Community Engagement performances, family concerts and open rehearsals that are inclusive, accessible, and educational.

• Community collaborations that enhance the local art scene • Bilingual education programs for local schools, daycares, and day camps • Summit High School scholarship and music lesson scholarships for local students

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Survey Data Each year the National Repertory Orchestra compiles quantitative and qualitative survey data for the organization’s Impact Report.

Surveys were accessible at select performances as handouts and through our app, and online via QR codes. The Report is made available on the NRO’s website after each concert season and is an important tool to keep us connected with the many music communities we serve.

MUSICIANS Surveys were made available to the attending 2022 musicians to provide feedback on all aspects of the summer festival.

NRO IN THE COMMUNITY Surveys were made available at various Community Engagement performances throughout Summit County between June 25 - August 13, 2022.

ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS Surveys were made available at the following performances: •

The Voice and the Violin, featuring special guests Joshua Bell and Larisa Martínez on July 8, 2022, at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge

•

Topilow Pops! on July 21, 2022, at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) SURVEY Surveys were made available to the 2022 musicians, summer staff and year-round staff to provide feedback on their DEI experience at the 2022 summer festival.

Icons designed by vectorstock (Image #36830015 at VectorStock.com)

The surveys and the Impact Report are conducted and created by the organization’s Development and CEO Assistant Fellows under the supervision of the Director of Development and Director of Marketing.

NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 7

Musicians Under the baton of Music Director Michael Stern,

89%

the NRO develops the next generation of world-class, diverse, socially-conscious young professional musicians through

OF THE MUSICIANS

our merit-based, tuition-free

NRO WOULD RECOMMEND THE

summer music festival.

TO A

9

20

SELF-IDENTIFIED GENDER*

42

76

FRIEND

SELF-IDENTIFIED RACE/ETHNICITY**

59% male

61% White

33% female

23% Asian

4% prefer not to say

6% Hispanic or Latin

4% non-binary

6% Black or African American 4% prefer not to say

MOST MEMORABLE CONCERT | Masterworks #7 - Prokofiev Symphony No. 5 Tania Miller, conductor Minkyung Lee, violin

*Musician Survey Data (80% of the musicians completed the survey) **DEI Survey Data

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On the Program Valentin Silvestrov: Hymn Michael Oesterle: Home Camille Saint-Saёns: Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso Sergei Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major, Op. 100

Musicians FAVORITE ACTIVITIES OFF THE STAGE

Hiking

Spending time with Community Link families

Rafting

Dining

AUSTIN RUFF, horn “The National Repertory Orchestra is an experience that cannot be replicated. The opportunity to independently form a unified and cohesive ensemble cannot be matched by any other festival experience.

The job-like daily schedule is invaluable to a growing musician and individual. The connections Photo: Elaine Collins

and relationships made here are profound and will help you for the rest of your career.“

NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 9

Educational Impact THE 2022 NRO | #NRO2022

76

FULL-SCHOLARSHIP MUSIC FELLOWS

9

ADMINISTRATIVE, PRODUCTION, AND OPERATIONS FELLOWS

MUSICIAN AND AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE

15 ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS

3

FREE ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS

36

FREE AND INTERACTIVE CHAMBER PERFORMANCES

31

MASTERCLASSES AND SEMINARS

51

OPEN REHEARSALS

Photo: Joshua Geurink

THE ACADEMY WINDS, masterclass

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Educational Impact EXPANDED EDUCATION

93%

92%

90%

of musicians said the NRO provided opportunities to network and make connections

of musicians said the NRO enhanced their music training

of musicians said the NRO supported their career goals

PERFORMANCE FEATURE

95 PIECES OF REPERTOIRE

51 UNIQUE COMPOSERS

17 LIVING COMPOSERS

ANNA BLACK, violin co-concertmaster “NRO gave me opportunities to both lead and follow more than any other program. There’s also a sense of camaraderie that is unlike any festival I’ve been to in the past. The focus is music and creating the best possible product together, rather than individually being the best. It’s a collaborative festival more than Photo: Fabiana Huffaker

an individualistic one and I think the music world needs more of that.”

NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 11

NRO in the Community For symphony orchestras to thrive, musicians need to be advocates for classical music in all aspects of life, especially by being active and present in their communities.

During their summer fellowship, National Repertory Orchestra musicians take part in the NRO’s Education and Community Engagement Program, which prepares the musicians for an active role in the communities they will be serving, while also providing free music performances in Summit County and beyond.

After working with Mary Javian, Chair of Career Studies at Curtis Institute of Music, musicians stated the following about her community engagement seminar.

“I learned new tactics for effective community engagement strategies which I will definitely use in the future, especially when working with young children.

I was very inspired and gained some hope for the future and confidence that I could develop my own projects someday.”

36 FREE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS ATTENDED BY 3,888 PEOPLE Community Engagement

51 OPEN REHEARSALS ATTENDED BY 2,278 PEOPLE Open Rehearsals

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100%

of audience members said the

NRO COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PERFORMANCE

enhanced their experience in Summit County.

FREE CONCERT LOCATIONS √ The Airstage at the Riverwalk Center, Breckenridge √ Barney Ford Museum, Breckenridge √ Blue River Plaza, Breckenridge √ Breckenridge Associates Real Estate √ Breckenridge Montessori √ Breckenridge Mountain Rotary Club √ Carriage House, Breckenridge √ Frisco Bay Marina √ Frisco Historic Park- Gazebo √ Keystone Science School √ Lake Dillon Preschool √ Little Red School House, Breckenridge √ Main Branch Library, Frisco √ Main Street Station, Breckenridge √ Prospector Park, Breckenridge √ The Rotary Club of Summit County, Frisco √ Silverthorne Performing Arts Center √ St John the Baptist Episcopal Church, Breckenridge √ South Branch Library, Breckenridge √ Summit County Preschool, Frisco √ Summit Sky Ranch, Silverthorne √ Timberline Learning Center, Frisco √ Trollstigen Trail, Breckenridge √ Vail Public Library

NRO in the Community WHAT 2022 AUDIENCES SAID THEY MOST ENJOYED:

GRIFFIN HARRISON, percussion THEODORE JACKSON, percussion

KRISTIN BAIRD, Community Engagement Manager Photo: Joshua Geurink

Photo: Joshua Geurink

NRO ALUMNI STRING QUARTET

“I liked that the musicians all got to speak and talk about their instruments.

They all seemed quite friendly and personable, and talking about their Photo: Joshua Geurink

individual instruments made the music more accessible and interesting.”

“I’ve never heard classical music played outdoors before. Having the sun and breeze added to the lovely tones of the violin, viola, and cello was just wonderful.”

“Being able to listen to

“A free string quartet?

“Wonderful hearing music

world class music in a

A pleasure!”

while out on a trail.“

beautiful outdoor setting.”

NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 13

The NRO impacts the community by providing a summer of high-caliber orchestral performances at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge and throughout Colorado.

15 TICKETED ORCHESTRAL

CONCERTS

PEOPLE ATTENDED

Photo: Joshua Geurink

5,127

BELL, STERN AND BERNSTEIN

CONDUCTORS

SPECIAL GUESTS

Michael Stern, Music Director Carl Topilow, Music Advisor Teddy Abrams Nicholas McGegan Tania Miller Steven Schick Jason Seber

Joshua Bell, violin Jamie Bernstein, speaker Connor Bogart O’Brien, vocalist Mary Javian, Chair of Career Studies at Curtis Institute of Music Larisa Martínez, soprano Jessica Schmidt, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Consultant

92% of audience members surveyed said they would return for another season based on their concert experience.

94% of surveyed guests rated their NRO experience “Great” and “Exceptional.”

3 FREE CONCERTS ORCHESTRAL

PEOPLE ATTENDED WHAT AUDIENCE MEMBERS SAID THEY LIKED MOST: •

High level of professionalism of the amazing young talent AND the remarkable program curation by the music director.

•

Quality of music.

•

The music selection variety.

•

Supporting these wonderful young musicians.

•

The smiles on the musicians!

•

The positive energy and great variety of music and talent.

•

A change in repertoire that attracts another audience to NRO.

•

Professionalism from the top to the “bottom.”

•

Quality of music, and Joshua Bell and Larisa Martínez.

DEMOGRAPHICS OF SURVEYED RIVERWALK CENTER CONCERT ATTENDEES Location by zip code

Location by County

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6,003

Orchest ral Concerts

Self-identified gender

Age

Orchest ral Concerts Household Income

“I feel as if the NRO is on

Educational Attainment

SIMON AND TCHAIKOVSKY

an upswing, and I really appreciate the diversity of the musicians and composers. There seems to be a genuine effort to reflect the one we live in here in Breckenridge. Thank you!”

– 2022 Audience Member

Photo: Elaine Collins

a much larger world than

Photo: Joshua Geurink

TOPILOW POPS!

NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 15

Economic Impact

92%

NRO AUDIENCE

OF NRO AUDIENCE MEMBERS ARE INSPIRED TO RETURN TO SUMMIT COUNTY FOR ANOTHER CONCERT SEASON.

71%

OF NRO AUDIENCE MEMBERS SPENT SEVEN OR MORE LODGING NIGHTS IN SUMMIT COUNTY.

Photo: Elaine Collins

MUSIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL STERN AND NRO SUSTAINERS

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Economic Impact WHEN THE ARTS THRIVE, OUR COMMUNITY THRIVES. Audiences who attend NRO concerts positively impact the local economy, spending dollars on activities like dining, lodging, and shopping.

$1,998,634 $169,236 INFUSED INTO THE LOCAL ECONOMY

BY NRO AND ITS AUDIENCE IN 2022.

CONTRIBUTED TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVENUE.

17,296

$1,194,622

Throughout the nation, arts and cultural organizations like the National Repertory Orchestra, make communities more attractive to visit, live and work. In good times and in difficult times, arts and cultural organizations create jobs and drive consumer and business spending.

They generate government revenue,

AUDIENCE MEMBERS REACHED IN 2022.

GENERATED IN RESIDENT HOUSEHOLD INCOME BY AUDIENCE EXPENDITURES. .

ignite business development, drive tourism, and infuse communities with health and vitality.

Data from the Arts and Economic Prosperity 5 report is based upon the averages of similarly populated communities. Americansforthearts.org

Photo: Joshua Geurink

FOURTH OF JULY CONCERT | TOWN OF SILVERTHORE CARL TOPILOW, conductor

NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 17

Marketing and Communications NROMUSIC.ORG: WEBSITE SNAPSHOT

11,842

USERS VISITED THE NRO WEBSITE DURING THE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL JUNE 25 – AUGUST 13, 2022

TOP FIVE

44,888

WEBSITE USER LOCATIONS

COLORADO ARIZONA | ILLINOIS NEW YORK | TEXAS

AGES:

PAGE VIEWS DURING THE CONCERT SEASON

GENDER:

TOP SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS @NROMUSIC

JUNE 25 – AUGUST 13, 2022 *Reach = the total number of unique users who have seen NRO ads or content.

FACEBOOK REACH*

41,607

INSTAGRAM REACH*

14,335

NRO DIGITAL SEASON PROGRAM BOOK - Together Again!

1000+

TOP THREE

DURING THE CONCERT SEASON

MUSICIANS | CONDUCTORS SPECIAL GUESTS

ENGAGED READERS 18 | 2022 IMPACT REPORT | NROMUSIC.ORG | #NROmusic

MOST VISITED SECTIONS

Volunteers We are so grateful to those who contribute of their time and talents.

5,726

NRO VOLUNTEERS ARE A VITAL PART OF OUR ORGANIZATION.

173 VOLUNTEERS

VOLUNTEER

HOURS

Volunteer Opportunities with the National Repertory Orchestra include • Committees • Community Link Programs • Open Rehearsals • Special Events • Ushers

“Volunteering at the NRO rehearsals is truly one of my favorite summer activities in Breck!

It’s a wonderful time of listening to beautiful Photo: Joshua Geurink

music and being able to share my passion for the NRO with visitors from all over the United

MANDY MORIN

“The NRO has been an integral part

States (and world)!“

NRO USHERS

of my orchestral career thus far.

The people, place, and music have made it immensely memorable and enriching (both musically and socially). I love it here and would stay forever if I could.

Photo: Elaine Collins

– 2022 Musician

NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 19 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 SUPPORTERS

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SUPPORTERS

Barbara Strauss and Paul A. Finkel

Pat and Steve Larson

LODGING PARTNERS

Rotary Club of Summit County

Slifer Smith & Frampton Foundation

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 History

Building Hope Summit County

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NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA 2023 SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

JUNE 24 - AUGUST 12 Breckenridge, CO

MICHAEL STERN, MUSIC DIRECTOR NROmusic.org Download the free NRO App! NATIONAL NATIONAL REPERTORY REPERTORY ORCHESTRA ORCHESTRA | 21 | 21

Photo: Joshua Geurink

YOUR 2022 NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

“Over eight weeks, our musicians showed excellence in 18 different orchestral concerts while blanketing Summit County with community engagement events that educated and entertained.

They truly brought musical service to everyone in our community. From the first performance of Shostakovich’s defiant Symphony No. 5 to our finale of Copland’s triumphant Symphony No. 3, our musicians made the case that music must matter in our world. Music and the arts must be part of the solution to what ails us.”

– Michael Stern, Music Director

2022 NRO SUMMER AND YEAR-ROUND STAFF

MUSIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL STERN

National Repertory Orchestra PO Box 6336 | 111 S. Main Street, C7 Breckenridge, CO 80424 970-453-5825 Photo: Joshua Geurink, Marketing and Photography Fellow (not shown in picture)

NROmusic.org