National Repertory Orchestra 2022 Impact Report

Changing Lives Through Music!

2022 IMPACT REPORT

MUSIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL STERN

Musician Spotlights

HENRY JENKINS,

“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 myself and my peers.”

“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 that I’ve gained from this experience, as I know that I am a better musician and human being for it.”

violin co-concertmaster

SEAN DIEHL, violin

Photo: Elaine Collins

Photo: Elaine Collins

2022 Impact Report

SPECIAL THANKS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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!

“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 humanitarians.”

Photo: Elaine Collins

BRENDON SILL, bassoon

Photo: Elaine Collins

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

–2022

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

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.

NRO Musician

NRO Musician

Photo: Todd Rosenberg

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.

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

SHINAE RA, cello co-principal

Photo: Joshua Geurink

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.

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.

Musicians

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES OFF THE STAGE

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

AUSTIN RUFF, horn

Photo: Elaine Collins

Hiking Spending time with Community Link families

Rafting

Dining

Educational Impact

THE 2022 NRO | #NRO2022 MUSICIAN AND AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE

76 FULL-SCHOLARSHIP MUSIC FELLOWS

9 ADMINISTRATIVE, PRODUCTION, AND OPERATIONS FELLOWS

15 ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS

3 FREE ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS

36 FREE AND INTERACTIVE CHAMBER PERFORMANCES

31 MASTERCLASSES AND SEMINARS

51 OPEN REHEARSALS

THE ACADEMY WINDS, masterclass

Photo: Joshua Geurink

Educational Impact

EXPANDED EDUCATION

93% 92%

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

PERFORMANCE FEATURE

95 PIECES OF REPERTOIRE

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

90%

of musicians said the NRO enhanced their music training

51 UNIQUE COMPOSERS

of musicians said the NRO supported their career goals

17 LIVING COMPOSERS

ANNA BLACK, violin co-concertmaster

Photo: Fabiana Huffaker

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

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

51 OPEN REHEARSALS

ATTENDED BY 2,278 PEOPLE

Open Rehearsals

√ 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:

“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 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 world class music in a beautiful outdoor setting.”

“A free string quartet? A pleasure!”

“Wonderful hearing music while out on a trail.“

Photo: Joshua Geurink

Photo: Joshua Geurink

Photo: Joshua Geurink

GRIFFIN HARRISON, percussion THEODORE JACKSON, percussion

KRISTIN BAIRD, Community Engagement Manager

NRO ALUMNI STRING QUARTET

Orchestral Concerts

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

BELL, STERN AND BERNSTEIN

CONDUCTORS

Michael Stern, Music Director

Carl Topilow, Music Advisor

Teddy Abrams

Nicholas McGegan

Tania Miller

Steven Schick

Jason Seber

SPECIAL GUESTS

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.”

15 TICKETED ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS

6,003

PEOPLE ATTENDED

5,127

3 FREE ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS

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.

Photo: Joshua Geurink

Orchestral Concerts

“I feel as if the NRO is on an upswing, and I really appreciate the diversity of the musicians and composers. There seems to be a genuine effort to reflect a much larger world than the one we live in here in Breckenridge. Thank you!”

TOPILOW POPS!

– 2022 Audience Member

Photo: Joshua Geurink

Photo: Elaine Collins

SIMON AND TCHAIKOVSKY

Economic Impact

NRO AUDIENCE

92% 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.

MUSIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL STERN AND NRO SUSTAINERS

Photo: Elaine Collins

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.

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

$1,998,634

$169,236

17,296

$1,194,622

Photo: Joshua Geurink

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

INFUSED INTO THE LOCAL ECONOMY BY NRO AND ITS AUDIENCE IN 2022.

CONTRIBUTED TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVENUE.

AUDIENCE MEMBERS REACHED IN 2022.

GENERATED IN RESIDENT HOUSEHOLD INCOME BY AUDIENCE EXPENDITURES. .

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

Marketing and Communications

NROMUSIC.ORG: WEBSITE SNAPSHOT

11,842

TOP FIVE

WEBSITE USER LOCATIONS

COLORADO

ARIZONA | ILLINOIS NEW YORK | TEXAS

PAGE VIEWS DURING THE CONCERT SEASON

44,888 USERS VISITED THE NRO WEBSITE DURING THE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL JUNE 25 – AUGUST 13, 2022

AGES:

TOP SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS @NROMUSIC

JUNE 25 – AUGUST 13, 2022

*Reach = the total number of unique users who have seen NRO ads or content.

41,607 FACEBOOK REACH*

14,335 INSTAGRAM REACH*

NRO DIGITAL SEASON PROGRAM BOOK - Together Again!

GENDER: 1000+ ENGAGED READERS

DURING THE CONCERT SEASON

TOP THREE

MOST VISITED SECTIONS

MUSICIANS | CONDUCTORS

SPECIAL GUESTS

Volunteers

NRO VOLUNTEERS ARE A VITAL PART OF OUR ORGANIZATION.

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

173 VOLUNTEERS

5,726 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 music and being able to share my passion for the NRO with visitors from all over the United States (and world)!“

“The NRO has been an integral part 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.

Musician

Photo: Joshua Geurink

Photo: Elaine Collins

NRO USHERS

MANDY MORIN

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

LODGING PARTNERS MEDIA PARTNERS

CREATIVE & EVENT PARTNERS

COLLABORATION PARTNERS

Breck Film Festival

Breckenridge Creative Arts

Breckenridge History

Breckenridge Music

Breckenridge Tourism Office

Building Hope Summit County

Lake Dillon Theatre Company

Summit School District

Barbara Strauss and Paul A. Finkel

Pat and Steve Larson

Rotary Club of Summit County

Slifer Smith & Frampton Foundation

“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

National Repertory Orchestra

PO Box 6336 | 111 S. Main Street, C7 Breckenridge, CO 80424 970-453-5825

NROmusic.org

Photo: Joshua Geurink

MUSIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL STERN

Photo: Joshua Geurink, Marketing and Photography Fellow (not shown in picture)

2022 NRO SUMMER AND YEAR-ROUND STAFF