NRO 2023 Impact Report

2023

IMPACT REPORT

Music Lives Here!

MICHAEL STERN, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Photo: Elaine Collins

Photo: Nat Hickman

Musician Spotlights

“This summer with the NRO has improved my musical capabilities and limits beyond what I thought was within reach for me. I feel so confident playing in an orchestra now and have so much more repertoire in my hands that will serve me in auditions, professional engagements, and other opportunities in the future. Playing alongside other great musicians was encouraging and inspiring and I will be forever grateful for how much I grew and learned this summer.”

“Playing in the National Repertory Orchestra has enhanced my orchestral experience immensely this summer. Being in an environment that closely simulates life as a professional has given me tools that I will take into the rest of my career. I am really thankful for the opportunity to gain these skills, but I am even more appreciative of having the chance to work and connect with genuine and dedicated musicians around me every day.”

Photo: Elaine Collins

Photo: Elaine Collins

WILLIAM THAIN, violin co-concertmaster

SARAH GOLDBERG, trombone

TABLE OF CONTENTS SPECIAL THANKS

On the Front Cover: Spencer Adler, co-principal, cello | Eugene Zhang, Brian Slack, Esteban Lindo, Finnegan Powers, and Kody

double bass

Michael Stern, Music Director

“I absolutely loved working with Michael. From the very beginning, his approach was to build a cohesive ensemble, and his emphasis on breathing together made such an enormous difference in that regard. He managed his time effectively, encouraged and criticized appropriately, and was passionately invested in every piece we played. All his comments were thoughtful, and usually exactly what we needed to hear. Especially in performance, it really felt like he was right there with us, and it was a team effort. I would love to work with Michael again and think that he is the perfect person to lead this orchestra.”

“I loved working with Michael. He is the first conductor that I have really enjoyed playing under, and I always found him to be really supportive while still holding high expectations.”

Photo: Jennifer Taylor

– 2023 NRO Musician

– 2023 NRO Musician

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.

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 20232024 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.

MISSION

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® Award-winning Reference Recordings. The orchestra’s next recording was released in the fall of 2022, featuring three works by Brahms arranged for orchestra by Bright Sheng, Virgil Thomson and Arnold Schoenberg.

Stern co-founded Iris Orchestra in 2000 and was Founding Artistic Director and Principal Conductor until 2021-22, when he had planned to step down from his post. With his departure, staff, community and musicians reinvented the orchestra as the Iris Collective, which will offer a spectrum of events while also prioritizing a variety of community engagement initiatives. The Iris Collective will team up with a number of creative partners, including Stern, who will also continue his involvement as Artistic Advisor.

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!

Photo: Joshua Geurink

MADELEINE FOLKERTS, horn

XIN HE, horn

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 nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that has been Changing Lives Through Music for 63 years.

SONDERLING,

The NRO impacts young professional musicians to be leaders in their communities through:

• Rigorous orchestral training through experiential learning

• Opportunities to perform diverse genres by new composers 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, preschools, and day camps

• Summit High School Scholarship and Summit County Music Lesson Scholarships

Photo: Nat Hickman

NOAH

piano

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 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 2023 musicians to provide feedback on all aspects of the summer festival.

NRO IN THE COMMUNITY

Surveys were made available at various Free Community Engagement performances throughout Summit County between June 24 - August 12, 2023.

ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS

Surveys were made available at the following performances:

• Midori Serenade – Breckenridge on July 22, 2023, at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge

• Disney’s “The Lion King” 2019 Live Action Remake Matinee and Evening Showtimes on July 29, 2023, at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge

COMMUNITY LINK

Surveys were made available online to the 2023 Community Link participants to provide feedback on their volunteer experience.

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

Under the baton of Music Director Michael Stern, the NRO develops the next generation of world-class, diverse, socially-conscious young professional musicians through our merit-based, tuition-free summer music festival.

93% OF MUSICIANS SAID THE NRO PROVIDED OPPORTUNITIES TO NETWORK & MAKE CONNECTIONS

MOST 4%

MEMORABLE

Robert Moody, conductor

Featured Artist: Noah Sonderling, piano

On the Program

| Masterworks #7 - Mahler Symphony No. 5 *Musician

Musicians

FAVORITE ACTIVITIES OFF THE STAGE

2023 MUSICIAN

“My NRO experience helped me improve as an orchestral musician through learning lots of repertoire and working with different conductors. I have also made lifelong friends through outings such as hiking and kayaking.”

Photo: Blue Sky Adventures

Hiking Spending time with Community Link families

Kayaking, Paddleboarding, and Canoeing

Dining

Educational Impact

THE 2023 NRO #NRO2023 MUSICIAN AND AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE

79 FULL-SCHOLARSHIP MUSIC FELLOWS

15 TICKETED ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS

3 FREE ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS

35 FREE AND INTERACTIVE CHAMBER PERFORMANCES

9 ADMINISTRATIVE, PRODUCTION, AND OPERATIONS FELLOWS

21 MASTERCLASSES AND SEMINARS

48 OPEN REHEARSALS

RICARDO MORALES, PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA, masterclass

“This summer with NRO was perhaps one of the greatest and most rewarding summers of my entire life. We worked hard, we played hard, and made so many connections with wonderful people from all over the world. I was able to really understand and get a taste of the demands of a modern-day orchestral musician.”

Photo: Joshua Geurink

AARON LOCKHART, viola

Photo: Nat Hickman

Educational Impact

EXPANDED EDUCATION

97%

of musicians said the NRO enhanced their music training.

This summer, the musicians expanded their orchestra experience by performing:

84 PIECES OF REPERTOIRE

97% of musicians said the NRO supported their career goals.

“The NRO is a true trial-by-fire for orchestral musicians. You go through so much repertoire in such a short time that you come out of the festival with greatly improved ensemble skills!”

64 UNIQUE COMPOSERS

19 LIVING COMPOSERS

MATTHEW MELILLO, bassoon

Photo: Nat Hickman

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, the musicians take part in the NRO’s Education and Community Engagement Program, which prepares them 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, a musician stated the following about her community engagement seminar.

“Mary Javian, excellent, effectively communicated to us the importance of connecting with audiences in the modern age.”

– 2023 Musician

93%

of audience members said an NRO COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PERFORMANCE enhanced their experience in Summit County.

35 FREE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS

ATTENDED BY 4,193 PEOPLE Community Engagement

48 OPEN REHEARSALS ATTENDED BY 2,618 PEOPLE Open Rehearsals

FREE CONCERT LOCATIONS

BRECKENRIDGE

Barney Ford Museum

Blue River Plaza

Breckenridge Associates Real Estate

Breckenridge Montessori

Carriage House Early Learning Center

Carter Park

Little Red Schoolhouse

Main Street Station

Old Masonic Hall

Prospector Park

Riverwalk Center

Riverwalk Center Lawn

South Branch Library

Timberline Learning Center

Trollstigen Trail at Isak Hearthstone

DILLON

Dillon Amphitheater

Lake Dillon Preschool

Summit Historical Society

ESTES PARK | YMCA OF THE ROCKIES

Hempel Auditorium

Legett Youth Building

Maude Jellison Library

Mootz Craft and Design Center

EVERGREEN

Evergreen Conservatory of Music

FRISCO

Frisco Bay Marina

Main Branch Library

Summit County Community & Senior Center

Summit County Preschool

SILVERTHORNE

North Branch Library

Rainbow Park

Summit Sky Ranch

VAIL

Vail Public Library

NRO in the Community

WHAT 2023 AUDIENCES SAID THEY MOST ENJOYED:

“Kids loved it. The park made it so both parents and kids could enjoy. Interactive, current music, very fun.”

“A nice break to sit down and listen to some live music on a beautiful day.”

“Love the personality from the orchestra members!”

“Quality of the performances and friendly communication with the audience.”

“Free and relaxing, and to learn more about classical music, instruments, and music in general.”

Photo: Joshua Geurink

Photo: Elaine Collins

INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO

NRO ALUMNI STRING QUARTET

Photo: Nat Hickman

Photo: Elaine Collins

MEGAN MARTIN, Community Engagement Fellow/Manager AMANDA FRAMPTON, Community Engagement Manager

NRO in the Community

The NRO is first and foremost an educational nonprofit organization that creates winwin opportunities for our local community, the attending musicians, and our audiences. Busy work schedules can make it challenging for parents to bring their children to music programs. To address this, the Alumni String Quartet, with their exceptional classical training, engaged our youngest music enthusiast with an educational curriculum specifically tailored for the NRO during the 2023 concert season.

ALUNMI STRING QUARTET INTERACTIVE PERFORMANCE

“I just left Breckenridge Montessori where the NRO was performing for the kids - Oh my goodness! It was amazing, they were so great working with the kids. It was amazing

PRESCHOOL LOCATIONS:

• Breckenridge Montessori

• Carriage House Early Learning Center, Breckenridge

• Lake Dillon Preschool

• Little Red Schoolhouse, Breckenridge

• Summit County Preschool, Frisco

• Timberline Learning Center, Breckenridge

LIBRARY LOCATIONS:

• Main Branch, Frisco

• North Branch, Silverthorne

• South Branch, Breckenridge

• Vail Public Library

BEYOND SUMMIT COUNTY LOCATIONS:

• Evergreen Conservatory

• YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park

2023 rotating Alumni String Quartet members: BRYCE MARTIN, violin, SILVANA FERRARIN, viola, JESSAMYN FRY, cello, SARAH ELERT, violin

Not pictured: HENRY JENKINS, AMELIA BAILEY, violins

Photo: Nat Hickman

and so good!”

– Blythe Syfan (mom of 2023 preschooler)

Photo: Nat Hickman

Orchestral Concerts

The National Repertory Orchestra’s commitment to musical excellence is showcased throughout each season. From symphonies that stir emotions to family performances that entertain and educate, our concerts are opportunities to experience the power and beauty of live music.

JoAnn Falletta

Ken-David Masur

Tania Miller

Robert Moody

Steven Schick

Jason Seber

Carl Topilow, Music Director

Laureate

SPECIAL GUESTS

Joseph Alessi, principal trombone

New York Philharmonic Orchestra

Joseph Conyers, principal bass

Philadelphia Orchestra

David Dzubay, composer Indiana University

Elizabeth Hainen, principal harp Philadelphia Orchestra

Mary Javian, Chair, Career Studies Curtis Institute of Music

Juliette Kang, associate concertmaster Philadelphia Orchestra

Jonathan Leshnoff, composer Towson University

Zhou Long, composer University of Missouri – Kansas City

Mike Messeroff, Personal Freedom Coach

Midori, violin

Ricardo Morales, principal clarinet Philadelphia Orchestra

Steven Schick, conductor/percussion University of California - San Diego

Jessica Schmidt, Orchestrate Inclusion

Chen Yi, composer

University of Missouri – Kansas City

6,904 PEOPLE ATTENDED

15 TICKETED ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS

4,442 3 FREE ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS PEOPLE ATTENDED

WHAT AUDIENCE MEMBERS SAID THEY LIKED MOST:

• Live music with a film—wow!

• Fabulous energy of the musicians!

• Kid-friendly

• The musicians are so incredible. I forgot it was not recorded.

• The orchestra was beyond expectations.

96% OF SURVEYED

GUESTS

RATED THEIR NRO EXPERIENCE “GREAT” OR “EXCEPTIONAL”

MICHAEL STERN, MUSIC DIRECTOR GUEST CONDUCTORS

Photo: Joshua Geurink

CPR CLASSICAL PRESENTS MIDORI SERENADE - DENVER

Orchestral Concerts

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY MOST THIS CONCERT SEASON?

“Everything –and sharing the experience with our 5-year-old granddaughter.”

“Midori and the NRO are pure MAGIC in my music heart! Michael Stern has opened my music ears to new heights!”

– 2023 Audience Members

CONCERT TICKETS

WERE SOLD TO AUDIENCE MEMBERS AGED 17 AND YOUNGER DURING THE 2023 CONCERT SEASON.

STRAUSS – A HERO’S LIFE

Photo: Nat Hickman

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.

18,000+

$182,711

INFUSED INTO THE

CONTRIBUTED TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVENUE.

$2,160,837 $1,294,204

AUDIENCE MEMBERS REACHED IN 2023.

GENERATED IN RESIDENT HOUSEHOLD INCOME BY AUDIENCE EXPENDITURES. .

NRO AUDIENCE

FOURTH OF JULY SPECTACULAR CONCERT RAINBOW PARK, SILVERTHORNE

99% OF NRO AUDIENCE MEMBERS ARE INSPIRED TO RETURN TO SUMMIT COUNTY FOR ANOTHER CONCERT SEASON.

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

LOCAL ECONOMY BY NRO AND ITS AUDIENCE IN 2023.

Photo: Nat Hickman

Marketing and Communications

NROMUSIC.ORG: WEBSITE SNAPSHOT

15,457

TOP FIVE

WEBSITE USER LOCATIONS - U.S.A. COLORADO ARIZONA | TEXAS

MONTANA | NEW MEXICO

AGES:

TOP SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS @NROMUSIC

JUNE 24 – AUGUST 12, 2023

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

PAGE VIEWS DURING THE CONCERT SEASON

52,183 VISITED NROMUSIC.ORG DURING THE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL BETWEEN JUNE 24 AND AUGUST 12, 2023

GENDER:

87,074 FACEBOOK REACH*

18,732 INSTAGRAM REACH*

NRO DIGITAL SEASON PROGRAM BOOK - Music Lives Here!

821 ENGAGED READERS DURING THE CONCERT SEASON

TOP THREE

MOST VISITED SECTIONS MUSICIANS COMPOSER FEATURES CONDUCTORS

Community Link Volunteer Program

NRO VOLUNTEERS ARE A VITAL PART OF OUR ORGANIZATION.

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

156 VOLUNTEERS

5,262 VOLUNTEER HOURS

COMMUNITY LINK VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Community Link connects the community with the orchestra through fun and engaging volunteer opportunities throughout the summer months, to include:

Concert Usher – provide information and assistance to concert attendees

Dinners – prepare/serve weekly dinners at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church

Bike Distribution – distribute loaner-bikes

Breck Terrace Housing – equip off-site housing

Host Family – connect the orchestra with the local community

Rehearsal Docent – provide information and assistance to rehearsal attendees

“My experience with the National Repertory Orchestra has been one of inclusion, personal growth, and cultural enrichment. As a Rehearsal Docent volunteer, I had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of all the work that it takes for the NRO musicians, directors, and all the staff, to be able to offer our community, of all ages, a carefully selected repertory of the best classical music known to mankind. It is an amazing feeling to be of service and support an orchestra that has done so much for us. This experience, and this year’s NRO’s season made possible for me and my family a Summer we will never forget. Thank you NRO!”

– Elsa Vasquez, 2023 Rehearsal Docent

Photo: Nat hickman

ELSA VASQUEZ AND RAYMOND GUERRERO

NRO USHERS

Photo: Nat hickman

Season Highlights

The 2023 concert season marked a significant milestone for the National Repertory Orchestra (NRO), celebrating 30 years of calling the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge home.

This season, audiences experienced first-hand the magic that happens when music and artistry come together. Through performances and behind-the-scenes access, supporters were able to connect with the musicians and truly experience their passion.

CARL TOPILOW SOCIETY

Named in honor of Carl Topilow, Music Director of the NRO, 1978-2020. The society was launched in 2021 to continue to strengthen NRO’s vision of breaking barriers between education, performance, and community to develop 21st century musicians.

NRO SPOTLIGHT EXPERIENCES

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.

CONCERT AT THE RIVERWALK CENTER IN BRECKENRIDGE

NRO WELCOME PICNIC

POST CONCERT SOCIALIZING

BEHIND THE SCENES SOUND-BOOTH EXPERIENCE

SIT WITHIN THE NRO ORCHESTRA

CARL TOPILOW SOCIETY CONDUCTORS DINNER WITH MICHAEL STERN

Photo: Nat hickman

Photo: Elaine Collins

Photo: Nat hickman

Photo: Nat hickman

Photo: Nat hickman

TALITA SOLÍS, JEANIE KRAMER, ISAAC KING, GEORGE ANDREWS, EUGENE LIU, MIKE KRAMER

GAIL MARSHALL AND JACK RUEPPEL

Photo: Nat Hickman

KAREN AND JAMES WARRICK, BARBARA STRAUSS AND PAUL FINKEL

BARBARA CALVIN, LIBBY BORTZ AND PATRICE LARA

Season Highlights

2023 SUSTAINERS GATHERING

The Sustainers are an integral part of the National Repertory Orchestra’s success story. Their unwavering support has allowed us to bring world-class music to our community year after year. We are eternally grateful for their dedication and belief in our mission of Changing Lives through Music!

To commemorate our 30 years in Breckenridge milestone, here are a few cherished memories from three decades ago.

NRO SUSTAINERS

The Sustainers are past board members or significant contributors to the National Repertory Orchestra of their time, talent, and treasure. The Sustainers are likeminded people who raise awareness and funds for the Orchestra to ensure that live orchestral music is available for future generations to enjoy, both locally and globally.

“The day of the first rehearsal at the new Riverwalk Center I had the unforgettable pleasure of welcoming the new orchestra members to the NRO and telling them that this was going to be a highlight of their lives, playing with musicians who were all as good as they were. Then Carl Topilow began the rehearsal. After about an hour of playing, Carl walked to the back of the hall where I had been standing watching this marvelous event. We just stood there, arms over each other’s shoulders, tears in our eyes. We had ALL done it. The NRO lives on! And, in fact, it has lived on for 30 wonderful years thanks to its many supporters.”

– Tom Rader, Sustainer

“I had the good fortune to be introduced to the NRO by my late husband, Michael Altenberg. His love, appreciation, and investment was contagious. The more exposure I had to the Orchestra, musicians, staff, and Board members, the more respect and love I developed for the NRO. The staff and musicians felt like family and the Board members felt like good friends. There was such a generosity of spirit. The quality of the musicians was astonishing, as were their performances year after year. If more people heard what I heard this would be a much better world.”

– Libby Bortz, Sustainer

“NRO immediately captured the hearts of residents and visitors that first summer. I remember being so proud as folks filled the seats, captivated by the enthusiasm radiating from the orchestra. I was amazed how quickly the town embraced the musicians and how quickly the musicians embraced Breckenridge. A perfect fit.”

– Bobbie Zelkind, Sustainer

Photo: Nat hickman

2023 NRO SUSTAINERS

SUSTAINERS HAPPY HOUR

Photo: Nat hickman

Photo: Nat hickman

Program Supporters

Special thanks to the following funders and partners for supporting critical programs that share the power of music with all.

Pictured: Clare Choi, NRO 2023, co-principal cello and soloist by Elaine Collins

Photo: Nat Hickman

MICHAEL STERN, MUSIC DIRECTOR

2023 NRO SUMMER AND YEAR-ROUND STAFF

Photo: Nat Hickman