Annual Report 2019

Carl Topilow, Music Director

Annual Report 2019 NROmusic.org

I often think about my experience at NRO and how grateful I am to have been a part of the team this past summer.

- Indigo Fischer, Artist Liaison Fellow (pictured)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

In 2019, Music Director, Maestro Carl Topilow celebrated his 42nd season with the National Repertory Orchestra.

A Message from the CEO 4

Artists in Residence 19

Mission & Vision 5

Financial Summary 20 – 21

Musicians 7 – 9

Board & Sustainers 22

Administration & Operations 10

Marketing 23

Awards of Excellence 11

Full-Time Staff 24

Audience & Community 13 - 15

2020 Giving Initiatives 25

Conductors 17

Photo Credits: Jenny Cvek, Photography Fellow 2019

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A MESSAGE FROM

DAVE DEPETERS CEO As you read through this annual report, I hope you will experience the great sense of joy our entire staff, Board and supporters feel looking back over the 2019 season. For us, 2019 was a tremendous success in every way.

In 2018, the National Repertory Orchestra reached over 13,000 people through concerts, free open rehearsals, and outreach programs. In 2019, we added another 8,000 people by reaching over 21,000 people in Summit and Eagle Counties and the front-range. With nearly 100 FREE programs for residents and visitors of Breckenridge and 21 orchestral performances, our musicians truly put their talent on display every day of the festival.

The NRO is focused on our mission, and our mission is the musicians and the community. While annual reports focus on the “numbers� (and you will see the numbers are very strong), many of our successes in 2019 are less quantifiable but no less critical. This commitment to mission is what makes the NRO the premiere music organization in Summit County and how we have been able to balance financial responsibility with mission-driven programming.

Our musicians take what they learn at the NRO and bring it wherever their journey takes them. For this reason, the NRO is more important now than ever. The positive effects of our core programming, education, and community engagement, reach far beyond Summit County. We are a local organization with a global reach.

I hope that you read on and see for yourself how the NRO is Changing Lives Through Music! I also encourage you to view our 2019 Impact Report found at https://www.nromusic.org/donate/.

Thank you for your support.

With your continued help, the lives we change through music will continue to grow and grow.

Dave

The National Repertory Orchestra is first and foremost, an educational organization.

Pictured: Community Engagement Manager, Nic Gonzalez

MISSION

The National Repertory Orchestra is a preeminent intensive fellowship that equips young musicians for orchestral music careers while providing the highest-level of musical experience for all stakeholders. We pride ourselves on “Changing Lives Through Music!�

Changing Lives Through Music!

VISION

The National Repertory Orchestra is recognized as a national leader for preparing young musicians for future careers in music. Graduates are actively pursued as the most desirable candidates for placement in professional musical organizations worldwide. As a result, music audiences, educators, professionals, applicants and supporters are inspired to participate in the NRO’s innovative approach to educational and experiential programming 5

NRO helped me blossom into the musician I am today. I'm so grateful for Mr. Topilow and his inspiration. I would suggest this to anyone who wants to play in a professional symphony one day. It will change your life forever.

- NRO Alumnus 2019

Pictured: Riley Lindsey, Tuba

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MUSICIANS

790 MUSICIAN FAVORITES

AUDITIONED

89

SELECTED

Most Rewarding Piece Performed: 1.

2.

3.

Mahler Symphony No. 5 Soundtrack - ET. the Extra-Terrestrial Brahms Symphony No. 2

Best Experience with Artists in Residence: 1.

2.

3.

Chris Deviney, percussion Joseph Conyers, bass Mary Javian, community engagement

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WEEKS OF WORLDCLASS TRAINING

Most Memorable Concert: 1. Mahler Symphony No. 5 with Karina Canellakis 2. American Splendor with Teddy Abrams 3. Season Finale - Pictures at an Exhibition with Carl Topilow

NRO taught me what to expect in the professional music world. From being there I learned to trust my judgment and to play the music.

- Hanna Kim, Percussion

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Your 2019 National Repertory Orchestra

MUSICIANS VIOLIN Mina Hong, co-concertmaster Ella Loman, co-concertmaster Katelyn Lyons Peaden, co-concertmaster Michael Romans, co-principal second Natsuko Takashima, co-principal second Sarah Biagini Julia Brandenburg Gina Buzzelli Allyson Cohen Sarah Elert Jonathon Eng Claire Geho Simone Hammett Lynch Josephine Hu Caroline Joyner Erin Kim Luke Lentini Yung-Hsuan Lo Ella Loman Jessica Lyons Blocher Maggie Niekamp Harold Reeves Luis Angel Estaban Salazar Luke Santonastaso Leina Sheehy Yeonji Shim Holly Spangenberg Marissa Weston Diane Yang CLARINET Justin Best Hank Landrum Juan Esteban Martinez Gerbrich Francine Meijer BASSOON Edin Agamenoni Marisa Esposito Zachary Feingold Qun Ren

VIOLA Hannah Martineau, principal Cordelia Brand Silvana Ferrarin David Kang Daniel Moore Erin Napier Benjamin Pochily Samantha Wilson Thomas Wong CELLO Isabel Dimoff, co-principal Samuel Viguerie, co-principal Mario Bastea-Forte MaryGrace Bender Derek Eilert Kyle Johnson Alana Shannon Lindsey Sharpe Henry Stubbs DOUBLE BASS Hanxiao Deng Gabriel Harris Wesley Jones Fox Myers Caroline Samuels Sam Shreves FLUTE Melissa Aleles Brendan Dooley Lauren Scanio Zach Warren OBOE Virginia McDowell Justine Myers Laurel Wellman Lauren White 8

MUSICIANS HORN Melia Badalian Jessica Elder Vincent Kiray Kyle Ko Michael Stevens

TUBA Riley Lindsey

TRUMPET William Berue Changhyun Cha Clint McLendon David Nakazono

PERCUSSION Soo Jin Kang Hanna Kim Miles Kim Sean Van Winkle

TROMBONE Nate Doucette Guangwei Fan Robyn Smith

HARP Ina McCormack

BASS TROMBONE Taylor Fong

TIMPANI Matthew Kibort

PIANO Thomas Steigerwald

NRO was one of the greatest experiences for me. The music was prepared at such a high level and the orchestra was full of exceptional musicians and kind people.

- Jessica Elder, Horn (pictured)

Your 2019 National Repertory Orchestra

#NROmusic

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ADMINISTRATION & OPERATIONS Principal Librarian – Paul Gunther Acting Principal Librarian – Mariel Stauff / Eri Isomura Assistant Librarian – Kelsey Lamb Library Fellow – Leonardo Ziporyn Production Manager – Darrin Blume

#NRO2019

Stage Manager – Carissa Galban Recording Engineer – Jonathan Chan Production & Recording Fellow – Chace Williams Orchestra Manager – David Bullman Personnel Fellow – Alyssa Wroblewski Community Engagement Manager – Nicolas Gonzalez Community Engagement Fellow – Nicha Stapanukul Artist Liaison Fellow – Indigo Fischer

Development & Event Fellows – Haley Nordeen & Shelagh Haney Marketing Fellow – Jacqueline Robertson Photography Fellow – Jenny Cvek CEO Assistant Fellow – Johnathan McCann Pictured: 2019 NRO Full Time Staff and Fellows

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AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE The Michael Altenberg Leadership Award

Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award

Patrice Lara

John H. Stafford

Outstanding Community Service Award

Lifetime Achievement Award

Steve Corneillier

Michael Altenberg

Robin Hadley Philanthropy Award

Lifetime Achievement Award

M.A. Deen

Bob Follett

The quality of the music this summer was as good as any summer in the last 25 years we have regularly attended. NRO musicians are amazing; first class. The energy level and enthusiasm of the musicians is a significant part of our viewing enjoyment.

- NRO Audience Member

Pictured: Riverwalk Lawn, Fourth of July Concert

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Pictured: Audience Members from NRO on the Lake, Dillon Amphitheater

The NRO is such a great organization - both for the musicians who get amazing experience by coming to Breckenridge to enjoy our mountains and play in a worldclass setting and with a world-class conductor. But also for the audiences who enjoy the beauty of their work and get to bathe in the lovely music in our amazing community.

- Sheri Paul, NRO Audience Member

AUDIENCE & COMMUNITY 12

AUDIENCE & COMMUNITY

The National Repertory Orchestra has called Breckenridge home since 1993.

Pictured: Topilow Pops Concert at the Riverwalk Center

11,584 AUDIENCE FAVORITES

97% 1.

2.

3.

people attended a paid NRO performance.

$1,000,000+

of audiences surveyed said they would attend a NRO concert in the future.

NRO audiences are supporting the Breckenridge economy. They collectively shop, dine, lodge and enjoy activities in Breckenridge.

Why audiences attend:

161

Love of classical music Quality of performances Support of the NRO mission

The NRO also partnered with 4 organizations that receive a portion of concert ticket sales.

Concert Beneficiaries:

Top Concert: 1.

2.

3.

Season Finale – Pictures at an Exhibition E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Topilow Pops

complimentary tickets were given to community non-profits.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Building Hope Summit County Friends of the Dillon Ranger District Mountain Top Children’s Museum Summit County First Responders 13

AUDIENCE & COMMUNITY

Pictured: Vocalist, Connor O’Brien and NRO Music Director, Carl Topilow at the annual Gala

From the Gala to instrument petting zoos, the NRO is sharing music with listeners of all ages.

Educational Music Programs for Children

Keystone Science School

25%

Breckenridge Library

Silverthorne Library

of Community Engagement Event attendees were under 18 years old.

Winter Series

The NRO Winter Series starred Sybarite5, Jim Salestrom and NRO Alumni at Silverthorne Pavilion. The NRO also visited Dillon Valley Elementary, Silverthorne Elementary and Summit High School for free and interactive performances.

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AUDIENCE & COMMUNITY

9,492 57

FREE Open Rehearsals

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FREE Community Engagement Performances

9

Free Family Concerts

people attended our FREE performances

Free Fourth of July Concert, Silverthorne

Free Family Concert, Vail

FREE Instrument Petting Zoos

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FREE Full Orchestral Concerts

Free Family Concert, Breckenridge

AUDIENCE & COMMUNITY

I learned more about orchestral playing and repertoire in my Summer with the NRO than in both my undergraduate and Master's degrees in performance combined!

- NRO Alumnus 2019

Pictured: Thomas Steigerwald, Piano

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CONDUCTORS Maestro Carl Topilow Music Director Alex Amsel Assistant Conductor Teddy Abrams Guest Conductor Anu Tali Guest Conductor

Jason Seber Guest Conductor Tania Miller Guest Conductor

Karina Canellakis Guest Conductor Pictured: Tania Miller conducting War & Peace

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NRO was the best musical experience of my career thus far. The quality of musicianship combined with the great friendships and welcoming community made for a most rewarding and memorable summer!

- Marissa Esposito, Bassoon (pictured) 18

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE Mary Javian - Community Engagement Martin Chalifour – Violin Amy Oshiro – Violin Joseph Conyers – Bass Elizabeth Hainen – Harp Erin Hannigan – Oboe Ricardo Morales – Clarinet Michael Sachs – Trumpet Chris Deviney – Percussion Pictured: Das Blumelein Project with the NRO at Main Street Station

Das Blumelein Project

Pictured: Mary Javian’s Community Engagement Masterclass

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FINANCIAL SUMMARY REVENUE Contributions Special Events Concert Revenue Miscellaneous Endowment Distribution Total Income

$630,184 $194,668 $242,711 $102,029 $57,212 $1,226,804

EXPENSES Fundraising Special Events Marketing Education & Concert Production Miscellaneous Personnel Administrative Total Expense Net Income

$10,200 $126,989 $53,200 $446,460 $34,597 $454,516 $99,738 $1,225,700 $1,104

ENDOWMENT FUND Beginning Balance Contributions Dividends & Realized Gains/Losses Distributions Market Change Closing Balance

$2,005,531 $31,907 $137,811 ($57,212) $91,485 $2,209,522

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 2019, 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 certain investment of operating funds. These investments, along with vigorous development activities 20 allowed the NRO to complete the season with a small surplus.

FINANCIAL SUMMARY REVENUE Endowment Distribution Miscellaneous

Concert Revenue

Contributions Special Events

EXPENSES Administrative

Fundraising

Special Events Marketing

Personnel

Miscellaneous

Education & Concert Production

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BOARD & SUSTAINERS 2019 Board of Trustees

Rick Poppe, President Mike Massey, Executive Vice President Sally Queen, Secretary John Stafford, Treasurer Patrice Lara, Past President Libby Bortz Sam Bufford Barbara Calvin Tom Day Sean Gatzen John Landon Pam Wiegand Pam Piper Yeung

Pictured: Patrice Lara, Mike Altenberg and Rick Poppe

2019 Sustainers Sandy Mortensen, Chair Libby Bortz and Mike Altenberg Murray and Marlene Altman Carlie and Terry Barnhart Ann Brewster Barbara and Jim Calvin Gerri Cohen M.A. Deen JoAnn Falletta John Fielder Barbara Strauss and Paul Finkel

Nancy* and Bob Follett Nancy and Tom French Annette and Gerry Fricke Pamela and Reggie Gray Robin Hadley Kenneth and Annette Hallock Joan Manley Houlton Anne and John Kern Jane King John Krakauer* Anita and Jim Kreider

Patrice and Ron Lara Anne and Bill Mills Harriet Neiman Ann and Tom Rader Kate and Jim* Taucher Jack Thomas Lou Wagner Pamela and Sonny Wiegand Bobbie and Glen Zelkind (Deceased*)

Our Board of Trustees and Sustainers are our BIGGEST champions.

We can’t thank them enough.

Pictured: NRO Sustainers with Carl Topilow

Social BUZZ

MARKETING

+4,000 FaceBook Followers and 969 Instagram Followers by

the end of the fiscal year. More than DOUBLE 2018!

Social media, e-mail blasts and digital ads were directly linked to nearly 50% of ticket sales.

New WEBSITE

Goodbye .com. NRO launched a new website with a new URL!

NROmusic

.org

Pictured: Changhyum Cha and David Nakazono, Trumpet

Zach Feingold NRO Bassoon 2019 I cannot think of one single experience that prepared me the most for my career other than my time with NRO. I also cannot think of a time where I made the closest friends in this business. It's not an understatement to say I have no idea where I'd be or even the person I became without the experience and memories I made during my time with NRO. -Ryan Anthony Principal Trumpet Dallas Symphony, NRO ‘91 & ‘92

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FULL-TIME STAFF

Ă…sa Armstrong Director of Development

Carrie Benefiel Director of Marketing

Debbie Higgs Director of Finance Kristin Kall Director of Operations

Pictured: Ella Loman, Co-Concertmaster, Violin & Isabel Dimoff, Cello

info@NROmusic.org

Dave DePeters Chief Executive Officer

2020 GIVING INITIATIVES 60TH ANNIVERSARY GIFT CHALLENGE

Your donation to the National Repertory Orchestra over and beyond your giving amount the previous year will be matched dollar for dollar up to $60,000 when you give now until September 30, 2020!

Thank you to four special couples who made the match possible.

YOUR TAX REFUND CAN SUPPORT THE NRO ReFUND CO gives you an opportunity to directly support a local nonprofit like us that is doing important work in your community.

NRO Registration Number: 20023004605 (enter on tax return) Pictured: NRO Community Engagement Fellow, Nicha Stapanukel

Zach Feingold NRO Bassoon 2019

My time at the NRO was an unforgettable experience filled with gorgeous music-making, great hikes, and great new friendships. With each week consisting of two to sometimes five different concerts and various conductors, the NRO gives the aspiring musician a Summer's taste of what it will be like in the real world. I'll never forget it!

-Taylor Fong, Bass Trombone

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My summer with the NRO was an unforgettable experience. Playing day after day at such a high level has solidified a standard of excellence that I will carry with me throughout my career.

-Zachary Feingold, Bassoon (pictured)

Changing Lives Through Music!

NROmusic.org

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