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. 14
AUDIENCE & COMMUNITY
9,492 57
FREE Open Rehearsals
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FREE Community Engagement Performances
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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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