National Repertory Orchestra 2021 Impact Report

2 02 1 I M PAC T R E P O RT

M U S I C D I R E C TO R

M ICH A E L ST ER N

“ NRO has been one of the best experiences of my life.

The combination of the loving supportive environment and high-level performance has been unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I have benefitted enormously on a personal, professional, and musical level.

I am so grateful to everyone in the NRO for a summer that I will treasure forever.”

- Rachel O’Connor, Horn

NRO 2021 IMPACT REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS Musicians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Educational Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

NRO in the Community . . . . . . . . . . 10 Orchestral Concerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Elaine Collins collins.elaine LovePris loveprisphotos Byron Swezy byronswezy Joshua Geurink cinematicjosh

Economic Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Marketing & Communications . . . . . 16 Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Program Supporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

On the Cover: Sarah Biagini, Violin

*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 recommendation of the venue, organization, town or county.

NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA PO Box 6336 • 111 S. Main Street, C7 Breckenridge, CO 80424 970-453-5825 NROmusic.org NROMUSIC.ORG | 2021 IMPACT REPORT | NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

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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!

NROmusic.org #NROmusic

“NRO is a rare program that threw me into the deep end of a dense, professional-style orchestral season. I have never had to perform this much music so well in such a short amount of time. This experience, combined with a healthy rapport among the musicians, makes it an ideal training ground for any musician wanting to take their orchestral playing to the next level.” ~ Ross Sanchez, Bass Trombone 2 NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 2021 IMPACT REPORT | NROMUSIC.ORG

MICHAEL STERN, Music Director Stern is the third Music Director in the NRO’s 61-year history.

FROM THE MUSICIANS: “Michael Stern is prob-

M

ichael Stern is Music Director of The National Repertory Orchestra, the Kansas City Symphony, and the Stamford Symphony. He is also the Founding Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Iris Orchestra.

Michael Stern and Kansas City have been hailed for their remarkable artistic ascent, original programming, organizational development and stability, and the extraordinary growth of its varied audiences since his tenure began. Stern and the orchestra have partnered with Grammy® Award-winning Reference Recordings for a series of very well-received CDs, including a new recording of works by American composer Adam Schoenberg, Gustav Holst’s “The Planets,” and albums of Elgar, Sibelius, and Saint-Saens.

Iris Orchestra in Germantown, Tennessee is known for the virtuosity of its playing, and the depth and variety of its programming, with special emphasis on American contemporary

ably the most inspiring

music. Under Stern’s direction, IRIS has commissioned and premiered works by William Bolcom, Chris Brubeck, Richard Danielpour, Stephen Hartke, Edgar Meyer, Jonathan Leshnoff, Ned Rorem, Huang Ruo, amongst others, and has released recordings on the Naxos and Arabesque labels.

Annually he conducts the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra as part of the Youth Music Culture Guangdong with Yo-Yo Ma and regularly appears at the Aspen Music Festival and School.

Stern has led the major orchestras in London, Stockholm, Paris, Helsinki, Budapest, Israel, and Moscow, Taiwan, and Tokyo, et al. Stern has been Chief Conductor of Germany’s Saarbrücken Radio Symphony Orchestra (the first American chief conductor in the orchestra’s history), Permanent Guest Conductor of the Orchestre National de Lyon in France, and Principal Guest Conductor of the Orchestre National de Lille, France.

conductor I have ever worked under. The way he always brings everything back to the meaning of the music, what we are saying rather than the notes on the page. The energy he brings to the performance is incredible - he really pulls the best out of us.”

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

NROMUSIC.ORG | 2021 IMPACT REPORT | NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

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IMPACT SUMMARY We believe music is vitally important and goes beyond words to connect audiences of all backgrounds and generations.

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 diverse, 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

Magalí Toy Cello 4 NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 2021 IMPACT REPORT | NROMUSIC.ORG

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 each December and is an important tool for the organization to gauge and meet the needs of the many music communities we serve.

Musicians and Administrative/Production Fellows: Surveys were made available to all attending fellows to provide feedback on the summer festival.

NRO in the Community: Surveys were made available at all free Community Engagement performances between June 29 – July 30, 2021.

Orchestral Concerts: Surveys were made available at the following two performances: • Masterworks 4 with Midori on July 9, 2021 at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge • Topilow Pops on July 28, 2021 at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge

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

NROMUSIC.ORG | 2021 IMPACT REPORT | NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

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MUSICIANS

72

Musicians participated over two sessions for an unforgettable summer with the NRO in Breckenridge.

25

62

States

Cities

100% would recommend the NRO to a friend or colleague.

Self-Identified Gender

37.5% FEMALE

62.5% MALE

Session A

Session B

Most Memorable Concert:

Most Memorable Concert:

MASTERWORKS 1

MASTERWORKS 7

Michael Stern, Conductor

Michael Stern, Conductor

Henry Jenkins, Violin

Christophe Koenig, Violin Nicholas Lindell, Viola

On the Program: Anna Clyne: This Midnight Hour (2015)

On the Program:

Chausson: Poème for Violin & Orchestra,

Carlos Simon: This Land

op.25

Mozart: Sinfonia Concertante for Violin,

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.4 in F minor,

Viola & Orchestra in E-flat major, K.364

op.36

Schumann: Symphony No.3 in E-flat major, op.97, Rhenish *66 musicians completed survey

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MUSICIANS Favorite activities off the stage

Hiking

Lauren Robinson Horn

River Rafting

Dining Out

Andrew Port Oboe

Paul Hafley Clarinet

Spending time with Community Link Families

Brendon Sill Bassoon

“After a tumultuous year of quarantined music making, returning to live music with the National Repertory Orchestra was both inspirational and humbling. I couldn’t imagine spending the summer anywhere else.” ~ Andrew Port, Oboe NROMUSIC.ORG | 2021 IMPACT REPORT | NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

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EDUCATIONAL IMPACT The 2021 NRO

72

Full-Scholarship Musician Fellows

7

Administrative, Production, and Operations Fellows

Musician & Audience Experience

14

Orchestra Concerts

3

Free Orchestra Concerts

Midori Guest Artist, Violin 8 NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 2021 IMPACT REPORT | NROMUSIC.ORG

35

Open Rehearsals

30

Free and Interactive Chamber Performances

EDUCATIONAL IMPACT Expanded Education

91%

of musicians said the NRO enhanced their music training.

91%

of musicians said they would return for another season.

95%

of musicians said the NRO supported their career goals.

Performance Features

74

Pieces of Repertoire

Allison Taylor Violin

“This has been the most transformative experience of my life. I feel that I have grown exponentially as a violinist, musician, and human.” ~ Allison Taylor, Violin

54

Unique Composers

18

Living Composers

Brian Kelley Tuba

“Being a part of the NRO has been a surreal experience. Having the ability to perform the remarkable repertoire that we have performed, and make connections with the people I have has been very beneficial for my career, as these are the pieces and people I will see throughout my career.” ~ Brian Kelley, Tuba NROMUSIC.ORG | 2021 IMPACT REPORT | NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

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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.

100% of audience members said the NRO Community Engagement Performance enhanced their experience in Summit County.

8,822 People Attended

30

31% 27%

SENIORS (60+)

Free Community Engagement Concerts

KIDS (0-17)

42%

35

ADULTS (18-59)

Open Rehearsals

Free Concert Locations: • Blue River Plaza, Breckenridge • Breckenridge Associates Real Estate • Breckenridge Public Library • Dillon Amphitheater • Keystone Science School • Frisco Public Library • Frisco Bay Marina

• Main Street Station, Breckenridge • Rainbow Park, Silverthorne • Riverwalk Center Lawn, Breckenridge • Silverthorne Performing Arts Center • Silverthorne Public Library • Vail Public Library • Wind Crest Retirement Community

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NRO IN THE COMMUNITY

Jessamyn Fry Cello

Joe Kovac Cello

Julius Adams Viola

“The location was great, and we could stop and listen as part of our day. We had already been to Opening Night and plan to attend at least two more concerts. We come every summer for two to six weeks and NRO absolutely enhances our stay.” ~ NRO Audience Member

What audiences said they most enjoyed: ê Connecting with the performers to hear

Alex Chambers-Ozasky Co-Principal, Cello

more of their story.

ê Inclusion of the kids and seeing their joy. ê The level of talent and engagement with audiences.

3,500+

Persons viewed NRO Encore, a virtual evening of music, celebration, and community.

Parker Olson Percussion NROMUSIC.ORG | 2021 IMPACT REPORT | NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

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

7,555

people attended 11 ticketed and three free full orchestra performances.

98%

87%

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

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

What audience members said they liked most: ê Exceptional quality of music and enthusiasm of musicians. ê Variety of music selection. ê Energy of the concerts. ê Expertise of the performers.

Demographics of surveyed Riverwalk Center Concert Attendees: Location by zip code

47% OUT OF STATE

53%

COLORADO

Location

by County

38%

WIDER COLORADO

Self-Identified Gender

1% 27% 72% OTHER

62%

SUMMIT COUNTY

Age

6%

4% N/A

20-49

MALE

FEMALE

65% 50-74

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25% 75 and older

ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS Household Income

Educational Attainment

19% 23% 22% 28%

61% 32% 2% 4% 1%

8% 0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

0%

10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%

19% — $200,000 or above

61% — Master’s Degree or higher

23% — $150,000 - $199,000

32% — Bachelor’s Degree

22% — $100,000 - $149,000

2% — Associate Degree

28% — $50,000 - $99,000

4% — Some College

8% — $49,000 or below

1% — High School Diploma

“The whole symphony was wonderful, and I loved Michael Stern!” ~ NRO Audience Member

Standing Ovation

Opening Night NROMUSIC.ORG | 2021 IMPACT REPORT | NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

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ECONOMIC IMPACT

74%

97%

of the visiting NRO guests spent 3 or more lodging nights in Summit County.

38%

said they were more likely to return to Summit County in a different season after their NRO experience.

33%

VISITORS

RESIDENTS

29%

SECOND HOMEOWNERS

NRO Audience 14 NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA | 2021 IMPACT REPORT | NROMUSIC.ORG

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 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.

$1,574,445 Infused into the local economy

by NRO and its audience in 2021.

100%

of NRO events and concerts had physically distanced seating options.

$135,245 Contributed to state and local government revenue.

16,377

Audience members reached in 2021.

$921,560

Fourth of July at Rainbow Park in Silverthorne

Generated in resident household income by audience expenditures.

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

NROMUSIC.ORG | 2021 IMPACT REPORT | NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

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MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

32,059

Users visited the NRO website between October 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021.

Gender

Age

15% 18% 14% 24% 13% 13% 65+

18-24

55-64

Top States

Colorado

48% MALE

25-34

45-54

52%

FEMALE

Texas California New York Oregon

35-44

173,000+

Impressions via social media and digital campaigns during the concert season.

Top Social Threads

FaceBook

Instagram Increasing reach and accessibility while supporting sustainability.

FREE NRO mobile app 100+ downloads on July launch

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LiveNote® 2.0 This summer, the NRO also introduced LiveNote® 2.0, a multilingual and digitally interactive program guide available in real-time. The creative feature allowed audiences to dive deeper into performances with fun and educational notes on NRO Riverwalk Center performances.

50%+

Reduction in print materials like the NRO program book

“LiveNote was unique and really added a bit more depth to the concert.” ~ 2021 Audience Member

VOLUNTEERS NRO volunteers are a vital part of our organization.

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

173 Volunteers

4,752 Hours

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

NRO Ushers

Musician Check-In

NRO Ushers NROMUSIC.ORG | 2021 IMPACT REPORT | NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA

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

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PARTNERS

Barbara Strauss and Paul A. Finkel

Pat and Steve Larson

Jack and Wendy Wolfe

LODGING PARTNERS

MEDIA PARTNERS

CREATIVE & EVENTS PARTNERS

COLLABORATION PARTNERS Breck Film Festival Breckenridge Creative Arts Breckenridge Heritage Alliance Beckenridge Music

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Breckenridge Tourism Office Building Hope Summit County Lake Dillon Theatre Company Summit School District

“ The NRO gave me the opportunity to play more repertoire in a shorter amount of time than I ever have. I was able to work with a number of accomplished professionals. Most importantly, the ensemble really became a tight-knit community that was empathetic, friendly and fun.”

- Emma Gierszal, Percussion

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