NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA
IMPACT R EP O RT 2026
American Adventures
BY THE NUMBERS AMERICAN ADVENTURES The National Repertory Orchestra’s 2026 season, American Adventures, celebrated two historic milestones—America’s 250th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th—through a powerful exploration of the music, landscapes, and stories that shape our shared identity. Over eight extraordinary weeks, the NRO brought together exceptional young professional musicians, world-class conductors, and audiences of all ages to celebrate the transformative power of music. From beloved American masterpieces to bold new compositions, the season honored our musical heritage while investing in its future. A defining highlight was the NRO’s commitment to bringing new American music to life through one commission and two co-commissions. These performances offered audiences opportunities to experience musical history in the making while giving NRO musicians invaluable experience bringing new orchestral works to the stage.
Beyond the concert hall, the NRO continued its commitment to making exceptional music accessible to all. Free community performances, educational concerts, school and library visits, and interactive musical experiences brought musicians directly into the heart of Summit County and surrounding communities. Through partnerships with local schools and organizations, the NRO introduced young audiences to the wonder of live music and strengthened the role of the arts in our community. The 2026 season was more than a celebration of historic milestones; it was a testament to music’s power to connect generations, strengthen communities, and inspire what comes next. By championing new music, expanding access to the arts, nurturing young audiences, and preparing the next generation of orchestral leaders, the NRO continues to ensure that the future of classical music is as vibrant and inspiring as its past.
OUR 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!
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NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA
REACH & AUDIENCE
32,200+
165 +
93
PEOPLE ATTENDED OUR PROGRAMS, ONLINE AND IN-PERSON
FREE AND TICKETED EVENTS ANIMATED SUMMIT COUNTY AND BEYOND
NET PROMOTER SCORE FOR ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS
COMMUNITY IMPACT
86%
$2.85 M
98%
PROGRAMMING WAS FREE TO THE PUBLIC, AS BOTH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS
INFUSED INTO THE LOCAL ECONOMY BY THE NRO AND ITS AUDIENCE
ATTENDEES STATED THAT BECAUSE OF THE NRO, SUMMIT COUNTY IS A MORE VIBRANT PLACE TO LIVE OR VISIT
PARTNERSHIPS & PEOPLE
27
5,930 +
5,800 +
SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, NONPROFITS, AND COLLABORATION PARTNERS THROUGHOUT SUMMIT COUNTY
CHILDREN WERE IMPACTED BY EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
HOURS VOLUNTEERED THROUGH COMMUNITY LINK
2026 IMPACT REPORT
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THE ORCHESTRA The NRO brings together some of the nation’s most promising young professional musicians, selected from a competitive pool of applicants representing leading conservatories and universities. Already accomplished performers, these musicians come to the NRO seeking the experience, mentorship, and connections that will help them take the next step in their careers. Through an intensive eight-week festival, they immerse themselves in the demands of professional orchestral life, performing ambitious repertoire at a pace that builds artistic versatility, confidence, and resilience. What makes the NRO experience exceptional is the combination of world-class mentorship and meaningful collaboration. Under the guidance of Music Director Michael Stern and distinguished guest conductors, musicians deepen their artistry while learning from one another, taking on leadership roles, and building lasting professional relationships.
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NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA
TOP 3 INFLUENCES ON ARTISTIC GROWTH IN 2026, ACCORDING TO THE MUSICIANS: 1. Mentorship from Music Director Michael Stern. Michael Stern’s artistic guidance challenged musicians to think beyond technical precision, deepening their musical interpretation, expanding their artistic flexibility, and building the confidence to make thoughtful, expressive decisions as professional performers.
2. Intensive repertoire and professional performance pace. Performing a demanding range of orchestral works on accelerated rehearsal and concert schedules gave musicians firsthand experience with the expectations of professional orchestras. This immersive training strengthened their preparation, adaptability, and confidence in performing at the highest level.
3. Collaboration with and learning from peers. Working alongside equally accomplished and dedicated musicians created an environment of shared learning and artistic discovery. Through collaboration, rotating leadership roles, and exchange of ideas, musicians grew as both artists and colleagues.
“At NRO I had the opportunity to live in a community with like minded and passionate young musicians. Community is driven by shared
The 2026 National Repertory Orchestra provided tuition-free orchestral experiences to 81 musicians representing:
purpose, and it was transformative to spend a summer living with shared purpose among friends and colleagues.” 2026 MUSICIAN FELLOW
This year’s musician fellows have obtained (or will obtain) the following degrees:
12 COUNTRIES 26 STATES 64 CITIES
“The NRO has shaped the trajectory of my music career, helping me discover that orchestral
100% BACHELOR OF MUSIC 57% MASTER OF MUSIC 2% DOCTOR OF MUSIC
playing is extremely meaningful and deeply fulfilling to me. I will not view myself or the music world the same after this festival.“ 2026 MUSICIAN FELLOW
104 pieces of repertoire performed throughout the 2026 season from 76 unique composers
NRO musicians gained invaluable experience through an intensive combination of:
17 MASTERCLASSES, SECTIONALS, & SEMINARS led by:
22 GUEST CONDUCTORS & EDUCATORS
IN THE COMMUNITY The NRO plays a vital role in Summit County, enriching the region with transformative musical experiences that reach far beyond the concert hall. Each summer, the NRO brings world-class music directly into the heart of the community through free performances in public spaces, partnerships with local organizations, and accessible family programs. These efforts strengthen community bonds, spark curiosity, and inspire audiences of all ages to discover the joy of orchestral music. A cornerstone of this impact is the work of the NRO Alumni String Quartet, which leads education initiatives designed to engage Summit County’s youngest learners. Through interactive performances in schools, libraries, and day camps, the quartet introduces children to the magic of live music in fun, approachable, and inspiring ways.
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NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA
“
The Free Family & Kids Concert really stood out to me. It was so great getting to see people of all ages enjoy the program, and I could tell that the music had a big influence on the audience, especially for the younger children.” 2026 MUSICIAN FELLOW
ATTENDANCE AT FREE EVENTS BY EVENT TYPE
13%
23%
Free Community Engagement Events | 23%
Free Concerts | 36%
Open Rehearsals | 20%
Education Programs | 8%
Outreach | 13%
8%
20% 36%
FREE EVENT FEEDBACK “Hearing these great musicians in an informal and unexpected setting offered moments of peace and beauty to our lives. These free performances make the NRO experience more accessible, bringing the joy of live music into the heart of our community.”
NUMBER OF FREE EVENTS
Instrument Petting Zoo Keystone Encore Music in the Mountains NRO Distilled Pop-Up Concerts Symphony in the Streets
Free Family and Kids Concert, Riverwalk Center NRO on the Lake, Dillon Amphitheater 4th of July Spectacular, Rainbow Park, Silverthorne 4th of July Spectacular, Riverwalk Center lawn Chamber Concert, Riverwalk Center
57 Rehearsals open to the public at the Riverwalk Center
Aspects of Arts Administration Classes Library and Classroom Engagement Masterclasses & Sectionals Community Engagement Seminar Women in the Arts
Dinosaur Ridge, Morrison Onyx the Velociraptor, Town of Breckenridge Wind Crest Concert, Highlands Ranch Crested Butte Center for the Arts, Crested Butte
UNIQUE VENUES IN SUMMIT COUNTY
20 BRECKENRIDGE 2 DILLON 4 FRISCO 4 KEYSTONE 5 SILVERTHORNE
CLASSROOM VISIT FEEDBACK “The NRO musicians coming to Breck Montessori are so inspirational! [My daughter] Harbor always comes
130+
home and wants to improvise with whatever we have
offered in venues, parks, schools, libraries, day camps, and public spaces throughout Colorado
the impact. It’s been huge! We talk about it all year
on hand. In this case it’s a guitar made into a cello. Just speaking from our experience, you can’t imagine long and look forward to it every year!”
2026 IMPACT REPORT
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AUDIENCE FREE EVENTS
TICKETED EVENTS
RESIDENCE
RESIDENCE
Summit County | 35% Colorado (excl. Summit County) | 30% Out of State | 35%
Summit County | 35% Colorado (excl. Summit County) | 30% Out of State | 35%
RELATIONSHIP TO SUMMIT COUNTY
LENGTH OF VISIT
RELATIONSHIP TO SUMMIT COUNTY
LENGTH OF VISIT
Primary Residents| 34% Second Home Owners | 26% Visitors | 40%
Day Trip| 6% Up to 7 days | 64% More than 7 days | 30%
Primary Residents| 33% Second Home Owners | 37% Visitors | 30%
Day Trip| 10% Up to 7 days | 32% More than 7 days | 58%
HOUSEHOLD INCOME
EDUCATION LEVEL
HOUSEHOLD INCOME
EDUCATION LEVEL
IN THOUSANDS:
$50 - 74.9 | 4% $75 - 99.9 | 10% $100 - 149.9 | 23% $150 - 199.9 | 18% $200 - 249.9 | 4% $250 or More | 14% Prefer Not to Say |27%
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Paid
NATIONAL REPERTORY ORCHESTRA
IN THOUSANDS:
Associates| 4% Bachelor | 32% Masters | 45% Doctoral | 17% Other | 2%
$49.9 or Less| 6% $50 - 74.9 | 2% $75 - 99.9 | 11% $100 - 149.9 | 7% $150 - 199.9 | 6% $200 - 249.9 | 15% $250 or More | 17% Prefer Not to Say | 36%
Associate’s| 3% Bachelor’s | 24% Master’s | 46% Doctoral | 15% Other | 12%
88% of musicians said it would have created a financial hardship to attend the NRO without the tuition-free model
MUSICIAN HIGHLIGHT I chose to attend the National Repertory Orchestra because I was looking for the most challenging and rewarding summer experience I could find as I prepare to begin my professional career. After completing my master’s degree and spending the past year balancing multiple jobs in the music world, I wanted a program that would truly reflect the pace and expectations of a professional orchestra. NRO stood out immediately with its rigorous programming, incredible guest conductors, talented musicians from around the world, and its commitment to providing every fellow with a full scholarship. The tuition-free opportunity has made an enormous difference for me. Like many young musicians, I have worked hard to build my career while managing the financial realities that come with it. Knowing that my tuition was completely covered allowed me to focus on what mattered most this summer—learning, growing, and making music at the highest level. The sheer volume of repertoire, combined with the fast pace of rehearsals and performances, has made me a more flexible and organized musician. Every week has required me to prepare new music, adapt to different conductors, and continually raise my own standards, making this the perfect preparation for stepping into a professional orchestra this fall. What has surprised me most, though, is the sense of community. This was my first visit to Colorado, and while the Rocky Mountains are breathtaking,
it’s the people who have made this summer truly unforgettable. Whether performing throughout Summit County, meeting audiences in neighboring towns, or building friendships with fellow musicians, I’ve experienced a level of connection that goes far beyond the concert stage. In just eight weeks, we’ve become a family, and I know these friendships will last throughout my career. As I begin my new position with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, I’ll carry far more than musical preparation with me. I’ll take the spirit of collaboration, kindness, and positivity that defines the NRO. When an orchestra supports one another both on and off the stage, it creates performances that truly impact a community. Thank you for making experiences like mine possible. I will carry everything I’ve learned at the National Repertory Orchestra with me for years to come.
Kari Novilla NRO 2026 Harpist
$810,000+ awarded in merit-based scholarships to each of the 81 musician fellows in 2026
100% of musicians said the NRO has been a crucial part of their musical growth
70% of NRO alumni from the past six years have landed jobs in the music industry; another 10% are still pursuing their higher education
2026 IMPACT REPORT
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Changing Lives
Through Music!
NROMUSIC.ORG