National Repertory Orchestra - Resident Orchestra

The National Repertory Orchestra, a non-profit organization, is a preeminent intensive training that equips young musicians for orchestral music careers while providing the highest-level of musical experience for all stakeholders. Alumni currently play in virtually every major and regional orchestra in the U. S. and in orchestras world-wide.

The NRO performs two full orchestra concerts each week in Breckenridge¹s beautiful Riverwalk Center between late June and mid-August. In addition, members of the NRO take part in smaller chamber concerts during the festival, and the full orchestra plays at several other locations in the state.

The Music Experience

During his 30 years with the National Repertory Orchestra, Maestro Carl Topilow has led the orchestra to the forefront of summer music festival programs.  Every winter, Maestro Topilow and distinguished NRO alumni audition more than 800 young musicians from leading conservatories and music schools in the US and Canada.  The finest 89 musicians are chosen for an eight-week, intensive, orchestral fellowship and summer residency in Breckenridge, Colorado.

The pre-eminent career-preparatory experience for these musicians includes a rigorous rehearsal and performance schedule, during which an entire orchestral season ­ 29 concerts ­ is compressed into eight weeks of demanding repertoire.  Not only must these musicians plan with a whole complement of new colleagues, but they must also perform a wide range of material with only a few rehearsals for each performance.  At the end of the summer, they have developed real skills under this pressure and have brought their musicianship to new heights.

Beyond Great Music

During their summer fellowship, National Repertory Orchestra musicians also take part in the NRO¹s Education and Community Engagement Program, which prepares the musicians for an active role in the communities they will be serving.  For symphony orchestras to survive and thrive, musicians need to be advocates for classical music in all aspects of life.  The NRO provides such skills and experience through a summer education track.  Career development classes such as mock auditions, contract negotiations, finance for musicians, and training in music therapy and early childhood interaction, address the often neglected extra-musical aspects of being a professional orchestra musician.

NRO musicians also take part in community engagement events throughout the summer including performances at area preschools and hospice centers.  They receive training in inter-personal skills for community engagement events, networking, and speaking with the media. The NRO believes the sustainability of the modern orchestra is dependent on the active participation of its musicians beyond their extraordinary musical abilities.

Community Involvement

The NRO Summer program provides opportunities for members of the local community to be actively involved in the organization.  Through Community Link, NRO musicians and interns are matched with local families and offered weekly activities such as hiking, rafting trips, picnics, and sports events.

Community members also volunteer during the summer music festival in administration, at concerts and fundraising events.