The National Repertory Orchestra
changing lives through music
About the NRO
The National Repertory Orchestra is dedicated to education. For over 65 years, the NRO has been a training ground for the next generation of classical music leaders. Each year, the National Repertory Orchestra attracts more than 800 applicants from the nation’s leading conservatories, universities, and graduate programs. These are highly trained young professional musicians who have already dedicated years to mastering their instruments. Most are standing at the threshold of professional orchestral careers, or are in the final stages of their formal training. With their technical skills finely honed, they are looking for the intensive, real-world experience that will propel them onto the world’s stages.
Applicants are drawn to the NRO because it offers something few programs can match: the chance to perform a vast amount of core orchestral repertoire at a professional pace, while learning from Music Director Michael Stern and collaborating with equally passionate peers. They hope to refine their artistry, expand their networks, and build the confidence and resilience needed to succeed in competitive auditions and professional ensembles. For many, NRO is a pivotal step — a bridge between academic study and the launch of a lifelong career in music.
Our musicians participate in a rigorous schedule of rehearsals, concerts, and educational programs—all tuition-free. This transformative experience provides them with the skills, experience, and confidence needed to step into leadership roles with major orchestras across the globe.
Beyond the stage, the NRO is deeply committed to community engagement. We offer free concerts, family-friendly performances, and interactive education programs to inspire a lifelong love of music. Through the support of our community, we continue to make classical music accessible, vibrant, and relevant to today’s audiences while shaping the future of the art form.
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!
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!
Impact Report
The National Repertory Orchestra is a local organization with a global reach. Take a look at our latest Impact Report for details from the 2025 concert season.
→ Want to support the NRO? to learn how, click here.
Community Engagement
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.Each summer, the NRO performs more than 85 free community engagement events throughout Summit County and beyond.
music for everyone
The National Repertory Orchestra firmly believes music is for everyone, and takes great pride in our ability to provide the community with free musical events. Through innovative ensembles and full orchestral performances that are both educational and inspiring, musicians introduce children of all ages to orchestral music with various age-appropriate activities. These activities include movement to music, soundscapes, rhythmic recognition, composition and “petting zoos” – a popular, hands-on format that allows children to hold and play real musical instruments.
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.Each summer, the NRO performs more than 85 free community engagement events throughout Summit County and beyond.
music for everyone
The National Repertory Orchestra firmly believes music is for everyone, and takes great pride in our ability to provide the community with free musical events. Through innovative ensembles and full orchestral performances that are both educational and inspiring, musicians introduce children of all ages to orchestral music with various age-appropriate activities. These activities include movement to music, soundscapes, rhythmic recognition, composition and “petting zoos” – a popular, hands-on format that allows children to hold and play real musical instruments.
Michael Stern
NRO’s Music Director Michael Stern has long been devoted to building and leading highly acclaimed orchestras. He currently holds three music director positions: The NRO, Kansas City Symphony, and Orchestra Lumos. Stern was recently named Artistic Advisor of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, one of Canada’s foremost orchestral ensembles.
Music Director Michael Stern
Conductor Michael Stern has long been devoted to building and leading highly acclaimed orchestras known not only for their impeccable musicianship and creative programming, but also for collaborative, sustainable cultures that often include a vision of music as service to the community. He also is passionate about working with young musicians not only in music making, but also to incorporate the idea of “service” into their experiences as they become the artists and advocates of the future who will take classical music into the 21st century and beyond.
Stern is Music Director of the National Repertory Orchestra and Orchestra Lumos (formerly the Stamford Symphony). He is Music Director Emeritus of the Kansas City Symphony where he just concluded his 19-year tenure at the end of the 2023-2024 season. He co-founded Iris Orchestra in 2000 and was Founding Artistic Director and Principal Conductor until 2021-22, when he had planned to step down from his post. After his departure, he now serves as Artistic Advisor to the newly reimagined Iris Collective.
Our History
Follow the history of the National Repertory Orchestra through four locations, three names, three music directors, ten executive directors, countless board members, and a legacy of over 4,000 musicians!
blue jeans symphony founded
1960
Founded by cellist Walter Charles as the Blue Jeans Symphony in Estes Park, CO. His vision was to fill the gap between academic musical training and the competitive world of the professional musician with a massive dose of classical repertoire, rehearsals, and concerts. All musicians had to pay their own living expenses by working at local businesses. Mr. Charles was the Music Director and Conductor.
colorado philharmonic moves to evergreen
1966
The orchestra moved to Evergreen, CO and changed its name to the Colorado Philharmonic. A board of trustees was founded and living expenses for the musicians were now covered financially, allowing them to concentrate fully on the music. The present day “Community Link Program” also began.
carl topilow becomes music director
1978
Carl Topilow takes the roles of Music Director and Conductor and focuses on bringing in guest conductors, guest artists, seminars and master classes. Robert Gross became the first Business Manager of the Orchestra.
creation of the national repertory orchestra
1987
The Orchestra relocated to Keystone Resort and changed its name to the National Repertory Orchestra in an effort to better recognize the national/international make-up of its musicians. Richard D. Lamm, Governor of Colorado, presents NRO with the “Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts.” The NRO also performed at Red Rocks Amphitheater.
the nro comes to breckenridge
1993
The Town of Breckenridge invited the Orchestra to perform in the new Riverwalk Center, now NRO’s summer residence. Pamela G. Miller takes over as Executive Director. The NRO performs at the World Youth Day festivities during the visit of Pope John Paul II to Colorado.
creation of endowment fund
2004
The Endowment Fund was put into place to establish long-term financial security. The 4th of July concert began in Dillon, CO.
Partnership with Pittsburgh Symphony
2007
The Pittsburgh Symphony and the NRO partnered on a musician training program for African American musicians. The program provided a year long learning experience with two of the world’s leading orchestra’s and enabled young musicians to dedicate themselves to the pursuit of an orchestra career.
50th Anniversary
2010
The NRO celebrates its 50th Anniversary. The NRO receives a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The NRO and Colorado Mountain College team up to bring the Met Opera Live in HD Series to Breckenridge.
30th Anniversary in Breckenridge
2023
The NRO celebrates its 30th anniversary of its residency in Breckenridge.
Meet the Orchestra
Each year 80 young musicians are chosen to perform with the National Repertory Orchestra, where they are trained for professional careers as symphony musicians. Our alumni have joined the ranks of every major orchestra in the world—meet this year’s talented musicians.
Our Supporters
Special thanks to the following funders and partners for supporting critical programs that share the power of music with all.
