It all began when a young cellist and conductor named Walter Charles found himself in Estes Park for the summer. He was helping a friend build a cabin. It was then that the plans for his long-held dream began to take shape. Charles knew from personal experience that young musicians, while well educated, lacked the training and experience needed to gain a seat in a professional symphony orchestra. So in 1960 he established the Blue Jeans Symphony Orchestra, to be renamed years later the National Repertory Orchestra. For 55 years, the NRO has provided an opportunity for talented and dedicated young musicians to spend 8 weeks of their summer in Colorado making beautiful music out of some of the most challenging works in the classical repertoire. We are the beneficiaries of this season of highly acclaimed concerts. This is Walter Charles’ legacy…what will yours be?
I believe that the NRO is one of only a few organizations that truly focuses on the experiential needs of aspiring professional musicians and then provides them an opportunity to practice their craft in a real world scenario. The musicians make it look easy while performing, even as audience members are moved to tears or gasping in amazement. Such is the nature and impact of beautifully orchestrated music! But when you peel back the layers of a successful performance you will see the years of training, the myriad hours of practice and rehearsal, and the lifetime of dedication that has brought each of them to this point. While today’s world of music is an especially challenging one, these musicians are prepared to face it head on and with determination. But they really need our help.
You’ve heard it before – ticket revenues cover only about 25% of the orchestra’s costs. But make no mistake, your tax deductible gift, large or small, will make a difference. It will help to pay housing costs for our musicians, provide them a modest food stipend, engage renowned guest conductors, expand the repertoire, and keep our ticket prices affordable.
This is our orchestra – yours and mine – and we need to do our part. So please make your tax deductible contribution today.
The NRO is about education, inspiration and “Changing Lives Through Music”. So won’t you join us to ensure the Orchestra’s continued success with a generous gift today and then plan to attend the concerts next summer? It’s the gift that keeps on giving!
Best wishes to you and yours this holiday season,
Patrice Lara
President, Board of Trustees
P.S. You can see a list of the benefits HERE that are yours, based on the amount of your donation. This is our way of saying thank you for your generous support.