Audition for the NRO
Summer Music Festival
Your Future Starts Here
The National Repertory Orchestra is one of the country’s premier training programs for young professional musicians. Each year, the NRO 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.
At the NRO, every musician receives a full, merit-based scholarship, ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of talent and potential. Musicians work side-by-side with Music Director Michael Stern and a distinguished list of guest conductors, perform an extraordinary range of repertoire, and gain the real-world experience needed to succeed in professional symphonies across the globe. For these young artists, the NRO is more than a summer festival — it is a vital bridge from conservatory to a lifelong career in music.
“My experience in NRO this summer was life-changing and inspiring. I was surrounded by talented and dedicated musicians who pushed me to be my best everyday, while also living in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Learning this much orchestral repertoire in such a short period of time has been paramount in preparing me for my professional career.”
full scholarships
All musicians receive a full scholarship valued at $10,000 to attend the Summer Music Festival. Scholarship includes housing, food stipend, and more. A partial travel stipend will be provided thanks to a kind donation by Bonnie Kirschenbaum. She will also be providing an additional stipend for Big Instruments.
more repertoire
Perform more repertoire at the NRO than at any other festival of its kind.
solo opportunities
Solo opportunities at orchestral concerts.
chamber music
Create interactive chamber music programs as part of the NRO’s Community Engagement initiative.
masterclasses & sectionals
Learn from industry experts at a series of masterclasses and sectionals.
guest conductors
Perform with world-class conductors, including Music Director Michael Stern and renowned guest conductors.
Important dates
Summer Music Festival: June 26 – August 14, 2027 (8 weeks)
Arrival/Departure: Musicians will arrive in Breckenridge on Sunday, June 20 and depart on Sunday, August 15.
application deadlines
The NRO will start receiving applications on Monday, October 12, 2026.
The final day to submit applications is Monday, January 25, 2027.
The NRO will not host live or in-person auditions and will only accept recorded video submissions.
application fees
Take advantage of our lowest application of just $50 until November 30!
$50: Mon, Oct. 12, 2026 – Mon, Nov. 30, 2026
$100: Tue, Dec. 1, 2026 – Wed, Jan. 20, 2027
$125: Thu, Jan. 21, 2027 – Mon, Jan 25, 2027
*All fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and applicable until the deadline date at 11:59 PM, MST.
→ Questions? View our Q&A Section.
2027 Audition Packets
Please download the audition packet for your instrument and read all instructions carefully before beginning your audition.
Applications are submitted through Acceptd.
Strings
Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass
winds
Flute
Oboe
English Horn
Clarinet
Bass Clarinet
Bassoon
brass
Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
Bass Trombone
Tuba
percussion, harp, piano
Timpani
Percussion
Harp
Piano / Keyboard
conducting
conducting fellowship
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to the NRO Orchestra?
Applicants must be between 18 and 29 years of age and will have completed at least one year of college, university, or conservatory by June 19, 2027.
I am an NRO alumna/alumnus. Am I eligible to re-audition?
Yes! The NRO welcomes any alum to audition, provided you are within the age limit. There is no restriction to the number of years you can attend the NRO.
When will I know if I have been accepted to the NRO?
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status from late February to early March 2027.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes! Applications are welcome for international students between the ages of 18 and 29.
I am an international student. What visa do I need to participate in the NRO?
All visas and fees are the musician’s responsibility. Please consult with your school’s academic advisor or consulate to determine if you are eligible. While the NRO Summer Music Festival is free of charge to musicians, the NRO provides housing and a weekly food stipend which may be viewed as compensation by the government.
Is there an audition tour this year?
The NRO will be accepting reorded video auditions only. There will be no in-person or live auditions.
What does it cost to attend the NRO?
The cost to attend the summer music festival is minimal! Tuition and housing are provided by the National Repertory Orchestra. Fellows will also receive a minimum of $85 per week in the form of a grocery gift card and will have the opportunity to attend free, weekly community dinners.
The NRO will collect $375 upon enrollment which is broken down as follows:
- $275 non-refundable administration fee
- $100 refundable housing deposit, pending there are no damages
All staff and fellows will assume responsibility for their living space.
Where will I live in Breckenridge?
Musicians will be in ski employee housing with the majority of apartments in Breckenridge on Airport Road. Most will be shared living space including condo-mates as well as roommates.
What is the housing like?
Housing consists of two and three-bedroom apartments and is assigned based on availability. Expect two people per bedroom. Units are pet-free, non-smoking, drug-free and furnished with beds and couches. All have a kitchen with basic appliances and a bathroom. Quiet hours will apply.
There is no housekeeping service. Linens, towels, utensils and cooking basics are provided by the NRO. Details will be communicated shortly before arrival.
What items are included in housing?
There is no need to spend additional money on items like pots and pans or sheets and pillows.
Upon arrival, all musicians receive a complimentary welcome bag with essential items like a stage-ready and commemorative NRO water bottle, dishwashing liquid starter packs and more. The orchestra provides basic living needs, including but not limited to kitchenware, cookware and utensils, hangers and bedding sheets, a pillow/pillowcase, comforters, and bathroom items like towels, shower curtains and bathmats. Coin-operated laundry facilities are onsite.
Keep your welcome bag for your shopping and avoid bag fees at stores ($0.25 per bag in Breckenridge).
What about transportation?
The Town’s Free Ride bus system provides public transportation in Breckenridge and is accessible from the NRO’s housing complexes. Each color-coded bus route is specially designed to move you within key areas of Breckenridge, including the Riverwalk Center, the NRO’s main performance venue.
The Summit Stage is also a free public bus service that runs through Summit County and provides easy transportation to Frisco, Blue River, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Keystone.
Can I live with my significant other if they are also accepted to the NRO?
Only married couples accepted to the NRO summer music festival may receive shared housing. Please note we are unable to accommodate requests for unmarried couples to be roommates or condo-mates.
Can I bring my pet?
Although we LOVE animals at the NRO, pets are not permitted. Our housing partners and most seasonal living spaces have a strict no-pet policy. Please leave your furry friends at home where they will be safe, loved on and in the best care possible while you focus on all the benefits of the festival.