The National Repertory Orchestra (NRO) is thrilled to announce auditions will open for the 2023 concert season on Monday, October 17, 2022!
Music Director Michael Stern and the 2022 NRO – photo by Marketing and Photography Fellow Joshua Geurink
Music Director Michael Stern and staff have eyes on an exhilarating season from June 18 through August 13, 2023. The NRO Summer Music Festival is tuition-free and provides complimentary housing, a food stipend, solo opportunities, and crucial experiential learning. Founded in 1960 in Estes Park, Colorado by Walter Charles, the NRO will celebrate its 30th year in stunning Breckenridge.
“The NRO has been an integral part of my orchestral career thus far. The people, place, and music have made it immensely memorable and enriching (both musically and socially). I love it here and would stay forever if I could.”
-NRO Musician 2022
Staying true to its longtime mission of, Changing Lives Through Music, the NRO is known for preparing young professional musicians between 18 and 29 for a successful music career. The festival offers more repertoire than any other program of its kind. Currently, there are NRO alums in every major orchestra throughout the nation!
During the festival, musicians will experience thoughtful and preeminent training, opening windows to diverse and new ideas while balancing classical music traditions. They will have the chance to perform nearly 20 full orchestra concerts with various works including repertoire by some of today’s most influential composers.
NRO fellows will also participate in the Community Engagement (CE) program led by Artist in Residence Mary Javian. Ms. Javian is Chair of Career Studies at the Curtis Institute of Music and a leader in the CE field. Her teachings nurture social interaction, helping musicians create innovative and experiential programming to connect with audiences.
Guest conductors, thus far, include NRO Music Director Emeritus Carl Topilow and Jason Seber. More conductors and guest artists will be named in the weeks ahead.
Auditions
Auditions open on Monday, October 17. Musicians can record a video audition in the comfort of their space and apply until 11:59 PM MST on Friday, February 10, 2023. Fees, however, will increase for those who wait until the final deadline. The NRO is offering an early application fee of just $40 until December 9, 2022, a savings of up to $85.
Application Fees and Deadlines
$40 from Monday, October 17, 2022, until Friday, December 9, 2022
$65 from Saturday, December 10, 2022, until Friday, January 13, 2023
$85 from Saturday, January 14, 2023, until Tuesday, February 7, 2023
$125 from Wednesday, February 8, 2023, until Friday, February 10, 2023
*All fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and applicable until the deadline date at 11:59 PM, MST. The NRO will not host live or in-person auditions and will only accept recorded video submissions.
NRO Summer Music Festival, June 24 – August 12, 2023
Musician Arrival: June 18, 2023
Musician Departure: August 13, 2023
A small group may have the opportunity to perform for the Breckenridge International Festival of Arts slated for mid-August. The offer is not mandatory, and musicians will be invited based on their availability and instrumentation.
Apply
To apply for the National Repertory Orchestra 2023 Summer Music Festival in Breckenridge, Colorado, visit NROmusic at getacceptd.com. Review season repertoire highlights, eligibility requirements, excerpts, rules and tips at Auditions (nromusic.org).
SOPA
The NRO is excited to, once again, partner with Sphinx Orchestral Partners Auditions (SOPA)! These musicians will not be required to submit applications using the traditional NRO submittal process. Musicians can use their SOPA audio recording based on the repertoire they played for their SOPA audition.
“The summer I spent at the NRO was the perfect experience for me at that time. It helped me transition from the mentality of ‘student’ to ‘professional’. NRO teaches the tools and confidence needed to succeed as performing musicians of the highest level.”
–Christopher Martin, Principal Trumpet, New York Philharmonic
COVID-19
The National Repertory Orchestra continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic with the safety and security of our community, musicians, audiences, staff and volunteers as our number one priority.
We will remain diligent to potential risks, adhering to protocols and guidelines recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Colorado, Summit County Public Health Department, the Town of Breckenridge and surrounding areas, and our Board of Trustees.