The funding will support NRO children’s programming and music education initiatives.
The National Repertory Orchestra (NRO) has received a $20,000 grant from Newman’s Own Foundation to support children’s programs designed to inspire, engage, and educate kids of all ages and abilities who are curious about music. Keeping with the NRO’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, the children’s programs are free, easy to access and often bilingual, allowing our youngest music enthusiasts to experience classical music while feeling safe, welcomed, included, and respected.
Newman’s Own Foundation, a private foundation founded by legendary actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, is known for its radically good philanthropic legacy of “giving it all away.” The Foundation relaunched its mission in 2022 to be 100% focused on helping nourish and transform the lives of children who face adversity.
Funded entirely by 100% of profits and royalties from Newman’s Own food and beverages, Newman’s Own Foundation has awarded the NRO funding as part of its efforts to bring joy to children facing serious illness, and advance nutrition security across the U.S., including Indigenous communities where funding has been historically low. The grant is restricted to NRO education programs, including Summit County Music Lesson Scholarships (SCMLS), Sonic Boom!, music library performances, and the Free Family and Kids Concert.
Under the leadership of Music Director Michael Stern, the NRO remains true to its longtime mission of Changing Lives Through Music! The organization is, first and foremost, an education nonprofit that creates win-win opportunities for the local community, the attending musicians, and the audience.
The NRO encourages children by offering free music lessons, interactive library programs and classroom performances. Programming also prepares aspiring young professional musicians for successful careers in the Arts while providing the residents and visitors of Summit County with high-caliber concerts and free community outreach events throughout the year.
For more information on Newman’s Own Foundation, visit newmansown.org. For more information on Newman’s Own food and beverages, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022, visit newmansown.com. To learn more about the National Repertory Orchestra, visit NROmusic.org.
Featured image of 2022 NRO musicians at Breckenridge Library by Joshua Geurink.