This summer, the National Repertory Orchestra (NRO) invites you on a journey of discovery. Discover the exceptional talent of our nation’s top young musicians. Discover the emotional landscapes music can awaken. Discover how the sounds of the orchestra mirror the spirit and natural beauty of Summit County.
From June 21 to August 9, the NRO’s Summer Music Festival transforms Breckenridge and its surrounding communities into a vibrant soundscape of world-class performances. Each concert explores a different facet of human experience in Summit County through the lens of music—Dreams, Tranquility, Passion, Resilience, Awe, and more—guiding listeners on an intimate journey of emotional and musical exploration.
“If there’s one word that defines why people are drawn to Summit County, it’s ‘discover,’” says NRO CEO Dave DePeters. “People come here for the mountains, the rivers, the trails—but there’s more under the surface. This season, we want to explore the deeper emotional terrain that music uncovers.”
Each performance features a dynamic mix of orchestral masterpieces and music from living composers—from household names like Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Tchaikovsky, to living composers pushing the boundaries of modern sound. Whether you’re a lifelong classical fan or a first-time listener, the NRO offers moments of unexpected recognition and personal reflection.
“There’s always something familiar in the music—even if you don’t know it by name,” says DePeters. “The real discovery is in what surprises you. What moves you. What you didn’t know you needed to hear.”
Opening night, Discover Dreams (June 21), sets the tone with Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique, a groundbreaking 19th-century work that invites listeners to explore the landscapes of imagination and illusion, and the many strange places our dreams can take us. Fueled by obsession and opium, the symphony follows the fevered visions of a lovesick artist—from pastoral longing to a nightmarish witches’ sabbath. Its swirling intensity and vivid orchestration have made it a favorite of film directors, including a chilling appearance in The Shining.
The season’s thoughtfully curated programs connect music to memory and place. Vivaldi’s Spring echoes the revitalizing spirit of alpine blooms. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 channels joy that rises like a mountain wind. Each piece was chosen not just for its beauty, but for its emotional resonance—a soundtrack to life in the Rockies.
A highlight of the summer, Discover Tranquility on June 25 features award-winning Quebec soprano Carole-Anne Roussel in a serene evening inspired by the hush of snowfall and the rustle of aspens. Other performances explore themes of Love, Spirit, Jubilation, and Inspiration—culminating in the grand finale, Discover Awe, on August 9.
Discover Awe features Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, a bold, imaginative suite that guides the listener through an art gallery brought vividly to life in sound. From the haunting tones of “The Old Castle” to the triumphant grandeur of “The Great Gate of Kiev,” the work captures the sense of wonder that comes from seeing—and hearing—the world with fresh eyes.
The season also includes beloved signature events like the Fourth of July Spectacular, Topilow Pops!, and a thrilling live-to-film performance of Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark—a cinematic adventure soundtracked by John Williams’ iconic score, performed live by the NRO.
In addition to ticketed performances, the NRO continues its tradition of accessible programming with a robust slate of free community concerts, including NRO on the Lake, Kids & Family Concerts, and free public performances across Summit County.
Join us this summer to ‘Discover’ (or rediscover) your love for music, your sense of wonder, and the role music plays in connecting us to one another—and to the place we call home.