National Repertory Orchestra (NRO)

HIGHLIGHTS
✓ Full Scholarships: All musicians receive a full scholarship valued at $10,000 to attend the Summer Music Festival. Scholarship includes housing, travel stipend, food stipend, and more.
✓ 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.

2025 CONDUCTORS
Michael Stern (Music Director)
Carl Topilow (Music Director Laureate)
JoAnn Falletta
Jeffrey Kahane
Giancarlo Guerrero
Jason Seber

2025 REPERTOIRE PREVIEW
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique
Prokofiev: Classical Symphony
Beethoven: Symphony No. 7
Strauss: Don Juan
Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4
Wagner: Tristan and Isolde
Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet
Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10
Beethoven: Leonore No. 3
Rimsky-Korsakov: Sheherazade
Copland: Appalachian Spring
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons
Schumann: Symphony No. 1
Mozart: Symphony No. 39
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition

ABOUT THE NRO
The National Repertory Orchestra provides life-changing experiences to young professional musicians, preparing them to shape the future of classical music. Through diverse programming—including orchestral performances, education programs, and community engagement initiatives—the NRO nurtures connections and enriches lives through the transformative power of music.

The NRO is honored to reside in the beautiful and historic ski town of Breckenridge, Colorado, and proud to celebrate over 60 years educating the next generation of classical musicians with our prestigious, tuition-free program. At the acclaimed Summer Music Festival, 80 talented musicians are selected to perform more repertoire than any other festival of its kind. During the Festival season, led by Music Director Michael Stern and joined by world-renowned guest conductors, the NRO performs as many as 18 concerts and over 85 free events in Summit County and throughout Colorado.

The National Repertory Orchestra prepares and empowers its participants for professional careers and fosters a legacy of music leadership. Our alumni can be found in major orchestras around the world and have taken on influential roles throughout the classical music industry.
  

IMPORTANT DATES
The Summer Music Festival will run from June 21 - August 9, 2025 (8 weeks). Musicians will arrive in Breckenridge on Sunday, June 15 and depart on Sunday, August 10. 

• $40: October 14 - November 22, 2024 (40 days)
• $65: November 23 - December 21, 2024 (29 days)
• $85: December 22, 2024 - January 20, 2025 (30 days)
• $125: January 21 - January 24, 2025 (4 days)

• Make sure to carefully read the instructions on each packet and only play the music as instructed.
• The NRO will not host live or in-person auditions, and only accepts video submissions.
• This page will also update with Festival repertoire and conductors when available.

Eligibility
All applicants must be 18 through 29 years of age and will have completed at least one year of college, university, or conservatory by June 16, 2025.

International Students
International students must have a current visa and be eligible for OPT or CPT to participate in the NRO.

Additional information can be found on our website https://www.nromusic.org/.
Contact info: audition@nromusic.org  / 970-453-5825.

For technical questions, please visit the Acceptd Help Desk.