National Repertory Orchestra

The National Repertory Orchestra was founded in 1960 in Estes Park, Colorado by the late Walter Charles. The Orchestra was originally known as the Blue Jeans Symphony because the musicians worked in hotels and restaurants during the day and rehearsed and performed at night. In 1967, the orchestra moved to Evergreen, CO and changed its name to the Colorado Philharmonic. Keystone became the orchestra's home in 1987. In 1993, the orchestra was invited to make Breckenridge their home and to perform in the new Riverwalk Center. At that time, they changed their name to the National Repertory Orchestra. The NRO is considered one of our country's finest summer festival programs, and its alumni perform with virtually every major and regional orchestra in the United States and in orchestras worldwide.

Largely responsible for the NRO's constant growth and development is Maestro Carl Topilow, in his 32nd year as Conductor and Music Director. Every spring, Topilow auditions over 800 musicians during a nationwide tour. For the 88 musicians selected, the NRO provides a tuition-free, intensive, orchestral internship. NRO musicians perform approximately 30 concerts during their eight-week summer residency.

(read less)

The National Repertory Orchestra was founded in 1960 in Estes Park, Colorado by the late Walter Charles. The Orchestra was originally known as the Blue Jeans Symphony because the musicians worked in hotels and restaurants during the day and rehearsed and performed at night. In 1967, the orchestra moved to Evergreen, CO and changed its name to the Colorado Philharmonic. Keystone became the orchestra's home in 1987. In 1993, the orchestra was invited to make Breckenridge their home and to... (read more)