Audition for the NRO
Summer Music Festival 2025
Your Future Starts Here
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.
“My experience in NRO this summer was life-changing and inspiring. I was surrounded by talented and dedicated musicians who pushed me to be my best everyday, while also living in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Learning this much orchestral repertoire in such a short period of time has been paramount in preparing me for my professional career.”
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.
Important dates
Summer Music Festival: TBD 2025
application deadlines
The NRO will start receiving applications on Monday, October 14, 2024.
The final day to submit applications is Friday, January 24, 2025.
The NRO will not host live or in-person auditions and will only accept recorded video submissions.
application fees
Take advantage of our lowest application of just $40 until November 22!
$40: Mon, Oct. 14, 2024 – Fri, Nov. 22, 2024
$65: Sat, Nov. 23, 2024 – Sat, Dec. 21, 2024
$85: Sun, Dec. 22, 2023 – Mon, Jan. 20, 2025
$125: Tue, Jan. 21, 2025 – Fri, Jan. 24, 2025
*All fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and applicable until the deadline date at 11:59 PM, MST.
→ Questions? View our Q&A Section.
“Being a member of the NRO has been easily one of the best summers of my life. Not only has the NRO boosted my career by providing a professional orchestral experience and opportunities to learn from amazing colleagues, but has also allowed me to experience new places, music, and ideas. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity this summer, and I absolutely feel more confident and prepared to continue to pursue a career in music.”
Audition Packets
Please download the audition packet for your instrument and read all instructions carefully before beginning your audition.
Applications are submitted through Acceptd.
Strings
Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass
winds
Flute
Oboe
English Horn
Clarinet
Bass Clarinet
Bassoon
brass
Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
Bass Trombone
Tuba
percussion, harp, piano
Timpani
Percussion
Harp
Piano / Keyboard
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to the NRO Orchestra?
Applicants must be between 18 and 29 years of age and will have completed at least one year of college, university, or conservatory by June 16, 2025.
I am an NRO alumna/alumnus. Am I eligible to re-audition?
Yes! The NRO welcomes any alum to audition, provided you are within the age limit. There is no restriction to the number of years you can attend the NRO.
When will I know if I have been accepted to the NRO?
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status in February 2024.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes! Applications are welcome for international students between the ages of 18 and 29.
I am an international student. What visa do I need to participate in the NRO?
All visas and fees are the musician’s responsibility. Please consult with your school’s academic advisor or consulate to determine if you are eligible. While the NRO Summer Music Festival is free of charge to musicians, the NRO provides housing and a weekly food stipend which may be viewed as compensation by the government.
Is there an audition tour this year?
The NRO will be accepting reorded video auditions only. There will be no in-person or live auditions for the 2024 concert season.
What does it cost to attend the NRO?
The cost to attend the summer music festival is minimal! Tuition and housing are provided by the National Repertory Orchestra. Fellows will also receive a minimum of $75 per week in the form of a grocery gift card and will have the opportunity to attend free, weekly community dinners.
The NRO will collect $300 upon enrollment which is broken down as follows:
- $200 non-refundable administration fee
- $100 refundable housing deposit, pending there are no damages
All staff and fellows will assume responsibility for their living space.
Where will I live in Breckenridge?
Musicians will be in ski employee housing with the majority of apartments in Breckenridge on Airport Road. Most will be shared living space including condo-mates as well as roommates.
What is the housing like?
Housing consists of two and three-bedroom apartments and is assigned based on availability. Expect two people per bedroom. Units are pet-free, non-smoking, drug-free and furnished with beds and couches. All have a kitchen with basic appliances and a bathroom. Quiet hours will apply.
There is no housekeeping service. Linens, towels, utensils and cooking basics are provided by the NRO. Details will be communicated shortly before arrival.
What items are included in housing?
There is no need to spend additional money on items like pots and pans or sheets and pillows.
Upon arrival, all musicians receive a complimentary welcome bag with essential items like a stage-ready and commemorative NRO water bottle, sunscreen, dishwashing liquid starter packs and more. The orchestra provides basic living needs, including but not limited to kitchenware, cookware and utensils, hangers and bedding sheets, a pillow/pillowcase, comforters, and bathroom items like towels, shower curtains and bathmats. Coin-operated laundry facilities are onsite.
Keep your welcome bag for your shopping and avoid bag fees at stores ($0.25 per bag in Breckenridge).
What about transportation?
The Town’s Free Ride bus system provides public transportation in Breckenridge and is accessible from the NRO’s housing complexes. Each color-coded bus route is specially designed to move you within key areas of Breckenridge, including the Riverwalk Center, the NRO’s main performance venue.
The Summit Stage is also a free public bus service that runs through Summit County and provides easy transportation to Frisco, Blue River, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Keystone.
Can I live with my significant other if they are also accepted to the NRO?
Only married couples accepted to the NRO summer music festival may receive shared housing. Please note we are unable to accommodate requests for unmarried couples to be roommates or condo-mates.
Can I bring my pet?
Although we LOVE animals at the NRO, pets are not permitted. Our housing partners and most seasonal living spaces have a strict no-pet policy. Please leave your furry friends at home where they will be safe, loved on and in the best care possible while you focus on all the benefits of the festival.