In The NoCo

The National Repertory Orchestra in Breckenridge trains some of the best young musicians anywhere. Here’s how

By In The NoCo,

Published June 23, 2026 at 5:35 AM MDT

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About 80 musicians who are part of the National Repertory Orchestra, are seated on a wooden stage behind the conductor. They all wear black pants and white jackets and are holding their instruments.

Since 1960, the National Repertory Orchestra has brought talented college-aged musicians to Colorado to practice the art of playing in an ensemble.

Each season, about 80 young musicians are selected to join the NRO in Breckenridge. They spend eight weeks rehearsing and performing in Summit County. Many of them go on to pursue careers in professional orchestras across the country.

To get a glimpse behind the scenes at this unusual – and influential – summer orchestra, Erin O’Toole spoke last year with Michael Stern, their music director and conductor. He shared what makes a summer in the National Repertory Orchestra a formative experience. As the NRO’s new season gets underway, we’re listening back to that conversation today.

Performances for the NRO’s 2026 season run through Aug.8.

About 80 college-age musicians who are part of the National Repertory Orchestra in Breckenridge, stand in a group outside. They all wear black slacks, dark shirts, and white jackets. There are mountains and a blue sculpture behind the group.

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In The NoCo

KUNC's In The NoCo is a daily slice of stories, news, people and issues. It's a window to the communities along the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The show brings context and insight to the stories of the day, often elevating unheard voices in the process. And because life in Northern Colorado is a balance of work and play, we celebrate the lighter side of things here, too.

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Brad Turner

Brad Turner is an executive producer in KUNC's newsroom. He manages the podcast team that makes In The NoCo, which also airs weekdays in Morning Edition and All Things Considered. His work as a podcaster and journalist has appeared on NPR's Weekend Edition, NPR Music, the PBS Newshour, Colorado Public Radio, MTV Online, the Denver Post, Boulder's Daily Camera, and the Longmont Times-Call.

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Erin O'Toole

As the host of KUNC’s news program and podcast In The NoCo, I work closely with our producers and reporters to bring context and diverse perspectives to the important issues of the day. Northern Colorado is such a diverse and growing region, brimming with history, culture, music, education, civic engagement, and amazing outdoor recreation. I love finding the stories and voices that reflect what makes NoCo such an extraordinary place to live.

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