Hidden gems of the National Repertory Orchestra’s season: 4 must-see programs that complement this summer’s ‘Elements of Nature’ theme
The National Repertory Orchestra (NRO) is well into its summer season, drawing crowds to perennial favorite events like the annual Fourth of July Spectacular and the movie screening with live orchestral soundtrack, this year featuring Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert. The Summer Music Festival schedule has plenty more to offer, with an exciting range of upcoming programming and free concerts.
As the NRO moves into the second half of its summer season, the festival continues through the first two weeks of August. Looking to check out a performance, but not sure where to start? NRO Director of Marketing Christin Maguire offers these upcoming hidden gems, pieces that embody this season’s “Elements of Nature” theme and are sure to captivate and delight music lovers of every kind.
1. Ibéria by Claude Debussy (Ravel’s Bolero; July 24)
On July 24, Maestro Matthias Pintscher will bring an international program to Summit County, including Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “The Isle of the Dead,” Debussy’s Ibéria and Maurice Ravel’s Bolero.
Ibéria paints a vivid musical picture of Spain, capturing the vibrant energy of Spanish streets, the tranquil countryside, and the festive atmosphere of village celebrations.
“This ability to transport listeners to a different place and time makes Ibéria a fascinating and enjoyable listen,” Maguire said. “It’s an experience that takes you on a musical journey.”
2.) “Four Sea Interludes” by Benjamin Britten (Britten’s Storm and Tchaikovsky’s Strings on July 27)
Continuing with the “Elements of Nature” theme, the NRO performs Benjamin Britten’s “Four Sea Interludes” on July 27. These evocative musical vignettes evoke the changing moods and scenes of the sea with lively orchestration, from the tranquility of dawn to the violent energy of a storm, capturing the power and beauty of the ocean in four distinct musical sketches.
“The music becomes so immersive and cinematic, almost like listening to a powerful film score,” Maguire said.
Special Concert: Beethoven’s Pastorale; July 19: Featuring guest artist Jon Kimura Parker, this concert celebrates the 100th anniversary of the American classic “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin.
Season Finale; Aug. 10: Featuring Strauss’ Alpine Symphony, the Finale takes listeners on a journey up the summit of an alpine mountain — evocative of Summit County’s own Ten Mile Range — throughout the course of a day.
A portion of this concert’s proceeds benefits the High Country Conservation Center, a local nonprofit dedicated to waste reduction and resource conservation.
3. “Forest Murmurs” from Siegfried by Richard Wagner (Canellakis Conducts Brahms and Wagner on July 31)
The NRO welcomes back to the podium conductor Karina Canellakis for a stacked program of Brahms and Wagner on July 31. Wagner’s “Forest Murmurs” beautifully captures the serene and mystical sounds of a forest, blending gentle orchestral textures and nature-inspired melodies to create an enchanting musical landscape.
“‘Forest Murmurs’ truly captures the relaxing and enchanting atmosphere of our surroundings,” Maguire said. “You can easily picture light filtering through an aspen grove in your mind’s eye when hearing this piece.”
The program also includes Wagner’s “Dawn and Siegfried’s Rhine Journey.”
4. “Liquid Interface” by Mason Bates (Robert Moody Conducts Sibelius on Aug. 3)
On Aug. 3, Robert Moody conducts Mason Bates’ “Liquid Interface.” This piece explores the different states of water from ice to liquid to vapor, integrating electronic sounds with traditional orchestration to capture the various forms of water in the environment.
“This is a great piece for those who want an introduction to classical music. It is a genre-blending portrayal of the element that in its frozen form makes Breckenridge a beloved destination: water,” Maguire said.
Fittingly, this concert benefits Project Healing Waters, a nonprofit that supports active military service personnel and veterans in need with therapeutic outdoor recreation, using the sport of fly-fishing as an intervention.
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