In the second installment of CCM Speaks, UC College-Conservatory of Music alum Evan Gidley (MM '18) presents "Inspiring Hope: Creating Connection Through Participatory Art."

Gidley has served as executive director of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra since May 2022. He is responsible for planning and executing the orchestra’s annual Summermusik and We Are One festivals as well as special projects such as September 2023’s historic Walk with Amal. Prior to this appointment, he was orchestra personnel manager with the Columbus (OH) Symphony Orchestra, where he helped lead the organization’s robust community outreach program. Gidley received his MM in Saxophone Performance from CCM, and he remains active as a freelance saxophonist and private lesson instructor.

Lecture Summary: On Sept. 22, 2023, a 12-foot-tall puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl traveled across the iconic Roebling Suspension Bridge in downtown Cincinnati, capturing the hearts of more than 3,000 individuals who came to welcome her. Many had planned their trip to see “Little Amal” for months, bringing with them visual art projects. Many identified as American immigrants or refugees while others grew up within a few miles of downtown Cincinnati. Regardless of background, everyone welcoming Little Amal participated in creating an experience for her, and therefore, felt a personal connection to her story.

In this lecture, Gidley shares how his organization, the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, served as the leading presenting organization of Little Amal’s Cincinnati visit. Gidley discusses how an organization of only three staff members helped bring together more than 135 performers and 40 nonprofit organizations and promoted a message of hope to more than 500,000 people all within a span of six months. Gidley explains how participatory art, defined as an approach to art making which engages public participation in the creative process, is the future of the arts industry and how individuals and organizations can adapt to meet audience demands.

This lecture was originally presented to the graduate-level Programming and Operations Class offered through CCM's Arts Administration program on Oct. 3, 2024. CCM, in partnership with UC's Carl H. Lindner College of Business, boasts one of the few combined MA/MBA Arts Administration programs in the country. This rigorous two-year program trains future CEOs and senior managers to lead professional performing, visual and cultural arts organizations.

The debut installment of CCM Speaks, featuring CCM alum Timothy O'Neill discussing AI's future influence on classical music, is also available for on-demand viewing.

Featured image at top: Pan's Fountain in CCM's Alumni Gardens. Photo/UC Marketing + Brand