Watch: CCM alum Evan Gidley discusses creating connections through participatory art
Watch the latest alumni guest lecture presented as part of CCM Speaks, a new series led by the UC Alumni Association.
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.
Produced by CCM Recording Productions
- Camera: Melissa Godoy, Annie Thompson
- Sound: Abigail Stamps
- Editors: Aislinn Moss-Buckley, Hunter Calderon
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.
Stay Connected
CCM's dynamic and influential alumni network includes over 14,500 artists, teachers, entrepreneurs, researchers, leaders and professionals around the world. The support of our generous alumni financially, or through the donation of your time and talent provides an exceptional experience for our current students and fosters a culture of excellence at the college.
Are you ready to engage with CCM? Find your niche as an engaged and active alumna or alumnus by coming to social events, returning to campus for a performance or master class, volunteering, networking or giving back to the college. Continue your relationship with us beyond graduation.
Learn more about upcoming ways to get involved.
Featured image at top: Pan's Fountain in CCM's Alumni Gardens. Photo/UC Marketing + Brand
Latest UC News
- Beyond the Classroom: Perspectives on Long-Term Study AbroadMore than 1300 UC students studied abroad in 2023-24. Most students tend to sway towards the most popular option of faculty-led programs, because of its shorter duration and high level of faculty support. But some UC students strike out on their own, choosing to fly solo for a semester to a year with long-term study abroad programs.
- Family honors late Cincinnatian with transformative investment in cancer researchA family with Cincinnati ties wants patients and their families grappling with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis to experience the gift of time.
- This UC student sees success in the checkpointsSiinboon Daba, a fourth-year cybersecurity major in the University of Cincinnati's College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology, found the secret to effective time management and a full life at UC.
- ‘Undisciplined by Design’ podcast dives into the power of unbridled innovationUniversity of Cincinnati professor Aaron Bradley uses his “Undisciplined by Design” podcast to interview high-profile innovation leaders from across the United States.
- Student filmmaker's animation movie 'The Wreckoning' debuts at Zimmer Hall Nov. 23Daniel Ruff's animation film "The Wreckoning" debuts at UC on Nov. 23. Ruff is among the first cohort of students to major in games and animation at UC.
- Takeaways from conversations with wrongfully convicted Ohio residentsPublic radio journalist Mary Evans casts a spotlight on wrongful conviction and the work of the Ohio Innocence Project at UC Law.
