The Positive Power of Music - Artist in Residence at the Chicago Philharmonic
Cynthia Plouché in conversation with Lydia Penningroth
Classical music has long been a space of tradition and excellence, but the Chicago Philharmonic is redefining what it means to be an orchestra in today’s world. Under the leadership of trailblazers like Lydia Penningroth, Director of Development, the organization is not only pushing artistic boundaries but also expanding access to classical music, making it more inclusive and representative of diverse communities.
Cynthia Plouché, founder of The Alzenia Project, is equally passionate about opening doors and creating opportunities for young people, particularly women and children, through the power of the arts. The upcoming collaboration between the Chicago Philharmonic and The Alzenia Project is a testament to this shared vision — one that seeks to inspire the next generation of musicians and leaders.
In this conversation, Lydia and Cynthia discuss the mission of the Chicago Philharmonic, the transformative power of music, and how their partnership is shaping the future of classical music for young audiences.
Mission and Vision
Cynthia Plouché: Can you share the core mission of the Chicago Philharmonic and how it guides the organization’s work, especially in terms of community engagement and innovation?
Lydia Penningroth: At the Chicago Philharmonic, we’re reimagining the orchestra concert experience with diverse, genre-bending programs that break barriers and make classical music more accessible to everyone. Our leadership is as trailblazing as our music, making us one of the most ambitious orchestras in the country.
At the heart of our mission is to excite, engage, and transform diverse audiences by bringing music directly to public schools, hosting free concerts in public spaces, and providing young musicians with world-class opportunities. Through these efforts, we’re working to make sure that classical music has a meaningful place in every corner of Chicago.
Contribution to Society
Cynthia Plouché: The Chicago Philharmonic has a history of working with diverse artists and organizations. How do you see the orchestra’s role in contributing to society through music and collaboration?
Lydia Penningroth: We believe that music is a powerful catalyst for social change — one that can dismantle barriers and celebrate diversity. Our approach at the Chicago Philharmonic is built on a firm commitment to inclusivity at every level of our organization.
We actively champion Black, Latinx, and queer leaders, ensuring that voices historically underrepresented in classical music are amplified and empowered. This commitment is reflected in our programming, which features genre-bending works, as well as in our strategic partnerships with respected local cultural institutions, like Muntu Dance and the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance. Through these initiatives, we work to address segregation and racism within the arts, fostering not only artistic excellence but also meaningful societal conversations that enrich Chicago’s cultural landscape.
Collaboration with The Alzenia Project
Cynthia Plouché: What excites you most about the upcoming collaboration between the Chicago Philharmonic and The Alzenia Project, and what do you hope to achieve from this partnership?
Lydia Penningroth: I first saw Njioma perform with the Philharmonic in 2020, and her performance immediately left an impression on me — not just because of her exceptional talent, but also because of the genuine warmth and strength she brought to the stage.
What excites me most is the opportunity to introduce young audiences to this transformative performance. Njioma embodies resilience and excellence, and I hope that we can inspire students to see themselves as part of the orchestral community and believe that they, too, can break barriers and excel in whatever field they choose.
The Project with The Alzenia Project
Cynthia Plouché: Can you walk us through the specific project that we are working on together, and how does it tie into the Chicago Philharmonic’s mission to reach new audiences, especially youth?
Lydia Penningroth: Our upcoming project with The Alzenia Project features a comprehensive, week-long residency by Njioma Grevious in April. During this residency, Njioma will engage with the community through a range of activities, including symphonic concerts, student visits, coaching sessions, mentorship, and extensive community outreach.
This initiative is designed to serve as a bridge between the Philharmonic and the next generations of musicians and leaders. I’m excited to see how we can bring young people into this conversation and demonstrate that they have a place in the future of music.
Artist-in-Residence Program
Cynthia Plouché: Could you elaborate on the significance of the artist-in-residence program at the Chicago Philharmonic? What do you hope to accomplish by exposing young minds, especially children, to world-class musicians?
Lydia Penningroth: Exposing young minds to world-class musicians has a profoundly transformative impact on children. I’ve seen firsthand how witnessing the passion, discipline, and artistry of these performers can ignite a spark of possibility in young people.
When children experience a live performance by a world-class musician, they’re not just listening to music — they’re witnessing the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. This can inspire them to dream big, work hard, and explore their own creative talents.
Personally, I believe that these encounters provide a tangible connection to excellence. They show kids that success in the arts — and in life — is achievable regardless of where they come from. It’s empowering for young audiences to see someone overcome barriers and excel in a field where they might not have seen themselves represented before. Through masterclasses and mentorships, these musicians demystify the creative process, allowing children to ask questions and learn that even the most talented individuals started somewhere.
Impact on the Next Generation
Cynthia Plouché: How do you envision this collaboration with young women and children influencing the future of classical music, and what kind of impact do you hope it will have on their lives?
Lydia Penningroth: Collaborating with an artist like Grevious isn’t just inspiring — it’s transformative. For young women and children, especially those who rarely see themselves represented in classical music, seeing her command the stage is a game-changer. It shatters outdated ideas about who belongs in this space and proves that talent, confidence, and leadership know no limits.
This is bigger than one moment of inspiration — it’s about planting seeds for lasting change. When young girls see Grevious thrive, they start to believe they can too — whether as performers, composers, or conductors. It’s about creating a future where classical music is truly inclusive, celebrating a broad range of voices and perspectives.
Through this collaboration, the Chicago Philharmonic and The Alzenia Project are not only bringing world-class music to new audiences but also reshaping the future of classical music itself. By investing in young minds, breaking down barriers, and creating space for diverse voices, they are ensuring that the power of music reaches every corner of Chicago and beyond.
To meet other Alzenia Project grantees, visit the Alzenia Project website; or to get involved, connect with Cynthia Plouché on LinkedIn.
