KANSAS CITY, Mo. | July 2, 2024 — The Kansas City Symphony is pleased to announce the addition of two fundraising leaders to guide the Symphony’s Philanthropy department. Lydia Allen assumes the Vice President of Philanthropy role on August 5. Allen, coming to the Symphony from KU Endowment, secured major, principal, and planned gifts for the University of Kansas School of Medicine and The University of Kansas Health System. She also led community engagement and philanthropy activities for the KU Advancement Board, composed of civic, business, and community leaders from across the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Allen has extensive experience not only in philanthropy leadership, but also in supporting nonprofit arts organizations and artists through her prior work with ArtsKC, as well as direct experience with symphony orchestra fundraising at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. She also is an amateur French horn player.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Kansas City Symphony team,” said Allen. “This is the orchestra I grew up being inspired by as a middle and high school musician, and have continued enjoying with my family as a returning Kansas Citian. I look forward to leading the talented team of philanthropy professionals who partner each day with passionate donors to lift up our Kansas City community, celebrate the human experience, and transform lives through music.”

   

Also joining the KC Symphony staff is new Director of Philanthropy, Megan Hanna.  Hanna’s former position at KU Endowment saw her focused on raising major gifts by developing and implementing strategies that encouraged gifts of both income and planned giving. At the Kansas City Symphony, Hanna will be instrumental in advancing the continued growth of the Symphony’s fundraising abilities. Megan is not only a talented fundraiser, but also a musician, educator, and entrepreneur.

Megan Hanna is enthusiastic and eager to have a pivotal role at the Symphony. “I’ve had a life-long connection with our Kansas City Symphony, and now it brings me joy to support this impactful mission for our community. Through meaningful conversations and connections, my aim is to strengthen our bonds with fellow Kansas Citians.”

“I am delighted to welcome both Lydia and Megan to the KC Symphony family,” said the Kansas City Symphony’s President and CEO, Danny Beckley. “We have searched extensively for exceptional leaders who possess skills, experience, and energy. We are excited for the community to meet both of them.”

About the Kansas City Symphony
Founded in 1982 by R. Crosby Kemper, Jr., the Kansas City Symphony has risen to rank among the top 25 orchestras in the United States. In our 42-week season, we present a diverse repertoire of orchestral and chamber music at Helzberg Hall, located in the prestigious Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Under the direction of Michael Stern for 19 years, the Symphony achieved artistic excellence, critical acclaim, and national recognition. We eagerly anticipate the arrival of conductor and composer Matthias Pintscher as our new music director, known for leading world-class orchestras and opera companies. Comprising 80 full-time musicians from around the world, our Symphony Chorus, led by Charles Bruffy, frequently joins them on stage. Season after season, we feature soloists from various genres, bringing a diverse range of musical experiences to our audience.

Beyond traditional performances, we extend our reach across the Kansas City metro region with our portable stage, the Mobile Music Box. As the proud orchestra for the Kansas City Ballet and Lyric Opera of Kansas City, we continue to enrich the community through music. Whether captivating audiences at the Kauffman Center, on the Mobile Music Box, or at community events like Bank of America Celebration at the Station, the Symphony remains dedicated to enriching the lives of all Kansas City residents and visitors through the transformative power of music. For more information, visit kcsymphony.org.