Lynn Holladay
Sr. Vice President and COO
One of the great joys of this work is seeing how music builds confidence, connection, and belonging throughout our community. In 2025, the Center for Future Audiences reached 11,188 people through 12 core programs—unfolding across 55 performances, workshops, and community experiences in classrooms, concert halls, and community spaces. Looking ahead, we are preparing to serve more than 14,000 participants in 2026 through our core programs, reaffirming our belief that music is not simply something we present, but something we celebrate and share, again and again.
Building Confidence and Belonging
- Four Atlas Elementary School students join Nutcracker cast on stage
- Spanish-speaking families welcomed with full access and support
The Nutcracker for a Day program expanded its impact this season through a partnership with Centro De La Familia and Atlas Elementary School. Four children joined The Nutcracker cast on stage during the party scene across multiple performances. Spanish-speaking families were fully supported through translation, hands-on engagement, and immersive backstage experiences that built confidence and a strong sense of belonging. Through the Center for Future Audiences, Nutcracker for a Day continues to identify young talent, remove barriers, and foster lasting connections to the arts.
The Now & Forever Challenge is gaining meaningful momentum because of this community’s remarkable generosity – but there is still important work ahead.
Cross-Curricular Learning Experience
- Orchestral students gain hands-on experience with Chloé Dufresne
- French language students host Q&A session on life as an artist
More than 40 orchestra students from Coronado High School worked directly with Music Director Chloé Dufresne on Corelli’s Christmas Concerto, developing ensemble skills and deepening their understanding of listening, phrasing, and musical expression.
The program expanded beyond music through a cross-curricular collaboration with foreign language students, who participated in a French-language Q&A exploring life as a working artist.
“I loved having Chloé Dufresne conduct us for a day. Her style was new and challenging. She gave helpful feedback on articulation and dynamics for Baroque style” —Coronado High School student
Yon Joo Lee violin II
Violinist Yon Joo Lee brings both artistry and heart to the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Yon Joo holds degrees from the Juilliard School of Music and has performed in orchestral and chamber settings across the U.S. and Europe. Now a newly appointed member of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and Fort Collins Symphony, she also performs with ensembles throughout Colorado and teaches orchestra at Thomas MacLaren School, sharing her love of music with the next generation.
Music has been part of Yon Joo’s life from the very beginning—quite literally. Her mother, a pianist, performed her graduation recital while pregnant with her, and Yon Joo began studying piano and violin at age four. Today, she lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and two young sons, balancing a vibrant performing career with a deep commitment to teaching and community.
Music, Mental Health, and Community
- Community partnerships expand the concert experience beyond the stage
- Music sparks meaningful dialogue around well being
The Beethoven 5 concert became a powerful evening centered on mental health, connection, and community, presented in partnership with The Positivity Project, Centro de la Familia, TESSA, and Ormao Dance Company through the Center for Future Audiences.
Throughout the evening, partners engaged patrons in meaningful conversations about well-being, extending even beyond the performance. Following the concert, more than 150 attendees gathered for a special “Nightcap” experience featuring Ormao Dance Company and TESSA’s Hands Are For Holding program, highlighting healthy relationships through movement and dialogue. These collaborations reflect the Philharmonic’s ongoing commitment to using music as a catalyst for connection, care, and continued community engagement.
Expanding Access. Inspiring Curiosity. Building Audiences.
Center for Future Audiences has been busy building connections across classrooms, communities, and concert halls. Recent programs invited students and families to experience music in new and personal ways—whether through performance, conversation, or behind-the-scenes access. Below is a snapshot of recent CFA activities:
Top Gun Pops Concert Takes Flight with USAFA Cool Science
Bridging Generations Through Music: CSP Launches SEATMATES Program
Voices United: CSP & D11 Honor Choir Shine Together
Thank You Sponsors
