Chicago Philharmonic has wowed audiences with its incredible performances for years, captivating music lovers with innovative, genre-bending concerts. While the musicians may take center stage, there’s another group of individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every concert runs smoothly – the administrative staff. Meet our small but mighty team! From favorite office snacks to top concerts and hobbies, get to know the dedicated people who keep this remarkable orchestra running.
Name:
Lydia Penningroth
Job title and a brief description of your role:
Marketing Manager — I manage all marketing, communications, advertising, graphic design, and press relations. I’m also lucky to be able to work closely with my colleagues in production, fundraising, and community engagement.
How long have you been with Chicago Phil?
Since 2016 – so almost 7 years now!
Favorite Chicago Phil concert?
It must be recency bias, but our 2023 Tan Dun concert was incredible!
Favorite Chicago Phil memory?
Eating McDonalds french fries in front of the magnificent St. Hyacinth Basilica with my coworkers after our Mass for Peace concert in 2018 – we were so tired after a really difficult but rewarding 5-day festival. It felt great to relax and know we had pulled off this crazy goal. Plus, the french fries were pretty tasty.
What Chicago Phil concert are you looking forward to?
October 14: Chicago Phil presents Ryan Speedo Green
Go-to office snack?
Peanut m&ms. And instant coffee.
Favorite hobby outside of work:
I’m currently training for a triathlon! This summer I hope to complete my first Ironman 70.3 in Madison, Wisconsin. I also spend a lot of time hanging out with my needy dog, Bubba Fett.
Name:
Diana Ortiz
Title and a brief description of your role:
Artistic Operations Manager and Head Librarian — In my current role, I am responsible for all of the Philharmonic’s music preparation and artistic operations, as well as for overseeing all musician hires and managing all production parties involved in our events and performances.
How long have you been with Chicago Phil?
Since 2019 as part-time, and since 2021 as full-time staff!
Favorite Chicago Phil concert?
Hasn’t happened yet, but Kishi Bashi!!! (knock on wood)
Favorite Chicago Phil memory?
Staff gathering after a successful Marvel Studios’ Black Panther concert 🙂
What Chicago Phil concert are you looking forward to?
April 15: Kishi Bashi: Improvisations On EO9066
Go-to office snack?
Plums, peaches, protein shake
Favorite hobby outside of work:
Painting and jogging with my dog Coco
Name:
Erez Dessel
Title and a brief description of your role:
Community Engagement Coordinator — I manage every single one of our education and free community events. That includes Side by Side with the Chicago Philharmonic, Chi Phil AMP, panel discussions, pop-up events, and more!
How long have you been with Chicago Phil?
Since July 2022, so 9 months.
Favorite Chicago Phil concert?
Side by Side at Humboldt Park
Favorite Chicago Phil memory?
Dressing up in Ghostbusters costumes.
What Chicago Phil concert are you looking forward to?
July 8: National Seminario Ravinia Concert
Go-to office snack?
Carrots
Favorite hobby outside of work:
Looking at maps! ️
Name:
Magali Coronado
Title and a brief description of your role:
Music Librarian and Production Assistant – I take care of all music prep work and work with the Production team to carry out all of our concerts.
How long have you been with Chicago Phil?
Since 2019, about four years! Fun fact: I was one of the first interns at Chicago Philharmonic in 2019.
Favorite Chicago Phil concert?
Marvel Studios’ Black Panther in Concert
Favorite Chicago Phil memory?
Wearing our Ghostbusters costumes while street teaming downtown!
What Chicago Phil concert are you looking forward to?
August 27: Encanto in Concert
Go-to office snack?
Chocolate chip cookies
Favorite hobby outside of work:
Spending time with my cat, Mango
Name:
Elizabeth Wooten
Title and a brief description of your role:
Director of Development – I am in charge of donor relations, fundraising, and my most important role: office cupcake duty.
How long have you been with Chicago Phil?
Since January 2023. Three months!
Favorite Chicago Phil concert?
Tan Dun
Favorite Chicago Phil memory?
When Diana took me up to Skokie to advance a show, we had a lot of laughs on the way!
What Chicago Phil concert are you looking forward to?
April 15: Kishi Bashi: Improvisations On EO9066
Go-to office snack?
Coffee
Favorite hobby outside of work:
Cooking! And baseball!
Name:
Daniel Kumapayi
Title and a brief description of your role:
Production Assistant – I support Chicago Philharmonic production and artistic operations.
How long have you been with Chicago Phil?
May 2022, so about 11 months.
Favorite Chicago Phil concert?
Marvel Studios’ Black Panther in Concert
Favorite Chicago Phil memory?
Attending the Sphinx Conference in Detroit this past January
What Chicago Phil concert are you looking forward to? May 6:
The Batman in Concert
Go-to office snack?
Cheez-Its
Favorite hobby outside of work:
Running, biking, or swimming
Name:
Gizel Issa
Title and a brief description of your role:
Digital Marketing Coordinator – My role involves creating content and campaigns, analyzing digital marketing trends, updating the website, and more!
How long have you been with Chicago Phil?
September 2022 as a part-time intern, since January 2023 as full-time! 7 months in total.
Favorite Chicago Phil concert so far?
Ghostbusters! It was the very first show I worked with Chicago Phil. From seeing so many people show up in costume, to getting to know the staff and taking photos with the HUGE inflatable Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man – it was super fun!
Favorite Chicago Phil memory?
Getting hang out with Grammy award-winning classical guitarist Sharon Isbin at our Tan Dun concert! She was down to earth and so so nice. Chatting with Isbin was awesome, and I feel super lucky to have had the chance to connect with such a legendary musician.
What Chicago Phil concert are you looking forward to?
September 30: Chicago Phil X Tank and the Bangas
Go-to office snack?
Red Vines, Goldfish, and Earl Grey tea with honey.
Favorite hobby outside of work:
Reading! And going on long walks with my parents.
Name:
Brie McCauley
Title and a brief description of your role:
Accounting and Payroll Coordinator — I assist our Director of Finance with bookkeeping and payroll for Chicago Phil musicians and staff.
How long have you been with Chicago Phil?
About a month.
Favorite Chicago Phil concert?
Looking forward to Kishi Bashi being my first one!
Favorite Chicago Phil memory?
I haven’t been here long, but I look forward to making some!
What Chicago Phil concert are you looking forward to?
August 27: Encanto in Concert
Go-to office snack?
Peanut butter stuffed pretzel bites
Favorite hobby outside of work:
Crocheting, and hanging out with my dog, Herbie
Name:
Nathaniel Davis
Title and a brief description of your role:
Director of Finance & Institutional Giving – I lead the financial management of the organization and foundation/government fundraising.
How long have you been with Chicago Phil?
5 years and 3 months! Started in December 2017.
Favorite Chicago Phil concert?
Too many to choose from! If I have to pick one, Concert for Peace celebrating the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day and the regaining of Polish independence at St. Hyacinth Basilica. A very meaningful concert with beautiful music. And an incredibly complex concert to organize, I was very proud of the work Terrell Pierce (Production Manager at that time) and I did to pull it off.
Favorite Chicago Phil memory?
Black Panther definitely one, also our 2018 Polish Classical Music Festival in general was pretty amazing. Our staff put together so much music in such a short period of time. We were exhausted at the end. The most emblematic Chi Phil moment of all time was probably eating cold fries and chicken nuggets together on the steps of St. Hyacinth after the Concert for Peace.
What Chicago Phil concert are you looking forward to?
August 29: Jurassic Park in Concert
Go-to office snack?
Do-rite Donuts if I have time to walk to Willis Tower
Favorite hobby outside of work:
Baking! I make whole grain sourdough bread with heirloom wheat varieties (favorite: Turkey Red) that I mill myself using a countertop mill. I like to bake desserts too when I have the time. I baked my wedding cake.
Name:
Terell Johnson
Job title and a brief description of your role:
Executive Director – I manage this incredibly talented team and help shape the future of the organization with our board and musicians.
How long have you been with Chicago Phil?
Since July 2021, almost 1 and a half years now.
Favorite Chicago Phil concert?
Marvel Studios’ Black Panther in Concert
Favorite Chicago Phil memory?
Kids showing up in costumes for Marvel Studios’ Black Panther!
What Chicago Phil concert are you looking forward to?
July 8: National Seminario Ravinia Concert
Go-to office snack?
Chocolate chip cookies.
Favorite hobby outside of work:
Going to the movies!
Learn more about Chicago Philharmonic’s upcoming concerts at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Auditorium Theatre, Ravinia Festival, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and more!