The good Cornellians can do: Catherine Marie Charlton ’95

Catherine Marie Charlton '95 joined Musicopia in 2017 to spearhead their development efforts. Over the past nine years she has risen to become CEO and overseen the expansion and endowment of a wide array of arts programming—ranging from composing lullabies for children, to afterschool drumlines that perform for professional teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers, to tuition-free string orchestras.

These programs touch students across Philadelphia, the majority of whom are low-income and might otherwise lack access to arts education. Musicopia programs are supported by the City of Philadelphia and many private foundations, for their work to promote holistic education and support community healing, thereby reducing violence and overdoses in the city.

Catherine is herself a pianist, a composer, a public speaker, and soon-to-be podcaster.

“I am a recording artist and had taught piano for a very long time. When my younger child was going off to elementary school, I didn't want to work evenings or weekends anymore. A mom of some of my piano students convinced me to apply to a grants director opening at Musicopia,” Catherine says. It was the right fit.

Last May, Catherine presided over the 50th anniversary gala for Musicopia, “Drumlines at the Symphony: an All-Star Celebration Concert.” The event showcased more than 120 performers. Musicopia commissioned the work “DUO for Symphony & Stix,” which was performed collaboratively by a professional drumline and symphony orchestra.

“It was a magical coming together and a day of pure joy,” Catherine says proudly.

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