Crescendo, the annual gala hosted by Friends of the Conservatory, raised more than $1.35 million this year, breaking their own 2024 fundraising record by more than $200,000. Most of the funds raised from this event will support the Conservatory’s expansion and renovation project, with some earmarked for the Conservatory Bridges program and endowed student scholarships.
"Crescendo is a celebration of the incredible talent we have here at the Conservatory,” said Courtney Crappell, dean of the Conservatory. “It’s also a celebration of the important relationship between the Conservatory and the Kansas City community. We’re deeply grateful to have the full support of our community partners as we look to expand our facilities and increase the opportunities we provide."
Attendees at Crescendo had the opportunity to view a 3D model of the future facilities. The expansion and renovation project will add crucial performance and rehearsal spaces and increase opportunities for collaboration and community engagement. Announced in April 2025, the project has generated significant excitement on campus and in the Kansas City arts community. See more renderings and learn about the project.
Crescendo has been a staple of the Kansas City performing arts community for more than 25 years. For the second year, the gala portion of the event was held at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Immersive performances took place around the museum and during the gala dinner in Rozzelle Court, bringing the audience into the performance at times.
The collage performance will be May 5, 2026 in Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the venue where Crescendo has been held for more than a decade. This performance will be in the traditional and beloved Crescendo format that highlights dance, music and theatre in a continuous performance.
Crescendo is supported and guided by a group of chairs, who generously give their time and talents to the event. This year’s chairs were Merrily Jackson, John Rensenhouse and Darren Sextro. Honorary chairs were Steve and Cathy Doyal.
The internationally renowned UMKC Conservatory was founded more than a century ago, and trains professionals in music, dance and theatre. The Conservatory’s mission is to advance creativity, performance, scholarship and learning in the arts. They are a vital partner in Kansas City’s cultural environment and collaborate deeply with community institutions through performances, workshops and more. Faculty and alumni of the Conservatory have won numerous honors and awards, including Grammys, Pulitzer Prizes and Fulbright and Guggenheim fellowships.
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