Alumni Spotlight: Krysta Cihi '06

Krysta Cihi ’06 is back home in D.C. after the National Symphony Orchestra’s triumphant return from their first international tour in seven years. As Senior Manager of Production and Orchestra Operations for the National Symphony Orchestra (an artistic affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts), Krysta's role begins long before any musician takes the stage. With the group performing 44 weeks a year, meticulous planning is essential. The groundwork for these types of tours begins years in advance, and requires production to review potential schedules, venues and opportunities in different countries while making sure that the tour remains financially sound. Krysta is the primary liaison with a specialized travel agency and negotiates every aspect of the journey, from hotel accommodations to transportation logistics. She must also take into account details like contractual union rules which specify how many hours a musician can travel during a day, and how many days in a row they can work. 

Krysta is responsible for organizing not only all of the people but their equipment as well—16,000 pounds of cargo and 70 cases!—which is no small undertaking. Everything that goes on tour must be painstakingly itemized. She works with international customs filling out many required forms and even the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. While traveling, endangered species parts must be declared as some of the older instruments have ornate pieces that include elephant ivory, oyster and tortoise shells, and whalebone. Some items are not even allowed to cross international lines or only in certain instances with specialized permits. Krysta notes, “It’s all in the details and truly a ridiculous amount of minutiae, but it’s worth it when you see the final product.”

The recent two-week, nine-city tour was Krysta’s fourth tour with the National Symphony Orchestra over her last 11.5 years with the company. The Orchestra was supposed to go to Japan and China in March of 2020 but the trip was canceled, days before their departure, because of COVID-19. According to her, “[while] there were new musicians and staff to acclimate, everything went as smoothly as possible,” which is a testament to the meticulous preparation that preceded the tour. When The Washington Post reached out to do a feature, Krysta and her fellow production colleague were initially nervous, but also excited to showcase the inner workings of their roles at the symphony. She explained, “The press mostly focuses on the performances, music, and cultural diplomacy, but it was fun to shine a light on what happens behind the scenes. You have to really care about what you are doing because you have to make sacrifices to make it all happen.” 

Working at the Kennedy Center, one of the nation's most renowned performing arts centers, has its benefits. As a federally operated building and memorial that also houses non-profit organizations, it provides an array of opportunities for captivating collaborations. Krysta has worked on a few interesting collaborations with NASA and also witnessed a first lady dropping in to pay her compliments to a favorite musician. 

Krysta recalls visiting the Kennedy Center on her eighth grade trip with GFA. They saw Shear Madness, an interactive murder-mystery comedy, which is the longest-running play in American theater history. She says, “I vividly remember the trip and seeing the show. I have a friend who is in the show now so I went back to see it recently, which was a blast from the past for the 14-year-old me.” 

Music has been a lifelong passion for Krysta. She played the clarinet throughout her time at GFA and beyond, and received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Davidson College in 2010. As a “lifer” at GFA, having attended from Kindergarten through 12th grade, Krysta emphasizes, “The sense of community at GFA is what has stuck with me most.” Fondly reminiscing about her time at the school, she reflected on her memories of Ms. Bergeron, GFA’s esteemed Choral Director: “I sang in concert choir and chamber choir in high school. Ms. Bergeron is one of the most supportive teachers I've ever known. Her passion for music and learning is contagious. She epitomizes the spirit of GFA.” GFA’s former Director of Theatre Programs, Steven Stout, was another standout: “I have extremely fond memories of participating in theater at GFA. I got involved towards the end of high school. I did not have starring roles, but the feeling of community in the cast was wonderful and I made a lot of new friends that way.” 

GFA was truly a family affair for Krysta; her brother, Justin, graduated a few years ahead of her, in 2003. Her mother, Kathy, was a dedicated volunteer for the Learning to Look arts appreciation program and even signed on to help choreograph a Middle School performance of “Peter Pan” in the late ’90s. Krysta’s father, Dale, got involved when he learned that Peter Pan wouldn’t actually fly, orchestrating numerous special effects that helped bring the production to life. The current control booth in The Janet Hartwell Performing Arts Center is dedicated to him. 

Krysta truly embodies GFA’s mission of living a life of purpose in a globally minded society. Her role as Senior Manager of Production and Orchestra Operations has enabled millions of people to experience the joy of music and to witness the exceptional talent of some of America's top musicians. Regarding her role, she remarked, “It’s unique to have 100 professional musicians as colleagues. There is never a dull moment; we are constantly working on upcoming projects. Every day is full of activity, making it a true labor of love.”