Macy Schmidt on Creative Risks, Audience-Centered Experiences, and Barbie

CI to Eye with Monica Holt

How do you invite new audiences into the symphony in a way that feels fresh, joyful, and unforgettable? Macy Schmidt has been asking that question with every project she takes on. As the founder of The Sinfonietta and CEO of Overture Global Entertainment, she’s not just producing concerts—she’s designing live experiences that feel transformative for new audiences.

In this episode, Macy reflects on the early influences that shaped her approach to orchestration, the audience-first philosophy that guides her work, and how she’s scaling women-led orchestras around the world. She also shares how one bold pitch to Mattel grew into Barbie the Movie in Concert, and reveals the creative decisions that made the project a global phenomenon.

For arts and culture leaders, Macy’s insights show what’s possible when you shift from guarding traditions to designing moments that stay with people long after the final note.

LINKS:

Macy Schmidt

The Sinfonietta

Barbie the Movie in Concert