in 2002, the kansas city symphony was instrumental in developing the concert companion, led by then-executive director roland valliere. funded by the william and flora hewlett foundation, john s. and james l. knight foundation, the andrew w. mellon foundation and the david and lucile packard foundation, the concert companion was tested by the kansas city symphony, as well as the new york philharmonic, philadelphia orchestra, pittsburgh symphony, aspen music festival, and oakland east bay symphony.