CSO Handel's Messiah 2023 - program 12-01-23 by Charlotte Symphony

DIGITAL PROGRAM BOOK

December 1 – 3 Knight Theater Patrick Dupre Quigley conductor Sherezade Panthaki soprano Emily Marvosh contralto Thomas Cooley tenor Jonathon Adams baritone Charlotte Master Chorale

charlottesymphony.org

CONTENTS

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WHAT’S INSIDE... A Message from the President & CEO 3 Concert Program 5 Artist Biographies 8 Charlotte Master Chorale 15 2023/24 Musician Roster 16 Musician Spotlight 18 About the CSO 19 Holiday Gift Guide 20 Program Notes 22 Annual Fund Donors 26 Corporate & Foundation Sponsors 32 CSO Roadshow 34 Infusion Fund 35 Board of Directors & Trustees 36 Administration 37

join the musical dialogue What did you think of the performance?

@cltsymphony #cltsymphony

WELCOME

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Welcome to Your CSO! ‘Tis the season for joy and celebration here at the Charlotte Symphony, and we are delighted to have you join us in the festivities! As we embrace the holiday spirit, we reflect on the values that make this time so special – family, togetherness, faith, and generosity. This season is all about coming together through music. Whether you’re here to herald the holidays with “Majestic Brass,” experience a “Soulful Christmas” through our special program of Black-centered Christmas music, or enjoy any of our other festive holiday concerts, your presence is truly appreciated. Our carefully curated programming this season aims to offer something for everyone, making the Symphony a place where cherished traditions are celebrated and new ones are created. If you’re looking to give your loved ones a truly special experience for the holidays, think about giving the gift of music. Our holiday gift guide, found on page 20, includes musical gifts that will delight everyone on your list. As the year comes to a close, we invite you to support the Charlotte Symphony with a charitable contribution. Your generosity helps sustain the joy of music within our community. You can make a difference by giving here or visiting our website and clicking on the donate button. Thank you for being a cherished part of our musical family. Whether you are a longtime supporter of the Charlotte Symphony or attending for the first time, we promise an experience that will fill your heart with joy and leave you with a sense of wonder. Happy Holidays!

David Fisk President & CEO

Your Charlotte Symphony Experience Whether you’re attending your first Symphony performance, or you’re a longtime subscriber, we’d like to extend to you a warm and inclusive welcome! Below is some helpful information to ensure you make the most of your Charlotte Symphony experience.

What should I wear? The Charlotte Symphony has no specific dress code. We encourage you to be comfortable and come as yourself in a style of your choice.

When do I applaud? Audiences applaud to welcome the concertmaster, conductor, and featured artists onstage. Some works may have several sections, or movements, separated by a brief silent pause. It is tradition to hold applause until the last movement. If you are unsure, wait for the conductor to face the audience. But if you feel truly inspired, do not be afraid to applaud!

Can I take photos? Certainly! We welcome and encourage you to capture and share photos before and after the concert, as well as during intermission. Feel free to use your cell phone for photography without flash during the performance, but please refrain from video or audio recording.

CONCERT PROGR AM

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Friday, December 1, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts Patrick Dupre Quigley, conductor Sherezade Panthaki, soprano Emily Marvosh, contralto Thomas Cooley, tenor Jonathon Adams, baritone Charlotte Master Chorale Kenney Potter, artistic director

GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL (1685-1759) Messiah, hwv 56 Part I: The Advent of the Messiah INTERMISSION Part II: The Passion of the Christ Part III: His Resurrection These performances present an abridged version of MESSIAH. You may find a detailed listing of the concert order on the following pages.

concert duration: approximately 2 hours. There will be one 20-minute intermission.

CONCERT PROGR AM (continued)

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Music by George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) Texts selected from Scripture by Charles Jennens (1700-1773)

Part I: The Advent of the Messiah instrumental: Sinfony (Overture) tenor recit. & air: Comfort, ye my people Ev’ry valley shall be exalted chorus:

And the Glory of the Lord

bass recitative: Thus saith the Lord alto air: But who may abide the day of His coming? chorus: And He shall purify alto recitative: Behold, a Virgin shall conceive alto air & chorus:

O thou, that tellest good tidings to Zion

bass recit. & air: For behold, darkness shall cover the earth The people that walked in darkness chorus: For unto us a Child is born instrumental: Pifa (Pastorale) soprano recit: There were shepherds abiding in the field And lo, the angel of the Lord And the angel said unto them soprano & chorus:

And suddenly there was with the angel

chorus: Glory to God in the highest soprano air: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! alto recitative: Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened alto & soprano duet: He shall feed His flock like a shepherd Come unto Him, all ye that labor chorus: His yoke is easy INTERMISSION

CONCERT PROGR AM (continued)

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Part II: The Passion of the Christ chorus: Behold the Lamb of God alto air: He was despised and rejected of men chorus: Surely He has borne our griefs chorus: And with His stripes we are healed chorus: All we like sheep have gone astray tenor recitative:

All they that see Him, laugh Him to scorn

chorus: He trusted in God bass air: Why do the nations so furiously rage together? chorus: Let us break their bonds asunder tenor recit. & air: He that dwelleth in heaven Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron chorus: Hallelujah

Part III: His Resurrection soprano air: I know that my Redeemer liveth chorus: Since by man came death bass recit. & air: Behold, I tell you a mystery The trumpet shall sound soprano air: If God be for us chorus: Worthy Is the Lamb that was slain chorus: Blessing and honor chorus: Amen

Patrick Dupre Quigley, conductor Sherezade Panthaki, soprano Emily Marvosh, contralto Thomas Cooley, tenor Jonathon Adams, baritone Charlotte Master Chorale Kenney Potter, director

Organ courtesy of Dr. Murray Somerville.

CONDUCTOR BIO

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Patrick Dupre Quigley guest conductor

Patrick Dupre Quigley is a GRAMMY-nominated American conductor, Founder and Artistic Director of the intrepid indie-classical ensemble Seraphic Fire, and guest conductor with North America’s top professional orchestras. Quigley has made significant contributions to American music by fostering vibrant musical education programs, commissioning contemporary American composers, and producing revival performances of neglected masterworks. As a guest conductor, Quigley has collaborated with The Cleveland Orchestra; the Charlotte, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Mobile, New Jersey, New World, San Antonio, San Francisco, and Utah Symphonies; the Hamilton, Louisiana and Naples Philharmonics; as well as the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chicago’s Music of the Baroque. This season, Quigley returns to Music of the Baroque and the New World Symphony, and debuts with Opera Lafayette and Canada’s National Arts Center Orchestra. Quigley is known for his engaging performances of historically-informed programming that draw in new audiences and delight regular concertgoers. A ceaseless advocate for a more inclusive concert experience, Quigley’s programs regularly span more than 1000 years of musical history. Through recordings, performances, and new editions, Quigley has championed the culturally relevant voices of Spanish Renaissance composer Tomas Luis de Victoria, the 11th century polymath and saint Hildegard of Bingen, and 18th century Cuban composer Esteban Salas y Castro. Quigley deeply respects music traditions outside the Western European canon and has developed concerts and collaborations highlighting the music of the Babylonian Jews, New Orleans’s Black Gospel tradition, Latin Pop, and the Baroque music of North and South America.

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CONDUCTOR BIO (continued)

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Quigley has commissioned and/or premiered works by composers Christopher Theofanidis, Nico Muhly, Alvaro Bermudez, Juliet Palmer, Ileana Perez Velasquez, Susan Labarr, Sidney Guillaume, Shawn Crouch, James Kallembach, among others. Quigley founded Seraphic Fire in 2002 in Miami, FL. The ensemble's recording catalogue contains sixteen albums; two titles have received GRAMMY nominations. Seraphic Fire enjoys a residency at the Aspen Music Festival, where Quigley teaches and conducts. Over Patrick’s twenty-year tenure as artistic leader, Seraphic Fire has established the Seraphic Fire Youth Initiative and High School Masterclass, the Professional Choral Institute at the Aspen Music Festival, the Seraphic Fire Saturday Podcast (of which Quigley is host), and the ensemble’s annual Enlightenment Festival. Quigley’s writings and talks on music are inviting and concise, engaging concertgoers in conversations about music’s history and place in the world.

GUEST ARTIST BIOS

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Sherezade Panthaki soprano

Soprano Sherezade Panthaki enjoys ongoing international collaborations with many of the world’s leading conductors including Nicholas McGegan, Masaaki Suzuki, Martin Haselböck, Mark Morris, Nicholas Kraemer, Matthew Halls, Stephen Stubbs, and Gary Wedow. Celebrated for her “full, luxuriously toned upper range” (The Los Angeles Times), and “astonishing coloratura with radiant top notes” (Calgary Herald) particularly in the music of Bach and Handel, recent seasons have included performances with the New York Philharmonic, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Bach Collegium Japan, Wiener Akademie (Austria), NDR Hannover Radiophilharmonie (Germany), the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Boston Early Music Festival, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra (Canada), Minnesota Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, Houston Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Mark Morris Dance Group, St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue New York, The Choir and Orchestra of Trinity Wall Street, and Voices of Music. Ms. Panthaki is no stranger to classical and modern concert repertoire; she is in high demand for her interpretations of Mozart, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Poulenc, and Orff, as well as numerous new music premieres. Her discography includes the recently released recording of Handel’s Joseph and his Brethren with Nicholas McGegan and Philharmonia Baroque, solo Bach cantatas with the Cantata Collective, and Graupner's opera Antiochus und Stratonica with the Boston Early Music Festival. Born and raised in India, Ms. Panthaki holds graduate degrees with top honors from the Yale School of Music and the University of Illinois, and a Bachelor's from West Virginia Wesleyan College. She is a founding member and artistic advisor of the newly-debuted Kaleidoscope Vocal Ensemble, a vocal octet celebrating racial and ethnic diversity in performances and educational programs of early and new music. Ms. Panthaki is a frequent guest clinician and masterclass leader across the United States. She has taught voice to graduate music students at Yale University, and currently heads the Vocal program at Mount Holyoke College. (bios continued next page)

GUEST ARTIST BIOS (continued)

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Emily Marvosh contralto

American contralto Emily Marvosh has been gaining recognition for her “plum-wine voice,” and “graceful allure,” on the stages of Carnegie Hall, Jordan Hall, Disney Hall, Lincoln Center, Prague’s Smetana Hall, and Vienna’s Stefansdom. Following her solo debut at Boston’s Symphony Hall in 2011, she has been a frequent soloist with the Handel and Haydn Society under the direction of Harry Christophers. Other recent solo appearances include the American Bach Soloists, National Cathedral, and Charlotte Symphony, Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Chorus Pro Musica, Music Worcester, L’academie, Back Bay Chorale, the Brookline Symphony, the Boston Early Music Festival Fringe, and the Chorus of Westerly. Awards include the prestigious Adams Fellowship at the Carmel Bach Festival, the American Prize in the Oratorio and Art Song divisions, and second place in the New England Regional NATSAA competition. Her contributions to 21st century repertoire and performance include world premiere performances with Juventas New Music and the Manchester Summer Chamber Music Festival, and in 2013, Miss Marvosh created the roles of Viviane and the Mother in the world premiere of Hugo Kauder’s Merlin with the Hugo Kauder Society. She is a founding member of the Lorelei Ensemble, which promotes innovative new music for women. With Lorelei, she has enjoyed collaborations with composer David Lang, the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Ensemble appearances in the past and upcoming seasons include the Oregon Bach Festival under the direction of Helmut Rilling, the Bachakademie Stuttgart, Portland Baroque Orchestra, True Concord Voices and Orchestra, Boston Camerata, the Skylark Chamber Ensemble, the Yale Choral Artists, and Cambridge Concentus. Miss Marvosh can be heard on two recent GRAMMY-nominated recordings: Brahms’s Ein Deutsches Requiem with Seraphic Fire, and Prayers and Remembrances with True Concord Voices and Orchestra. She holds degrees from Central Michigan University and Boston University. (bios continued next page)

GUEST ARTIST BIOS (continued)

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Thomas Cooley tenor

Praised by The New York Times for his “sweet, penetrating lyric tenor with aching sensitivity,” and by San Francisco Classical Voice as “an indomitable musical force,” Thomas Cooley is a singer of great versatility, expressiveness, and virtuosity. Internationally in demand for a wide range of repertoire in concert, opera, and chamber music, Cooley performs regularly with major orchestras and Baroque ensembles worldwide. Mr. Cooley is known particularly as an interpreter of the works of Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, and Britten. He returns as the tenor soloist at the Carmel Bach Festival for his twelfth season in 2023, and was Artist-in-Residence for Music of the Baroque from 2015 to 2016. Of his Evangelist with Jane Glover, the Chicago Tribune wrote that he was “an ideal Evangelist, firm of voice and commanding of expression.” Important recent engagements include the role of Gimoaldo in Rodelinda at the Göttingen Handel Festspiele, Telemann’s Der Tag des Gerichts in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam; a recording of the Evangelist in the Johannes-Passion with Nicholas McGegan and the Cantata Collective; Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the New York Philharmonic and Phoenix Symphony; Handel’s Theodora with Philharmonia Baroque; Britten’s War Requiem in Carnegie Hall; and portraying Acis in Acis and Galatea with the Mark Morris Dance Group. A program of Handel arias and duets entitled “As Steals the Morn” with San Francisco’s Voices of Music was selected as the best Early/Baroque performance in the Bay Area in 2019, a selection from which has received nearly two million views on YouTube.

(bios continued next page)

GUEST ARTIST BIOS (continued)

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Jonathon Adams baritone

Born in amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton, Canada), Jonathon Adams is an Indigenous (Cree-Métis) baritone. In concert, they have appeared as a soloist with Sigiswald Kuijken, HansChristoph Rademann, Helmut Rilling, Václav Luks, Ensemble BachPlus, Vox Luminis, il Gardellino, and B’Rock Orchestra at Opera-Ballet Flanders. In 2021 Jonathon was named the first ever artist-in-residence at Early Music Vancouver. Future solo engagements include performances with Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra under Masaaki Suzuki, the Ricercar Consort and Collegium Vocale Gent, il Gardellino, Les Voix Humaines, Studio de Musique Ancienne de Montréal, Servir Antico, and the Portland Baroque Orchestra. 2022 will see the world premiere of Adams’ performance piece nipahimiw with Susie Napper and Catalina Vicens at venues across Canada. Jonathon is a featured soloist in the acclaimed film MESSIAH / COMPLEX produced by Against the Grain Theatre and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. During 2020 and 2021 Jonathon held a fellowship with the Netherlands Bach Society. Jonathon was a core member of Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir for many years, appearing regularly with this ensemble around the world. Recent career highlights include a solo début at the Bruges Concertgebouw in Purcell’s Ode to St. Cecilia, Bach cantatas at Snape Maltings Concert Hall, and concerts with Amsterdam Baroque in China, Japan, and at the Château de Versailles. Jonathon is based in Canada and The Netherlands. They have attended The Royal Academy of Music (London), the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and The Victoria Conservatory of Music where they studied with Nancy Argenta. They also studied privately with Dame Emma Kirkby and Edith Wiens. At the Dutch National Opera Academy Jonathon studied with Rosemary Joshua and Olivier Lallouette.

CHARLOTTE MASTER CHOR ALE

Kenney Potter, Artistic Director Philip Biedenbender, Assistant Conductor & Pianist Erin Schwarz, Chorus Manager

SOPRANO Virginia A. Neisler Abigail Okland Lauren pace Mariah Seidel Rebecca Smith Morgan Stoeling Mary Theisen Melissa Theiss Sarah Barton Thomas Victoria Wojciechowski

Monica Amery Rachel Barber Romy Cawood Katie Colgate Claire Crabtree Allie Miller Crosswhite Sarah Fink Angela Gwinn Allyson Harvel Darlene Ifill-Taylor, MD

ALTO Katie Porier Audrey Robinette Stephenie Santilli Paige Sisk Ryn Spires Susanna Trotter Cricket Weston Evangeline Wilds

Brittany Bethel Brett Blumenthal Chloe Gore Lisa M Harper Patti L Kelly Sydney Kopera Karen Kummer Susan McConnell

TENOR David Moser Chris Pringle Jordan Taylor Jesse M. Tillman, III Matthew Van Dyke

David Benton Miles Caraballo Rajah Chacko David Christopher Herring David Jacobs Adam Krahn

BASS Bennett Billard Aj Calpo David Dennis Parkes Dibble Donnell Dorsey Thomas Griffin

Johnathan Harding Caleb H. Newman Manley Roberts Alan Samdal Michael Stoudmire Ray Trogdon

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MUSICIAN ROSTER

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YOUR CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY Christopher Warren-Green, Conductor Laureate & Music Adviser Christopher James Lees, Resident Conductor FIRST VIOLINS Calin Ovidiu Lupanu, Concertmaster The Catherine & Wilton Connor Chair Joseph Meyer, Associate Concertmaster Kari Giles, Assistant Concertmaster Susan Blumberg°° Jane Hart Brendle Cynthia Burton Emily Chatham°° Ayako Gamo Lenora Leggatt Jenny Topilow Dustin Wilkes-Kim Hanna Zhdan SECOND VIOLINS Oliver Kot, Principal The Wolfgang Roth Chair Kathleen Jarrell, Assistant Principal The Pepsi-Cola Foundation of Charlotte Chair Carlos Tarazona° Monica Boboc Martha Geissler Sakira Harley Tatiana Karpova Ellyn Stuart VIOLAS Benjamin Geller, Principal The Zoe Bunten Merrill Principal Viola Chair Alaina Rea, Assistant Principal * Chihiro Tanaka, Acting Asst. Principal Ellen Ferdon Cynthia Frank Wenlong Huang Viara Stefanova Ning Zhao CELLOS Jonathan Lewis, Principal The Kate Whitner McKay Principal Cello Chair Allison Drenkow, Acting Asst. Principal Alan Black, Principal Emeritus* Marlene Ballena Jeremy Lamb Amy Sunyoung Lee Sarah Markle Oksana McCarthy†

DOUBLE BASSES Kurt Riecken, Principal* Jason McNeel, Acting Principal Judson Baines, Assistant Principal* Justin Cheesman, Acting Asst. Principal Jeffrey Ferdon Luis Primera† FLUTES Victor Wang, Principal The Blumenthal Foundation Chair Amy Orsinger Whitehead Erinn Frechette PICCOLO Erinn Frechette OBOES Erica Cice, Acting Principal The Leo B. Driehuys Chair‡ Teil Taliesin† Terry Maskin ENGLISH HORN Terry Maskin CLARINETS Taylor Marino, Principal The Gary H. & Carolyn M. Bechtel Chair Samuel Sparrow Allan Rosenfeld E♭ CLARINET Samuel Sparrow BASS CLARINET Allan Rosenfeld BASSOONS Joseph Merchant, Principal Joshua Hood Nicholas Ritter CONTRABASSOON Nicholas Ritter

MUSICIAN ROSTER (continued) HORNS Byron Johns, Principal The Mr. & Mrs. William H. Van Every Chair Andrew Fierova Philip Brindise† The Robert E. Rydel, Jr. Third Horn Chair Richard Goldfaden Andrew Merideth† TRUMPETS Alex Wilborn, Principal The Betty J. Livingstone Chair Jonathan Kaplan Gabriel Slesinger, Associate Principal The Marcus T. Hickman Chair TROMBONES John Bartlett, Principal Thomas Burge BASS TROMBONE Scott Hartman, Principal TUBA Colin Benton, Principal The Governor James G. Martin Chair

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TIMPANI Jacob Lipham, Principal The Robert Haywood Morrison Chair PERCUSSION Brice Burton, Principal HARP Andrea Mumm Trammell, Principal The Dr. Billy Graham Chair

This roster lists the full-time members of the Charlotte Symphony. The number and seating of musicians onstage varies depending on the piece being performed. ° Non-revolving position °° Alternates between first and second violins † Acting member of the Charlotte Symphony ‡ Funded by The Symphony Guild of Charlotte, Inc. * On leave

ARTISTIC OPERATIONS Michael Reichman, VP of Artistic Operations & General Manager Carrie Graham, Director of Artistic Planning Tim Pappas, Director of Operations Nixon Bustos, Principal Music Librarian Erin Eady, Personnel Manager Claire Beiter, Operations Coordinator John Jarrell, Stage Manager

The Charlotte Symphony is a proud member of the League of American Ochestras.

MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT

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GABRIEL SLESINGER

trumpet

Member of CSO since 2019 hometown: Bethesda, MD

FUN FACTS • I can name all of the U.S. Presidents in less than 10 seconds. • I played a lead role in the short film New Gains, part of Charlotte’s 2023 48-Hour Film Project. • I love to cook (and eat!), especially pasta. For more information about Charlotte Symphony musicians, visit

charlottesymphony.org

ABOUT THE CSO

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One of the premier music organizations in the Southeastern United States and the oldest operating symphony orchestra in the Carolinas, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) connects with more than 100,000 music lovers each year through its lively season of concerts, broadcasts, community events, and robust educational programs. The CSO is committed to its mission of uplifting, entertaining, and educating the diverse communities of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and beyond through exceptional musical experiences. The Charlotte Symphony upholds the highest artistic integrity and takes bold steps to engage with its community through music. Its 65 professional, full-time musicians perform throughout the region — from community parks and breweries, to places of worship and senior care centers — and offer significant educational support, aimed at serving the underresourced areas of our community. The Charlotte Symphony is deeply committed to the notion that music, accessible to all and experienced in its many forms, enriches and unifies our community. The CSO believes in equity and inclusion and strives to be an industry leader in imaginative, relevant programming by intentionally seeking out women conductors, underrepresented in our industry, and conductors, composers, and guest artists of color. Founded in 1932, the Charlotte Symphony plays a leading cultural role in the Charlotte area and serves the community as a civic leader, reflecting and uniting our region through the transformative power of live music.

OUR MISSION The Charlotte Symphony uplifts, entertains, and educates the diverse communities of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and beyond through exceptional musical experiences.

OUR VISION Reaching out through the transformative power of live music, the Charlotte Symphony will be a civic leader, reflecting and uniting our region.

For more information, visit us online at

charlottesymphony.org

GIFT GUIDE

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Holiday Gift Guide Delight your loved ones with these musical gifts! Looking for the perfect gift to give the music lovers in your life? We have something for everyone this holiday season. For more information, visit us at

charlottesymphony.org/giftguide

For the CSO Devotee... Friends and family will love to show off their Charlotte Symphony pride with official Charlotte Symphony merch! This season, we’re offering cozy sweatshirts, eco-friendly totes, and more.

For the music lover... Find the perfect gift for the music lover in your life with a Classical or Pops package of 3 performances for only $99. Only a limited number of packages available, so don’t wait!

GIFT GUIDE (continued)

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For the beer connoisseur... What can be better than a cold beer in hand while enjoying classical music performed live at your local brewery? A pair of tickets to On Tap will elevate their brewery experience with great music performed by your Charlotte Symphony.

For the film buff... Give the experience of enjoying fulllength films on the big screen as the Charlotte Symphony performs the scores LIVE! This year’s package includes Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Jaws, & more.

For the philanthropist... Honor your friends, family, and loved ones by making a tax-deductible donation in their name to the Charlotte Symphony, ensuring that our community stays alive with music today, tomorrow, and always.

For everyone... Whether it’s for your friend, boss, or family member, a Charlotte Symphony gift certificate ensures that you give them a gift that they will love.

PROGR AM NOTES by Ken Metzer

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GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL born: February 23, 1685 in Halle, Germany died: April 14, 1759 in London, UK

Messiah hwv 56 (1741) premiere: April 13, 1742 in Dublin, Ireland

The creation of George Frideric Handel’s most beloved work, Messiah, took place during a challenging period in the composer’s life. The steady decline in London of the popularity of Italian opera had caused Handel tremendous financial hardship. In addition, Handel’s rigorous work schedule had taken a profound toll on the composer’s health. By the summer of 1741, a period of lethargy had set in. It was at this point that Handel received a libretto for a new work, an oratorio based upon the birth, life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The author of the libretto was Charles Jennens (1700-1773), who collaborated with Handel on several oratorios. In July of 1741, Jennens wrote to a friend: Handel says he will do nothing next Winter, but I hope I shall persuade him to set another Scripture Collection I have made for him, & perform it for his own Benefit in Passion Week. I hope he will lay out his whole Genius & Skill upon it, that the Composition may excel all his former Compositions, as the Subject excels every other subject. The Subject is Messiah.

A portrait of Charles Jennens by Thomas Hudson from around 1740; now in the Handel House Museum.

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PROGR AM NOTES (continued)

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Handel began composition of Messiah on August 22, 1741. There seems to be no question that the libretto, based upon the Old and New Testaments, proved to be a source of majestic inspiration. Handel, working at a lightning pace, composed Messiah in just 24 days. Once Handel completed Messiah, he focused his attention upon Samson, another oratorio inspired by the Bible. It was during this period that Handel accepted an invitation to travel to Dublin for a series of concerts in aid of charity. In November, Handel set sail for Dublin, bringing with him several works for performance at the charity concerts. Among those works was Messiah. The premiere of Messiah took place at Dublin’s New Music Hall in Fishamble Street on April 13, 1742. Three days prior to the performance, the Dublin Journal printed the following admonition: Many Ladies and Gentlemen who are well-wishers to this Noble and Grand Charity for which this Oratorio was composed, request it as a Favour, that the Ladies who honour this Performance with their Presence would be pleased to come without Hoops, as it will greatly increase the Charity, by making room for more company. Gentlemen were also requested to refrain from bringing their swords to the performance, again for the purpose of increasing the audience capacity.

The first page of the concluding chorus, "Worthy is the Lamb," from Handel’s original manuscript. (British Library, London) (continued next page)

PROGR AM NOTES (continued)

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The performance was a tremendous success. As the Dublin Journal reported: (T)he best Judges allowed (Messiah) to be the most finished piece of music. Words are wanting to express the exquisite Delight it afforded to the admiring crowded audience. The Sublime, the Grand, and the Tender, adapted to the most elevated, majestic and moving Words, conspired to transport and charm the ravished Heart and Ear. It is but justice to Mr. Handel, that the World should know, he generously gave the Money arising from this Grand Performance, to be equally shared by the Society for relieving Prisoners, the Charitable Infirmary, the Mercer’s Hospital, for which they will ever gratefully remember his Name… The London premiere of Messiah, which took place at Covent Garden on March 23, 1743, was more problematic. It appears that the London public accorded Handel’s Messiah a mixed reception. However, at least according to one observer, those in attendance — including one very prominent member of the audience — were particularly moved by a portion of the oratorio. This resulted in the birth of a tradition that continues to this day: “When the chorus struck up ‘for the Lord God Omnipotent’ (in the ‘Hallelujah’ Chorus), they were so transported that they all together, with the King (who happened to be present), started up and remained standing till the chorus ended.” In May of 1750, Handel agreed to present Messiah as a benefit for London’s Foundling Hospital. The performance venue of the Hospital’s Chapel, coupled with the worthy cause, removed any possible objections. Charity concerts of Messiah became a yearly tradition at the Foundling Hospital.

The chapel of London’s Foundling Hospital, the venue for regular charity performances of Messiah from 1750. (continued next page)

PROGR AM NOTES (continued)

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On April 6, 1759, Handel made his final public appearance, conducting a London performance of Messiah. On April 13, Handel died at the age of 74. The funeral, held in Westminster Abbey, attracted an estimated 3,000 mourners. Three years later, the great church unveiled a monument to Handel, created by the French sculptor, Louis François Roubiliac. The monument depicts Handel, holding the score of Messiah. Overhead, an angel plays a lyre. The score is opened to the soprano solo that serves to begin the oratorio’s Third Part: “I know that my redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.”

SUPPORTERS

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We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Annual Fund. This list reflects gifts received between July 1, 2023 through November 1, 2023

BENEFACTOR CIRCLE $100,000+ Catherine & Wilton Connor*

Douglas Young

$50,000 – $99,999 J. Porter & Victoria Durham Jane & Hugh McColl*

Patricia & Thrus Morton

$25,000 – $49,999 Anonymous Joan & Mick Ankrom Richard & Ruth Ault Dr. Milton & Arlene Berkman Philanthropic Fund Mark & Judith Brodsky Roberta H. Cochran Jean & Dick Cornwell Linda & Bill Farthing John & Maria Huson

Richard Krumdieck Jacqueline B. Mars Patrick J. O'Leary Richard J. Osborne Debbie & Pat Phillips Paul & Kathy Reichs Carolyn Shaw John & Andromeda Williams

$15,000 – $24,999 Anonymous (2) Melissa & Daren Anderson Emanuel & Nicola Clark Ralph S. Grier Mary & Michael Lamach Betty P. & Jeffrey J. Lee

DeDe & Alex McKinnon Alex & Ulrike Miles Robert Norville Judy & Derek Raghavan Thomas & Sherry Skains Adam & Sienne Taylor

$10,000 – $14,999 Anonymous (3) Joye D. Blount & Jessie J. Knight Jr. Katharine & Frank Bragg Mr. & Mrs. R. Alfred Brand III Lynne & Colby Cathey Margarita & Nick Clements Jeanie & Tom Cottingham Lisa & Carlos Evans Christoph & Robin Feddersen Karen Fox Charles & Caren Gale Janet M. Haack Susan & Chris Kearney Ginger Kelly Ms. Nina Lesavoy

Laura & Perry Poole Ann & Fritz Rehkopf Mrs. Rosalind Richardson Pat Rodgers Cory & Amanda Rogers Marjorie Moses Schwab Ylida and Bert Scott Melinda & David Snyder Drs. Jennifer Sullivan & Matthew Sullivan Mary Claire and Dan Wall Kevin and Jill Walker Leigh & Watts Humphrey Richard and Lisa Worf

* The Charlotte Symphony recognizes donors of exceptional generosity whose cumulative giving to the CSO exceeds $1 million with the designation of Music Director Society.

SUPPORTERS (continued) VIRTUOSO CIRCLE $5,000 – $9,999 Howard P. Adams & Carol B. McPhee Francisco & Jeannette Alvarado Steve & Katrice Boland Mary & Charles Bowman Twig & Barbara Branch Bill & Robin Branstrom Katherine & Thomas Bunn Shirley & Michael Butterworth Mr. & Mrs. Keith Cockrell Malcomb & Tammy Coley Brian & Morgan Cromwell Denise & Peter DeMaio Donna & Alvaro de Molina Mary Anne Dickson Peggy & Richard Dreher Mary & Robert Engel Thomas & Heather Finke David J.L. Fisk & Anne O'Byrne Joan & Parker Foley Carol & Ron Follmer Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle Dr. Robert A. Gaines & Toni Burke Sarah & Frank Gentry Barry & Laurie Guy James & Rebecca Hovis Shirley & Bob Ivey Chris Jensen Page & Ed Kizer Hartmut & Irene Kossack Robert & Vivian Lamb Laszlo & Anna Littmann Zaydee López-Ibáňez Leslie & Michael Marsicano Susanne & Bill McGuire Mr. & Mrs. Paul McIntosh Susan & Loy McKeithen Mrs. Sandra Levine Dick Metzler Chuck Miller & Marcy Thailer Mr. & Mrs. Brian T. Moynihan Holly & Jason Norvell Torsten & Kim Pilz Emily & Nima Pirzadeh Nancy & Charlie Robson Sara Garcés Roselli & Dan Roselli Bette Roth Laura & Michael Schulte Donald & Susan Sherrill Glenn Sherrill, Jr in honor of Robin Branstom Mr. & Mrs. Harley F. Shuford, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Pope A. Shuford Nancy E. Simpson Lori & Eric Sklut

page 27 Kevin Taylor Chris & Jim Teat Judith & Gary Toman Mr. & Mrs. C.L. Trenkelbach Suzie & Nick Trivisonno In Memory of Tess Verbesey Floyd Wisner & Glenda Colman Glenda Colman Sidney & Bobby Youngs Abby & Albert Zue

$3,500 – $4,999 Anonymous Wedge & Debbie Abels Mr. James Biddlecome, in Loving Memory of Bernadette Zirkuli Biddlecome Philipp J. Bischoff & Dawn Beatty Si & Michael Blake Ms. Judith Carpenter Sally & Derick Close H. Clay Furches Leigh & Watts Humphrey Richard I. McHenry & Cynthia L. Caldwell Arrington & Burch Mixon Tony & Linda Pace Marsha & Robert L. Stickler Daniel & Kathleen Troy Edgar & Karen Whitener George McLendon & Carol Quillen

$2,500 – $3,499 Anonymous Julian Andretta Merilyn & Craig Baldwin Mrs. Harriet B. Barnhardt Bill & Georgia Belk Tiffany & Jason Bernd Jan & Bob Busch Cathy Bessant & John Clay Mr. & Mrs. Alan Blumenthal Amy & Philip Blumenthal Dr. & Mrs. O. Robert Boehm Ann Thomas Colley Dorothy & Mike Connor Deborah J. Cox & Bob Szymkiewicz Alfred & Amy Dawson Chris & Elizabeth Daly In Memory of Betty Haggarty Peter De Arcangelis Phil & Mary Delk Cheryl DeMaio Peggy & Charles Dickerson Timothy & Kara Gallagher Harvey & Cindy Gannt Todd & Andrea Griffith (continued next page)

SUPPORTERS (continued) $2,500 – $3,499 (continued) Mr. Billy L. Gerhart, in memory of Judith Gerhart Mariam Abdul Hamid Ivan Hinrichs Brian & Juliet Hirsch Ben & Christy Hume Fran & Greg Hyde Jim & Peggy Hynes Bruce & Martha Karsh Ginger Kemp Mr. & Mrs. Luke Kissam Dr. & Mrs. Christ A. Koconis Meghan & Luis Lluberas James Lynch Jim & Dottie Martin Rob Roy McGregor Dee Dee McKay Diane & Aderito Morais Jay & Elizabeth Monge Joan Morgan Celene & Marc Oken Dr. Reta R. Phifer Mr. Vincent Phillips & Mr. Paul Pope Kathleen D. Prokay Mr. & Mrs. Robert R. Rollins, Jr. Dr. Mahesh Sardesai Paulette Sherrill George & Tricia Sistrunk Emily & Zach Smith Morris & Patricia Spearman Elizabeth Connor Stewart Dottie Stowe in loving memory of Dickson Stowe Dr. Mark R. Swanson Drs. Chris & Lillian Teigland Eric & Annette Telljohann In Memory of Dr. Chandler Thompson Dr. John A. Thompson, Jr. & Dr. Lee Rocamora Dr. Cynthia H. Tyson Mindy & Don Upton Paul & Susan Vadnais Bill & Rita Vandiver Dr. Shante Williams Steph & Gemo Yesil

PATRON CIRCLE $1,500 – $2,499 Anonymous Marcia Adams Ross & Michele Annable Clay & Denise Armbrister Dan & Barbara Austell Dianne & Brian Bailey Sharon Baker & Peter Moore

page 28 Mr. & Mrs. Taylor Batten Erskine & Crandall Bowles Kelly & Jackie Brown Sarah & Marco Carbone Ms. Catherine P. Carstarphen Mr. Brent Clevenger Neil & Claire Cotty Elizabeth Betty Eaton William & Patricia Gorelick Family Foundation Angela & Michael Helms Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin F. Hill, Jr. Mr. James Howell & Mrs. Deanna Kelly Joan Irwin Gene & Helen Katz Christopher James Lees Elizabeth J. McLaughlin† Stacy & Adam Marino Anna Marriott Ms. Rosemarie Marshall & Mr. Lee Wilkins Mr. Glenn Mincey & Mrs. Macie Mincey Eleanor W. Neal Caroline Olzinski Pamela Pearson & Charles Peach John & Susan Rae Jane Perry Shoemaker Katie & Raleigh Shoemaker Ken Spielfogel & Richard Withem Robert & Maxine Stein Gail & Scott Syfert Tillie S. Tice Jenny & Ken Tolson James H. Trexler & Kelly Zellars Vera Watson Grant Webb Linda & Craig Weisbruch Cricket Weston & David Molinaro Mrs. Eugenia N. White Bryan Wilhelm Noni Williams Deems Wilson Ms. Deborra Wood & Mr. Russell Propst

$1,000 – $1,499 Anonymous (5) Ashley & Steve Allen Kathleen & Richard Anderson Mary Lou & Jim Babb Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln A. Baxter Morgan & Katie Beggs Katherine W. Belk John & Katherine Beltz Shirley W. Benfield Donald H. & Barbara K. Bernstein Family Foundation Ms. Brett Blumenthal & Mr. David Wax Carole Bourret (continued next page)

SUPPORTERS (continued) Khary Brown in Memory of Kyden Justice Brown Herbert Browne Mr. Charles Budd Jane & Larry Cain Maggie Callen Bill & Pauline Chinnis David M. Cody Mr. Mark Copeland & Mrs. Kathleen Goldammer-Copeland Ann F. Copeland Dr. & Mrs. Mark Couture Sarah & Larry Dagenhart Gwin Dalton Rufus Dalton Dan & Jeannette Davis Dr. Kandi & Gary Deitemeyer Dena Diorio Ralph & Troyann Dougherty Matt & Julie Drinkhahn Jay & Lisa Duggins Shobhan & Pritika Dutta Virginia Dulaney Bob & Judy Erb Martin Ericson, Jr. Julie & Tom Eiselt Lisa & Carlos Evans Trae & Kate Fletcher Ms. Toni Freeman Stephen C. & Jean S. Geller Jenn & Taylor Gherardi Kathy Gray Joyce & Ed Hamilton Anne J. Henderson Mical Hutson Paul & Linda Ibsen Martha D. Jones Lea & Stuart Johnson Mr. & Mrs. John E. Kibler Joan Kirschner Marilyn Kroll Jonathan Lamb Ms. Barbara Laughllin Mark & Katherine Love Lucinda Nisbet Lucas Dr. & Mrs. Randolph Mahnesmith Mrs. Allison Malter Holly & Christopher Maurer Ms. Nydia McCrohan Shawn & Kelly McGrath Martha Monserrate Susan D. Montgomery Janet Preyer Nelson Peter & Janet Nixon Mr. & Mrs. E. O. Oakley Michael & Debbie O’Hara Karen L. Oldham

page 29 Elaind Papadimitriou Arvind & Helen Patil Gwen Peterson & Tom Hodge Catherine Philpott Lucy Quintilliano & Leonard Fumi Dr. & Mrs. R. Pinkney Rankin, Jr. Morry Alter & Joan Rasmussen Brendan Reen Dave & Anne Regnery Rita & Thomas Robinson Sally & Russell Robinson Mrs. Gail Salmon Dr. Stephen P. Schultz & Donna Dutton Thomas & Natasha Scrivener Mr. & Mrs. William Seifert Molly & Conrad Sloan Scott Smith Murray & Hazel Somerville Kathryn Stewart Al & Alice Sudduth Ann & Wellford Tabor Richard R. Taylor Mr. & Mrs. Hans Teich Catherine Thompson B. Maureen Turner Vint & Libby Tilson Sarah S. Tull Drs. Iris Cheng & Daniel Uri Dr. & Mrs. Bill Chu & Jin Wang Ward Wellman & Laura Meyer Wellman Pam & Steve West Peter White David Wilcox Mr. Gary Wilhite Ms. Judith Wood Eugene Woods Ms. Barbara Yarbrough

$500 – $999 AAnonymous (4) Michael & Lee Abbott Doug & Linda Abel Mark Abrams & Iris Prandi Mr. Lester Ackerman & Mr. Layton Campbell Larry Anderson Leigh & Rhonda Armistead JWD Atchison Bob & Cathy Becker Emerson Bell Ms. Melody Birmingham James Broadstone Aram & Scott Bryan Greg & Mary Lou Cagle Barbara F. Caine Ms. Lisa Callen Mary Case Amanda & Kevin Chheda (continued next page)

SUPPORTERS (continued) $500 – $999 (continued) Hobart B. Cheyne Dr. W. Gerald Cochran & Mr. Timothy D. Gudger Mr. Thomas E. Collins, Jr. Mrs. Jane M. Conlan Jack Cook Dr. Kilian Cooley Martin & Leslie Cooper Ellen M. Crowley Mr. Todd Croy Mrs. Judy Crozier Angela & Jesse Cureton Craig Selimotic Danforth Dr. Roy E. DeMeo, Jr. & Ms. Linda A. Evanko Doug & Diane Doak Cheryl Drake-Bowers Rebecca Elliott Gloria Evans Melisa & Frank Galasso Dr. John & Eileen Gardella Pete & Stacy Gherardi Donna Gibson Sarah Goad Mr. Walter H. Goodwin, Esq. Dan & Linda Gordon Ms. Cynthia Greenlee Tara & Richard Harris Mr. & Mrs. Lowrance Harry Mr. Charles Haughey Patrick & Johanne Hawk Mr. & Mrs. Michael D. Heafner Mr. Stefan Heinzelmann Robert Henderson Logan & Jennifer Henderson Barbara Holt Dr. & Mrs. Alexander Horowitz Pete & Phyllis Johnson Vickie & Eugene Johnson Michael & Priscilla Johnson Tim & Kathryn Johnson Joseph & Patty Kahle Emily Kalfayan Steven & Mary Kesselman James King Nancy H. Kiser Dr. & Mrs. Jack Kramer Theodore & Dorothy Kramer Fran & Bart Landess Linda Lane Harry & Gloria Lerner Jerome & Barbara Levin Mr. Michael Lewandowski Mr. George Linfors

page 30 Shira Lissek Kathryn Long Mark & Katherine Love Vi Lyles Dr. & Mrs. William W. MacDonald Bruce & Leigh Marsh Linda Marshall Francis & Paula Martin Ed & Wendy Matthews Mr. & Mrs. Kiran H. Mehta Eric Miller Anne & Brad Mitchell Christopher Montgomery Tom & Sally Moore Gary & Fran Morrison Robert & Carla Murray Nancy Olah & Bill Pace Cookie & Jerry Parnell Janet & Rick Pfeiffer John & Wilma Pinter Mr. & Mrs. Rodney C. Pitts Jeanine & Naeem Qasim Haywood & Sabine Rankin Ana & Manuel Rey Jose & Megan Rosado Shonn Ross Nancy Rutledge & Jim Rutledge Robert & Christine Rydel Alyssa Sharpe Katy & Raleigh Shoemaker Michael Silverman Carol Smith Dr. & Mrs. Henry L. Smith II John-Palmer Smith Rebecca & Eric Smith Julia J. Souther Bill & Mary Stanton Mr. & Mrs. Larry Stern William & Catherine Stone Wesley & Claudia Sturges George & Brenda Sweet Ms. Sarah Teague Gretchen & Jean-Claude Thill Tim Timson James & Melanie Twyne Greg & Sandy Vlahos Minyan Wang Lyman Welton Barnet & Harriet Weinstock Dan & Susan Yardley

For more information on how to make a gift to the CSO Annual Fund, please contact Libby Currier, Director of Individual Givings, at 704.714.5137 or lcurrierl@charlottesymphony.org.

SUPPORTERS (continued)

page 31

The Encore Society includes individuals who have made provisions for the CSO in their estate plans. We are honored to recognize their support: Lucille & Edwin Jones Paul and Paula McIntosh Nellie McCrory† M. Marie Mitchell† Cricket Weston & David Molinaro Joan & Richard Morgan Don C. Niehus Eva Nove Richard J. Osborne Gwen Peterson & Tom Hodge James Y. Preston† Mrs. Clayton (Dusty) Pritchett Ann & Fritz Rehkopf Elizabeth Waring Reinhard Nancy W. Rutledge Mike Rutledge Harriet Seabrook Mr. & Mrs. William Seifert Morris & Patricia Spearman Bob & Maxine Stein Dr. Ben C. Taylor III Mr. & Mrs. Hans Teich Cordelia G. Thompson Tim Timson Jenny & Ken Tolson Ms. Debora Wood & Mr. Russell Propst

Anonymous (3) Geraldine I. Anderson† Richard & Ruth Ault Baldwin Family Trust Barnhardt Thomas Trust Larry & Joyce† Bennett Donald H. & Barbara K. Bernstein Mark & Louise Bernstein† Rosemary Blanchard† Twig & Barbara Branch Saul Brenner Mike & Joan Brown† Mrs. Joan Bruns† Jan & Bob Busch Dr. Helen G. Cappleman, Ph.D.† Jim Cochran† Robin Cochran Tom Covington Charles & Peggy Dickerson Mr. Martin Ericson, Jr. David J.L. Fisk & Anne P. O’Byrne Peter & Ann† Guild William G. & Marguerite K. Huey Fund† Dr. Nish Jamgotch, Jr. Betty & Stanley Livingstone† † Deceased

Leave a lasting legacy of great music through your planned gift. For more information, please contact Shayne Doty at 704.714.5104.

Support your CSO. With your gift, the Charlotte Symphony uplifts, entertains, and educates the diverse communities of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and beyond through exceptional musical experiences.

Every gift makes a difference. Make your contribution today:

charlottesymphony.org/give-today

CSO Handel's Messiah 2023 - program 12-01-23

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