CSO Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 - program 02-02-24 by Charlotte Symphony

DIGITAL PROGRAM BOOK

February 2 & 3 7:30 pm | Belk Theater Carolyn Kuan conductor Drew Petersen piano

charlottesymphony.org

CONTENTS

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WHAT’S INSIDE... A Message from the President & CEO 3 Our New Music Director 4 Concert Program 7 Artist Biographies 8 2023/24 Musician Roster 12 About the CSO 15 Program Notes 18 Annual Fund Donors 24 Corporate & Foundation Sponsors 30 Infusion Fund 33 Board of Directors & Trustees 34 Administration 35

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

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WELCOME

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Welcome to Your CSO! Welcome to a new year with your Charlotte Symphony — one that promises thrilling musical experiences and stronger community connections! As we look with anticipation toward the year ahead, we can also reflect upon some recent exciting developments and successes. A stand-out moment in December was the announcement of our new Music Director, the extraordinary Kwamé Ryan. We are thrilled to have such a dynamic and visionary leader joining the organization, to guide us into a future filled with innovative programming and musical excellence. I’m eager for you to feel his passion for music education and his dedication to community-building, which will undoubtedly deepen the CSO’s service to Charlotte, and bring extraordinary music-making to a wider audience. Don’t miss Maestro Ryan’s first concerts as our Music Director Designate, when he leads the Orchestra in works by Wang Jie, Tchaikovsky, and Brahms on April 5th and 6th! We also announced another exciting addition to the Symphony’s portfolio: CSO Roadshow, a new mobile stage set to launch this spring with performances in neighborhoods throughout Charlotte; each unique program devised in partnership with that local community. The coming years will see the forging of new grass-roots partnerships that extend the Symphony’s reach, and bring live music beyond the walls of our concert hall — for free — to public spaces throughout the City and County. The excitement continues throughout the rest of the season. February brings a special treat, when we present Vivaldi Reimagined: The Four Seasons in Music and Verse as part of our growing partnership with Queens University of Charlotte. In March, we’re celebrating the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s timeless Rhapsody in Blue, and we continue the journey through the Star Wars universe with The Force Awakens in Concert. We look forward to having you with us. Wishing you and your family a joyous year ahead!

- David Fisk President & CEO

OUR NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR

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ANNOUNCING THE CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY’S NEXT MUSIC DIRECTOR

We are thrilled to announce that Kwamé Ryan, hailed as a “dynamic conductor” by The Baltimore Sun, will assume the role of your Charlotte Symphony’s 12th Music Director, beginning in 2024–25, ushering in a new era for the Orchestra’s 93rd season. “On my very first visit to Charlotte, I felt instantly connected with the dynamic energy of the city and then profoundly inspired by the wonderful musicians of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra … I very much look forward to discovering how this exciting new partnership can enrich the orchestra’s legacy and the cultural fabric of Charlotte.” – Music Director Designate Kwamé Ryan Born in Canada and raised on the Caribbean island of Trinidad, Kwamé Ryan discovered his passion for conducting at the age of nine. He studied Musicology at Cambridge University and trained in conducting under the guidance of renowned composer/conductor Peter Eötvös. An active guest conductor, Ryan has led orchestras across the United States, UK, and Germany. In the fall of 2023, Ryan conducted the world premiere of Jake Heggie’s Intelligence at Houston Grand Opera, and in 2024, he makes his debut with Opera Theatre of St. Louis and the New York Philharmonic.

OUR NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR (continued)

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When not on the podium, Ryan dedicates his time to educational and community engagement initiatives. He has previously served as Musical Director of the National Youth Orchestra of France and as Director of the Academy for the Performing Arts at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, Ryan is the host of “8 Minute Idea,” a podcast in which he offers insights, tools, and life hacks. “As a dynamic leader who understands the full potential of the relationship between an orchestra and its community, Kwamé will undoubtedly deepen the Charlotte Symphony’s service to Charlotte and the region, and, with his passion for music education, bring extraordinary, powerful music-making to a wider audience of all ages.” – President & CEO David Fisk

Ryan’s selection was unanimous by the Music Director Search Committee, comprised of Charlotte Symphony musicians, staff, and members of the Board of Directors. “From the outset, there was an incredible chemistry between Kwamé Ryan and the musicians which created an atmosphere of collaboration and inspiration. Kwamé’s dynamic performances, as well as his ability to connect with audiences in a meaningful way, truly distinguished him. We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional conductor to Charlotte!” – Bassist Jeffrey Ferdon and Principal Violist Ben Geller, who served on the Music Director Search Committee Kwamé Ryan will return to Charlotte this spring to conduct the Orchestra in two performances of Wang Jie’s Symphonic Overture “America, the Beautiful,” Brahms’s Symphony No. 1, and Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, April 5–6.

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, February 2, 2024 at 7:30 pm Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 7:30 pm Belk Theater at Blumenthal Arts

Carolyn Kuan, conductor Drew Petersen, piano

[approx. 20 minutes] BÉLA BARTÓK (1881-1945) Suite from The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19

JOHN ADAMS (b. 1947) Dr. Atomic Symphony

[approx. 25 minutes]

INTERMISSION [approx. 40 minutes] SERGEI RACHMANINOFF (1873-1943) Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30 I. Allegro ma non tanto II. Intermezzo. Adagio III. Finale. Alla breve Drew Petersen, piano

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

CONDUCTOR BIO

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Carolyn Kuan guest conductor

Recognized as a conductor of extraordinary versatility, Carolyn Kuan has enjoyed successful associations with top-tier orchestras, opera companies, ballet companies, and festivals worldwide. Her commitment to contemporary music has established her as an international resource for new music. Regularly collaborating with top-tier orchestras around the world, she was the first woman to be appointed as Music Director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, a position she has held since 2011. Ms. Kuan’s North American engagements have included performances with the symphonies of Baltimore, Detroit, Milwaukee, Omaha, San Francisco, Seattle, and Toronto; the Florida and Louisville orchestras; the New York City Ballet; the Colorado Music Festival and Glimmerglass Opera Festival; the New York City Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Washington National Opera. In the 2021/2022 season she made her debut with the Columbus (OH) Symphony and returned to conduct Opera Theatre of St. Louis in Harvey Milk and the Santa Fe Opera to conduct Huang Ruo’s M Butterfly. Recent international engagements have included concerts with the Bournemouth Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic, National Symphony of Taiwan, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Residentie Orkest, Orquesta Sinfonica de Yucatan, Royal Danish Ballet, the West Australian Symphony, and the Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo. Ms. Kuan made her debut with English National Opera in Philip Glass’ Satyagraha in the 2021/2022 season. She led Borusan Istanbul Orchestra and the Colorado Symphony this season and this summer conducts the Chautauqua Symphony. Ms. Kuan’s recent highlights include debuts with the Singapore Symphony, Santa Barbara Symphony, and the Portland Opera, conducting a production of Rossini's La Cenerentola. She led Mark Campbell’s Stonewall with New York City Opera in June, 2019 which helped commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. (continued next page)

CONDUCTOR BIO (continued)

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Carolyn Kuan also collaborated with Beth Morrison in a project called Ouroboros Trilogy, a three-part exploration of life, death, and rebirth as symbolized by the ancient Greek icon of a serpent eating its own tail. Working with composer Scott Wheeler, she directed Naga, one of the three operas commissioned for the trilogy. She conducted the premiere of Philip Glass's opera The Trial with the Opera Theatre of St. Louis and has conducted the Santa Fe Opera in Huang Ruo’s Dr. Sun Yat-sen; the Washington National Opera in Daniel Catán’s Florencia en el Amazonas. While maintaining a solid connection with traditional repertoire, Carolyn Kuan has cultivated a unique expertise in Asian music and contemporary works. From 2007 to 2012, she directed the annual San Francisco Symphony Chinese New Year concert. For the Seattle Symphony, Ms. Kuan helped launch the hugely successful Celebrate Asia! program with community leaders representing eight Asian cultures, and led sold-out performances for three consecutive years. She has led world premieres for Music from Japan, and has conducted multimedia productions of the Butterfly Lovers Concerto and A Monkey’s Tale as part of Detroit Symphony’s World Music Series. Recipient of numerous awards, Ms. Kuan holds the distinction of being the first woman to be awarded the Herbert von Karajan Conducting Fellowship by the Herbert von Karajan Centrum and American Austrian Foundation in 2003, resulting in her residency at the 2004 Salzburg Festival. Winner of the first Taki Concordia Fellowship, she has received additional awards from the Women’s Philharmonic, Conductors Guild, and Susan W. Rose Fund for Music. Ms. Kuan graduated cum laude from Smith College, received a Master of Music degree from the University of Illinois, and a Performance Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory.

GUEST ARTIST BIO

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Drew Petersen piano

Acclaimed young American pianist Drew Petersen is a sought-after soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician. He has been praised for his commanding and poetic performances of repertoire ranging from Bach to Zaimont. He is the recipient of the 2018 Avery Fisher Career Grant and winner of the 2017 American Pianists Awards and Christel DeHaan Classical Fellowship. During the 22/23 season he was heard in Washington, DC, Wisconsin, California, Illinois, and Florida with orchestras, in chamber music and recital including 92NY. As a prize winner of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition at age 17 he will return in spring 2024 for the closing concert of the BravoPiano! Festival. Other orchestral appearances in 23/24 include Asheville and Charlotte, NC and Eugene, OR. In recital he can be heard in Florida, Alabama, and Virginia. 2018 marked the release of his first solo recording of music by Barber, Carter, and other American composers on the Steinway & Sons label for which BBC Music Magazine acknowledged his presence as a rising star. A frequent radio contributor, Petersen has performed on McGraw-Hill Young Artists Showcase, From the Top, and Performance Today. Profiles include The New York Times, New York Magazine, and the documentary “just normal” by awardwinning director Kim A. Snyder. A champion of chamber music, Petersen has appeared on French radio’s France Musique while a member of a Verbier Festival piano trio. Drew Petersen’s firm belief in the importance of music in contemporary society led to collaborations with Young Audiences NY that presents performances in New York City’s public schools. His appearance in Andrew Solomon’s New York Times bestselling book, Far From the Tree, sparked a nation-wide conversation on raising extraordinary and different children who test the willpower and capabilities of their families and society. Petersen continually advocates for the necessity of classical music and other arts in society, and was named a 2006 Davidson Fellow for his portfolio entitled Keeping Classical Music Alive. (continued next page)

GUEST ARTIST BIO (continued)

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MUSICIAN ROSTER

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YOUR CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY Kwamé Ryan, Music Director Designate Christopher James Lees, Resident Conductor Christopher Warren-Green, Conductor Laureate 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 Ayako Gamo David Horak† 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 Kirsten Swanson, 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

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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

BASS TROMBONE Scott Hartman, Principal

† Acting member of the Charlotte Symphony

TUBA Colin Benton, Principal The Governor James G. Martin Chair

‡ Funded by The Symphony Guild of Charlotte, Inc. * On leave

ARTISTIC OPERATIONS Michael Reichman, VP of Artistic Operations & General Manager Carrie Graham, Senior Director of Artistic Planning Tim Pappas, Director of Operations Nixon Bustos, Principal Music Librarian Emily Schaub, Assistant 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.

Wednesday, February 7 7:30 pm Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts & Civic Engagement This unique event reimagines Vivaldi's timeless masterpiece through a fusion of captivating music and inspiring verse. Every season will take on its own personality with this remarkable blend where music meets poetry.

704.972.2OOO | 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

Feb. 9 & 1O 7:3O pm | Knight Theater

Christopher James Lees conductor Craig A. Meyer special guest

Experience an unforgettable evening of greatest hits from the legendary Sir Elton John! Capturing the music, costumes, and charisma of the Rocket Man himself, singer, actor, and pianist Craig A. Meyer's captivating performance has been wowing audiences nationwide.

704.972.2OOO | charlottesymphony.org

February 16 – 18 Knight Theater Keitaro Harada guest conductor

Francisco Fullana violin

Featuring Wieniawski's Concerto for Violin No. 2

704.972.2OOO | charlottesymphony.org

PROGR AM NOTES by Ken Meltzer

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BÉLA BARTÓK born: March 25, 1881 in Nagyszentmiklós, Hungary died: September 26, 1945 in New York, New York

Suite from The Miraculous Mandarin Opus 19 (1926) premiere: November 27, 1926 in Cologne, Germany

approx. duration: 20 minutes

Béla Bartók’s ballet The Miraculous Mandarin is based upon the shocking story of the same name by Hungarian author Menyhért Lengyel, first published in the journal Nyugat on January 1, 1917. Bartók took a great interest in the tale, and asked his piano teacher and friend, István Thomán, to approach Lengyel about the possibility of a musical adaptation. By postcard of March 28, 1918, Thomán informed Bartók: “Menyhért Lengyel would be delighted if you set the Mandarin to music.” Bartók and Lengyel met on June 21, 1918, and the two signed a letter of agreement to proceed with The Miraculous Mandarin project. Bartók began composition of The Miraculous Mandarin in September of 1918. “I am now thinking about the Mandarin too,” he wrote. “It will be hellish music if I succeed.” Bartók completed the score in June of the following year. Lengyel was thrilled with the results, as attested by a July 5, 1919 entry in his diary: “The other day Béla Bartók played for us on the piano the music of The Miraculous Mandarin…Wonderful music! Incomparable talent!” To this day, many are taken aback by The Miraculous Mandarin’s graphic depiction of robbery, seduction, sexual longing, and murder. However, both Bartók and Lengyel found beauty and humanity in the story. As Lengyel wrote: “The true message of The Miraculous Mandarin, of course, is not the excessive eroticism but the apotheosis of pure, almost unearthly desire and love.” Lengyel’s tale moved Bartók to achieve one of his greatest orchestral creations, a brilliant score as “miraculous” as the ballet’s enigmatic title character. (continued next page)

PROGR AM NOTES (continued)

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These concerts feature Bartók’s 1928 Suite, fashioned from the original ballet score. It presents, in essence, the first two-thirds of the complete ballet, with a concert ending. The story of The Miraculous Mandarin takes place in a tenement in a crowded metropolis. Three penniless thugs force a young woman to stand by the window to lure men up to the apartment. The woman seduces a shabby old rake, and later, a shy young man, up to the apartment. As both have no money, the thugs eject them. The woman then attracts a mysterious figure, a Mandarin. She begins to dance for him. The Mandarin views the woman — impassively at first, but soon with increased longing. When the Mandarin tries to embrace the woman, she frees herself. A violent chase ensues and when the Mandarin finally catches the woman, they fight. [It is at this point that the concert Suite ends.] The thugs emerge from hiding and rob the Mandarin of all his belongings. They try to kill the Mandarin, first by suffocating him, then by running him through with a rusty sword. However, the Mandarin survives, his eyes constantly fixed upon the woman. The thugs then hang the Mandarin, but again he refuses to die. They cut the Mandarin down, and the woman finally yields to him. The Mandarin’s wounds begin to bleed, and he expires. Béla Bartók

(Program Notes continued next page)

PROGR AM NOTES by Ken Meltzer

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JOHN ADAMS born: February 15, 1947 in Worcester, Massachusetts

Dr. Atomic Symphony (2007) premiere: August 21, 2007 in London

approx. duration: 25 minutes

John Adams composed his opera Dr. Atomic in response to a suggestion in 1999 by Pamela Rosenberg, then general director of the San Francisco Opera. Rosenberg conceived of an “American Faust” opera, based upon J. Robert Oppenheimer (1904-67), the American physicist who served as scientific director of the Manhattan Project, the top-secret research and development of the first nuclear weapons in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Adams collaborated on the opera with the acclaimed director, Peter Sellars. At Adams’ suggestion, Sellars fashioned a libretto derived from the actual words of the characters portrayed in Dr. Atomic. In addition, the libretto includes writings by John Donne, Charles Baudelaire, and Muriel Rukeyser, the Bhagavad Gita, as well as Native American songs and legends. The first performance of Dr. Atomic took place at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, California, on October 1, 2005, with Donald Runnicles conducting the soloists, Chorus, and Orchestra of the San Francisco Opera. The Dr. Atomic Symphony, based upon music from the opera, premiered at London’s Royal Albert Hall on August 21, 2007, with the composer conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra. John Adams

(continued next page)

PROGR AM NOTES (continued)

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Programme Note for BBC Symphony Orchestra The symphony is cast in a sustained, 25-minute singlemovement arch, not unlike the Sibelius Seventh Symphony, a work that has had an immense effect on Adams’s compositional thinking. The opening, with its pounding timpani and Varèse-like jagged brass fanfares, conjures a devastated post-nuclear landscape. The frenzied “panic music” that follows comes from one of Act Two’s feverish tableaux that evoke the fierce electrical storm that lashed the test site in the hours before the bomb’s detonation. The ensuing music is taken from moments that describe the intense activity leading up to the test. One hears the US Army General Leslie Groves, here impersonated in the boorish trombone music, berating both the scientists and his military subordinates, music that gives way to the ritual “corn dance” of the local Tewa Indians. The symphony concludes with an instrumental treatment of the opera’s most memorable moment, a setting (originally for baritone voice, here played by solo trumpet) of John Donne’s holy sonnet, “Batter my heart, threeperson’d God”. This is the poem that the physicist hero of the opera, J. Robert Oppenheimer, loved and that inspired him to name the desert test site “Trinity.” Reprinted with kind permission of Boosey & Hawkes.

J. Robert Oppenheimer (Program Notes continued next page)

PROGR AM NOTES (continued)

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SERGEI RACHMANINOFF born: April 1, 1873 in Semyonovo, Russia died: March 28, 1943 in Beverly Hills, California

Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor Opus 30 (1909) premiere: November 28, 1909 in New York

approx. duration: 40 minutes

In the summer of 1909, Sergei Rachmaninoff received an invitation to make his first concert tour of the United States. The Russian pianist/composer/conductor had grave misgivings about leaving his family and homeland for such an extended period of time. But Rachmaninoff, who had developed a passion for motorcars, was swayed by the generous fees offered. As Rachmaninoff confessed to a friend: “I don’t want to go. But then perhaps after America I’ll be able to buy myself that automobile…It may not be so bad after all!” The American concert tour featured Rachmaninoff as both pianist and conductor in performances of his compositions. During the summer of 1909, he authored a new work for that tour — his Third Piano Concerto. In October, Rachmaninoff began his voyage to the United States. During the voyage, Rachmaninoff practiced on a silent keyboard. On November 28, 1909, at the New Theater in New York City, Rachmaninoff appeared as soloist in the world premiere of his Third Piano Concerto. Walter Damrosch conducted the Symphony Society of New York. On January 16, 1910, an historic collaboration took place at Carnegie Hall, when Rachmaninoff again performed his Third Piano Concerto — this time with the New York Philharmonic. The conductor was the Orchestra’s Music Director, the great Austrian composer Gustav Mahler.

(Program Notes continued next page)

PROGR AM NOTES (continued)

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Sergei Rachmaninoff

After that performance, the critic for the New York Herald offered this prophetic commentary about the Rachmaninoff Third Concerto: The work grows in impressiveness upon acquaintance and will doubtless rank among the most interesting piano concertos of recent years, although its great length and extreme difficulties bar it from performances by any but pianists of exceptional technical powers. We are fortunate that there have been many superb artists willing to confront the phenomenal technical demands imposed by Rachmaninoff, one of the greatest pianists. When the hurdles are overcome, the Rachmaninoff Third emerges as a summit of the Romantic piano concerto — a masterful fusion of virtuoso pyrotechnics, unforgettable melody, and lush orchestration. The Concerto No. 3 is in three movements. In the opening movement (Allegro ma non tanto), the soloist enters after two bars of orchestral introduction, playing the first of two principal themes. The movement is notable throughout for the soloist’s dazzling passagework. The slow-tempo second movement is a lyrical Intermezzo (Adagio), with a vivacious central passage. A dramatic passage, launched by the soloist, serves as a bridge to the Finale (Alla breve), which follows without pause. The soloist presents the fanfare-like opening theme. Later, a series of syncopated chords by the soloist develops into the flowing second theme. In the closing measures, a glorious declaration of the second theme, capped by a dazzling cascade of notes by the soloist, brings the Concerto to a rousing close.

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 December 31, 2023

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

Douglas Young

$50,000 – $99,999 J. Porter & Victoria Durham

Jane & Hugh McColl*

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

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

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

DeDe & Alex McKinnon Ulrike & Alex Miles Robert Norville Judy & Derek Raghavan Sherry & Thomas Skains Sienne & Adam 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 Robin & Christoph Feddersen Caren & Charles Gale Janet M. Haack Leigh & Watts Humphrey Susan & Chris Kearney Ginger Kelly

Ms. Nina Lesavoy Laura & Perry Poole Ann & Fritz Rehkopf Kelli & Michael Richardson Mrs. Rosalind S. Richardson Pat Rodgers Amanda & Corey Rogers Marjorie Moses Schwab Melinda & David Snyder Drs. Jennifer Sullivan & Matthew Sullivan Mary Claire & Dan Wall Jill & Kevin Walker Lisa & Richard 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 Wedge & Debbie Abels Howard P. Adams & Carol B. McPhee Jeannette & Francisco Alvarado Jill & Anthony Asher Philipp J. Bischoff & Dawn Beatty Katrice & Steve Boland Mary & Charles Bowman Nancy Brand & Bill Freeman Barbara & Twig Branch Robin & William Branstrom Katherine & Thomas Bunn Shirley & Michael Butterworth Mr. & Mrs. Keith Cockrell Tammy & Malcomb Coley Morgan & Brain Cromwell Denise & Peter DeMaio Donna & Alvaro de Molina Mary Anne Dickson Peggy & Richard Dreher Mary & Robert Engel Heather & Thomas Finke David J.L. Fisk & Anne O'Byrne Joan & Parker Foley Carol & Ron Follmer Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle Patty & Alex Funderburg Dr. Robert A. Gaines & Toni Burke Sarah & Frank Gentry Laurie & Barry Guy James & Rebecca Hovis Shirley & Bob Ivey Chris Jensen Page & Ed Kizer Hartmut & Irene Kossack Vivian & Robert Lamb Anna & Lazlo Littmann Zaydee López-Ibáňez Tanya & Steve Makris Leslie & Michael Marsicano Susanne & Bill McGuire Mr. & Mrs. Paul McIntosh Susan & Loy McKeithen Mrs. Sandra Levine Dick Metzler Chuck Miller & Marcy Thailer Elizabeth & Jay Monge Mr. & Mrs. Brian T. Moynihan Holly & Jason Norvell Kim & Torsten Pilz Emily & Nima Pirzadeh Nancy & Charlie Robson Sara Garcés Roselli & Dan Roselli Bette Roth Ylida & Bert Scott

page 25 Laura & Michael Schulte Susan & Donald 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 Kevin Taylor Chris & Jim Teat Judith & Gary Toman Mr. & Mrs. C.L. Trenkelbach Suzie & Nick Trivisonno In Memory of Tess Verbesey Kevin & Jill Walker Floyd Wisner & Glenda Colman Sidney & Bobby Youngs Joan Zimmerman Abby & Albert Zue

$3,500 – $4,999 Anonymous Mr. James Biddlecome, in Loving Memory of Bernadette Zirkuli Biddlecome Si & Michael Blake Ms. Judith Carpenter Sally & Derick Close Mary & Phil Delk H. Clay Furches Leigh & Watts Humphrey David S. Jacobsen Richard I. McHenry & Cynthia L. Caldwell Arrington & Burch Mixon Courtney Reichs Mixon Linda & Tony Pace Marsha & Robert L. Stickler Kathleen & Daniel Troy Karen & Ed 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 Melissa Cornwell Deborah J. Cox & Bob Szymkiewicz Alfred & Amy Dawson (continued next page)

SUPPORTERS (continued) $2,500 – $3,499 (continued) Chris & Elizabeth Daly In Memory of Betty Haggarty Peter De Arcangelis Cheryl DeMaio Peggy & Charles Dickerson Timothy & Kara Gallagher Harvey & Cindy Gannt Todd & Andrea Griffith Mr. Billy L. Gerhart, in memory of Judith Gerhart Mariam Abdul Hamid Ivan Hinrichs Brian & Juliet Hirsch Christy & Ben 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 Dottie & Jim Martin Rob Roy McGregor Dee Dee McKay Diane & Aderito Morais 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

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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 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 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

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. (continued next page)

SUPPORTERS (continued) $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 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 Laughlin

page 27 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 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 Anonymous (4) Michael & Lee Abbott Doug & Linda Abel Mark Abrams & Iris Prandi (continued next page)

SUPPORTERS (continued) $500 – $999 (continued) 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 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

page 28 Theodore & Dorothy Kramer Fran & Bart Landess Linda Lane Harry & Gloria Lerner Jerome & Barbara Levin Mr. Michael Lewandowski Mr. George Linfors Shira Lissek Kathryn Long Mark & Katherine Love Vi Lyles Dr. & Mrs. William W. MacDonald Leigh & Bruce March Linda Marshall Paula & Francis Martin Wendy & Ed Matthews Mr. & Mrs. Kiran H. Mehta Eric Miller Anne & Brad Mitchell Christopher Montgomery Sally & Tom Moore Fran & Gary Morrison Carla & Robert Murray Nancy Olah & Bill Pace Cookie & Jerry Parnell Janet & Rick Pfeiffer Wilma & John Pinter Mr. & Mrs. Rodney C. Pitts Jeanine & Naeem Qasim Sabine & Haywood Rankin Ana & Manuel Rey Megan & Jose Rosado Shonn Ross Nancy Rutledge & Jim Rutledge Christine & Robert 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 Mary & Bill Stanton Mr. & Mrs. Larry Stern Catherine & William Stone Claudia & Wesley Sturges Brenda & George Sweet Ms. Sarah Teague Gretchen & Jean-Claude Thill Tim Timson Melanie & James Twyne Sandy & Greg Vlahos Minyan Wang Lyman Welton Harriet & Barnet Weinstock Mr. & Mrs. John A. Yakob Susan & Dan Yardley

SUPPORTERS (continued)

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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 Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 - program 02-02-24

Articles inside

Program Notes

Guest Artist Bio

Conductor Bio

Concert Program