December 19 – 21 KNIGHT THEATER
C O M M E M O R AT I V E P R O G R A M B O O K D I G I TA L P R O G R A M B O O K
Contents
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What’s Inside A Message from the President & CEO
3
Your Charlotte Symphony Experience
4
Concert Program
5
Artist Biographies
6
2025–26 Musician Roster
10
About the CSO
12
Musician Spotlight
13
Annual Fund Donors
16
Comprehensive Campaign
22
Corporate & Foundation Sponsors
24
Board of Directors & Trustees
26
Administration
27
join the musical dialogue What did you think of the performance?
@cltsymphony #cltsymphony
Welcome
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A Message from the President & CEO December is one of our favorite times of year at the Charlotte Symphony. Our halls come alive with thousands of people from across the region — families carrying on long-standing traditions, friends gathering to mark the season, and newcomers discovering the magic of live orchestral music for the first time. Seeing so many of you here reminds us that music belongs to all of us, and that it has the power to inspire, connect, and open our eyes to new perspectives. Throughout the year, we extend that energy beyond the concert hall, reaching thousands of students through our educational programs, and bringing music directly into neighborhoods, area hospitals and rehabilitation centers, and places like Roof Above, where music can lift spirits and offer hope. These experiences strengthen our sense of purpose just as much as the performance you hear tonight.
As the year comes to a close, I hope you’ll consider supporting this work. Thanks to a generous match, every gift made through December 31 will go twice as far — helping us continue to share music across our city and sustain the traditions that so many look forward to each holiday season. Visit charlottesymphony.org/support to learn how you can make an impact by donating to the Symphony today. Thank you for being with us. I wish you a wonderful and joyful holiday season.
David Fisk President & CEO
Your Charlotte Symphony Experience Whether this is your first concert or you’ve been enjoying the Symphony for years, we’re glad you’re here. Below are a few things to know to help you feel right at home.
Food & Drink A full bar, beverages, and snacks are available both before the concert and during intermission in the lobby.
Photography We welcome and encourage you to capture and share photos before and after the concert or during intermission. Feel free to use your cell phone for photography without flash during the performance, but please refrain from video or audio recording.
Applause You’ll notice that audiences applaud to welcome the concertmaster, conductor, and featured artists on stage. Some works may have several sections, or movements, separated by brief silent pauses. It is tradition to hold applause until after the last movement. If you are unsure, wait for the conductor to face the audience. But if you feel truly inspired, don’t be afraid to show your appreciation.
Need help or have questions? Our ushers and staff are happy to assist — just ask!
Concert Program
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T H E N I N E T Y- F O U R T H S E A S O N
Friday, December 19, 2025, at 7:30 pm Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 3:00 & 7:30 pm Sunday, December 21, 2025, at 3:00 pm Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts Christopher James Lees, conductor (DEC 19 & 20) · Ian Passmore, conductor (DEC 21) Cirque de la Symphonie LEROY ANDERSON A Christmas Festival JOHANNES BRAHMS
Symphony No. 3 in F major, Opus 90 III. Poco allegretto
NIKOLAI RIMSKY-KORSAKOV
Dance of the Buffoons from The Snow Maiden
GEORGES BIZET Farandole from L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2 LEROY ANDERSON Sleigh Ride NIKOLAI RIMSKY-KORSAKOV
Polonaise from Christmas Eve Suite
JOHN WILLIAMS
The Flight to Neverland from Hook
INTERMISSION KRISTEN ANDERSON-LOPEZ
Music from Frozen
arr. Krogstad
PIOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY DELVYN CASE
Dance of the Swans from Swan Lake
Rocket Sleigh
OTTORINO RESPIGHI
Tarentella from La Boutique fantasque
MYKOLA LEONTOVYCH
Carol of the Bells
arr. Hayman
JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH
Overture No. 2 in B minor VII. Badinerie
ROBERT WENDEL
Little Bolero Boy
PIOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY
Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker
CONCERT DURATION: approximately 90 minutes. There will be one 20-minute intermission.
Artist Biographies
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Christopher James Lees conductor (Dec 19 & 20) Emerging American conductor Christopher James Lees brings passionate and nuanced orchestral performances to the stage, a fierce commitment to contemporary music, and a natural charisma to audiences all around the world. Lees has served as Resident Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra since 2018 and was Principal Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra through 2024. In addition to the more than 70 concert appearances with the CSO per season, he has annually stepped in to conduct Subscription Classical performances, including two Gala concerts with legendary artists and Grammy Awardwinners Branford Marsalis and Rhiannon Giddens, respectively. An active guest conductor, Lees has conducted or returned for performances with the New York, Los Angeles, and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestras, as well as the Houston, Detroit, New World, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Fort Worth, North Carolina, Portland, Flint, Toledo, and Winston Salem symphonies. Additional engagements have taken him to the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Orchestra de Chambre de Paris, Aspen Philharmonic Orchestra, Cabrillo Festival Orchestra, and the Music in the Mountains Festival and Festival Internacional de Inverno de Campos do Jordão in Brazil.
Only the second American to be named a Gustavo Dudamel Conducting Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Lees made his debut with the orchestra in April 2013 and returned for concerts in February 2015. With the New York Philharmonic, St. Louis and Atlanta symphonies, among others, Lees has served as an assistant conductor for the world’s leading conductors, including Gustavo Dudamel, Paavo Järvi, Herbert Blomstedt, Leonard Slatkin, David Robertson, Robert Spano, Marin Alsop, Pablo Heras-Casado, Stéphane Denève, Susanna Mälkki, and Nicholas McGegan. Additionally, Lees was named Music Director of the Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra in 2023. A dedicated advocate for music of our time, Lees has premiered more than 150 works by a diverse range of composers, and collaborated closely with Pulitzer Prize winners John Adams, William Bolcom, John Corigliano, Jennifer Higdon, Joseph Schwantner, Steven Stucky, Caroline Shaw, Roger Reynolds, and Julia Wolfe. When not performing, Lees can be found riding roller coasters with his ten-year-old son, reading through the stack of books by his nightstand, or training for his next World Majors marathon.
Artist Biographies (continued)
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Ian Passmore conductor (Dec 21) Known for adventurous musicality and a captivating stage presence, Filipino American conductor Ian Passmore enjoys a rich career as an orchestral leader and pedagogue. Hailed as “a rising young conductor” by Fanfare magazine, his unapologetically Romantic performances of the standard repertoire harken back to a bygone generation of conductors. During the current season, Passmore returns to conduct Tennessee’s Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra, and embarks on a second season as Interim Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra and Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Youth Camerata. He also leads performances of the wildly popular “Stardew Valley Symphony of Seasons” show in eight major US cities. Following two seasons as the Omaha Symphony’s Assistant Conductor, in 2019, the orchestra named Mr. Passmore its Associate Conductor — a position never before created in its 100-year history. Passmore has also led programs with the Buffalo and Louisiana philharmonics, the symphony orchestras of Anderson, Charlotte, Delaware, Greensboro, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Lincoln, North Carolina, Oak Ridge, Salisbury and Winston-Salem, the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra, and Vietnam’s Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra. He will also lead the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s 2025 holiday performances of Tchaikovsky’s
The Nutcracker with the Charlotte Ballet. Passmore holds three academic degrees: a Doctor of Music in Orchestral Conducting from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Delaware, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Having embarked on his own conducting studies at a very early age, Passmore’s career also prioritizes conducting pedagogy and music education. His educational contributions include frequent appearances as a guest conductor and adjudicator for student ensembles, as well as numerous speaking engagements. Recent conference presentations include the International Conductors Guild, South Dakota Bandmasters Association, and Nebraska Music Educators Association. Passmore and his wife, Dianna Fiore, reside in North Carolina, in a home ruled over by a quartet of dogs: Beethoven, Charlie, Belle, and Heidi. When not on the podium, he can be found enjoying local restaurants and craft beers, cooking, traveling, road biking, and CrossFit. He is the creator of the social media series “Symphonic Shorts,” which seeks to remove the walls of formality that often surround classical music, making it more accessible to everyone.
Artist Biographies (continued)
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CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE Cirque de la Symphonie is an exciting production designed to bring the magic of cirque to the music hall. For more than 15 years, it has thrilled and bedazzled veteran concert-goers and new patrons as they see accomplished aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers, and strongmen perform to live symphony music. They include world record-holders, gold-medal winners of international competitions, Olympians, and some of the most experienced cirque talent ever seen.
Their performances are uniquely adapted to stage accommodations shared with the symphony, and each artist’s performance is choreographed to the music arranged in collaboration with the maestro. When the artists of Cirque de la Symphonie perform in front of the full orchestra, incredible fusion of these two great art forms takes place. The aerialists and acrobats turn the concert into a threedimensional entertainment extravaganza, and the orchestra seems to play with enhanced enthusiasm.
Artist Biographies (continued)
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Kwamé Ryan · Music Director Christopher James Lees, Resident Conductor
Christopher Warren-Green, Conductor Laureate
MUSICIAN ROSTER FIRST VIOLINS
Calin Ovidiu Lupanu
Concertmaster The Catherine & Wilton Connor Chair
Joseph Meyer*
Associate Concertmaster
Kari Giles
Acting Associate Concertmaster
Hanna Zhdan
Acting Assistant Concertmaster
Susan Blumberg°° Jane Hart Brendle Cynthia Burton Fengwan Chen† Ayako Gamo David Horak† Oliver Kot°° Lenora Leggatt Jenny Topilow Dustin Wilkes-Kim*
SECOND VIOLINS
Kathleen Jarrell, Acting Principal The Wolfgang Roth Chair
Carlos Tarazona°
Acting Assistant Principal The Pepsi-Cola Foundation of Charlotte Chair
Monica Boboc Martha Geissler Sakira Harley Tatiana Karpova Ellyn Stuart
VIOLAS
Benjamin Geller, Principal
The Zoe Bunten Merrillt Principal Viola Chair
Pin-Hao Liao
CELLOS
Jon Lewis, Principal
The Kate Whitner McKay Principal Cello Chair
Allison Drenkow Assistant Principal
Marlene Ballena Jeremy Lamb Sarah Markle Nicco Mazziotto David Olson
DOUBLE BASSES
Jason McNeel, Acting Principal Judson Baines, Assistant Principal Jeffrey Ferdon Eric Thompson†
HARP
Andrea Mumm Trammell Principal The Dr. Billy Graham Chair
FLUTES
Victor Wang, Principal
The Blumenthal Foundation Chair
Amy Orsinger Whitehead Erinn Frechette
PICCOLO
Erinn Frechette
This roster lists the full-time members of the Charlotte Symphony. The number and seating of musicians on stage varies depending on the piece being performed.
Assistant Principal
Ellen Ferdon Wenlong Huang Pedro Mendez Viara Stefanova Ning Zhao
° 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
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OBOES
Timothy Swanson, Principal
HORNS
Byron Johns, Principal
The Leo B. Driehuys Chair‡
The Mr. & Mrs. William H. Van Every Chair
Erica Cice Jamison Hillian†
Andrew Fierova Christopher Caudill†
ENGLISH HORN Erica Cice
CLARINETS
The Robert E. Rydel, Jr. Third Horn Chair (acting)
Richard Goldfaden Paige Quillen
TRUMPETS
Taylor Marino, Principal
Alex Wilborn, Principal
Samuel Sparrow Allan Rosenfeld
Jesdelson Vasquez† Gianluca Farina†
The Gary H. & Carolyn M. Bechtel Chair
E ♭ CLARINET Samuel Sparrow
The Betty J. Livingstone Chair
Acting Associate Principal The Marcus T. Hickman Chair
Gabriel Slesinger*
TROMBONES
BASS CLARINET Allan Rosenfeld
John Bartlett, Principal Thomas Burge
BASSOONS
BASS TROMBONE
AJ Neubert, Principal Joshua Hood Nicholas Ritter
CONTRABASSOON Nicholas Ritter
Scott Hartman, Principal
TUBA
Colin Benton, Principal
The Governor James G. Martin Chair
TIMPANI
Denis Petrunin, Acting Principal† The Robert Haywood Morrison Chair
The CSO is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.
PERCUSSION
Brice Burton, Principal
About the CSO
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is one of the premier music organizations in the Southeastern United States and the oldest continuously operating symphony orchestra in the Carolinas. As Charlotte’s most active performing arts group, the CSO presents around 150 concerts each season, reaching more than 150,000 music lovers. The 2025–26 season marks the next chapter in the Charlotte Symphony’s artistic evolution under Music Director Kwamé Ryan. Framed by a season-long exploration of home — reflecting on belonging, identity, and place through a wide range of musical voices — the season offers bold new works, symphonic masterworks, and creative collaborations across the Classical, Pops, Movie, and Family series. Highlights include the debut of the CSO Spotlight Series, an everexpanding look at the work of this season’s CSO Spotlight Artist, Gabriel Kahane; performances of audience favorites like Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Ravel’s Boléro; and more events that showcase the Orchestra’s breadth, from the music of Dolly Parton to Black Panther in Concert. Engaging with more than 15,000 students each year, the Charlotte Symphony nurtures the next generation of musicians and music lovers through its four diverse
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youth orchestras, in-school education programs, instrument coaching, and Project Harmony, which offers free afterschool lessons in music and life skills to over 200 students in under-resourced areas. With its new mobile stage, CSO Roadshow, the Symphony extends its reach directly into neighborhoods, bringing live music to communities across the region. Founded in 1932, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra continues to play a vital cultural role in the region and remains committed to the belief that music, accessible to all, enriches and unites our community.
OUR MISSION
The Charlotte Symphony uplifts, entertains, and educates the diverse communities of CharlotteMecklenburg 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
MUSICIAN
SPOTLIGHT
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David Olson CELLO CSO Member since September 2025 HOMETOWN: Storrs, Connecticut
Fun Facts • David began studying violin and piano at the age of three • He is a member of the Kinetic Ensemble, championing diverse, under-performed, and newly composed music • When not onstage, you might spot him exploring Charlotte on in-line skates
You’ll be grooving in the aisles...
The Music of Motown January 23 & 24 KNIGHT THEATER
Christopher James Lees, conductor Chester Gregory, vocalist Michael Lynche, vocalist Shayna Steele, vocalist
Get down to the irresistible rhythms of Detroit’s iconic pop-soul sound, featuring smash hits made famous by The Temptations, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and more — that’s the magic of Motown!
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! 704.972.2000 · charlottesymphony.org
Double Your Impact! Imagine your gift bringing the magic of live music directly to those who need it most.
This month, your gift goes twice as far. Every donation before Dec 31 will be matched dollar for dollar, helping the Charlotte Symphony spread the joy of live orchestral music across our city.
Your Gift Makes It Possible: $100 = Tickets to our annual education concerts for five students $250 = Two hours of personalized instrument coaching $500 = Two brand-new violins for students $750 = Free tuition for one Youth Orchestra student $1,000 = Ensemble performance in a hospital or shelter
Give Today: Visit charlottesymphony.org/support or contact Mary Nell Johnson at 704.714.5137
Annual Fund Supporters
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Annual Fund We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Annual Fund. This list reflects gifts received through November 30, 2025.
BENEFACTOR CIRCLE $100,000+ Anonymous
Jacqueline B. Mars
$50,000 – $99,999 The Fox Family
Jane & Hugh McColl*
Douglas Young
$25,000 – $49,999 Joan & Mick Ankrom Ruth & Richard Ault Dr. Milton & Arlene Berkman Philanthropic Fund Judith & Mark Brodsky Catherine & Wilton Connor* Margarita & Nick Clements Roberta H. Cochran Jean & Dick Cornwell Susan Cybulski Linda & Bill Farthing Ralph S. Grier Maria & John Huson
Ginger Kelly Sally Gregory & Richard Krumdieck Betty P. & Jeffrey J. Lee Patrick J. O’Leary Sandra Levine Richard J. Osborne* Ann Rehkopf Pat Rodgers Carolyn Shaw Susan & John Shimp Andrea & Sean Smith Tara & Ken Walker
$15,000 – $24,999 JJoye D. Blount & Jessie J. Knight Jr. Denise & Peter DeMaio Robin & Christoph Feddersen Laurie & Barry Guy Fran & Greg Hyde Tanya & Steve Makris DeDe & Alex McKinnon
Ulrike & Alex Miles Mica Post Oberkfell & Keith Oberkfell Debbie & Pat Phillips* Juliette & Walter Pryor Judy & Derek Raghavan Cameron & Stuart Sherrill Melinda & David Snyder
* The CSO recognizes donors of exceptional generosity whose cumulative giving exceeds $1 million with the designation of Music Director Society. For more information, please contact Mary Nell Johnson at 704.714.5137
Annual Fund Supporters (continued) $10,000 – $14,999 Kristen & Paul Anderson Katharine & Frank Bragg Betsy & Alfred Brand Lynne & Colby Cathey Jeanie & Tom Cottingham Peter De Arcangelis Donna & Alvaro de Molina Peggy & Richard Dreher Lisa & Carlos Evans Drs. Amy & Sidney Fletcher Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle Dr. Robert A. Gaines & Toni S. Burke Caren & Charles Gale Andrea & Todd Griffith Robert H. Lee In Loving Memory of Zaydee & Antonio LopezIbanez from Lina & Enrique Lopez-Ibanez Leslie & Michael Marsicano Elizabeth & Jay Monge Robert Norville Kathy & Paul Reichs Kelli & Michael Richardson Rosalind S. Richardson Sara Garcés Roselli & Dan Roselli Lindsay & Frank Schall Glenn Sherrill, Jr. In Honor of Robin Branstrom Sherry & Thomas Skains Drs. Jennifer Sullivan & Matthew Sullivan Ann & Michael Tarwater Kelly & Neal Taub Jill & Kevin Walker Michael Waterford John Drew Witherington Lisa & Richard Worf
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VIRTUOSO CIRCLE $5,000 – $9,999 Debbie & Wedge Abels Carol B. McPhee & Howard P. Adams The Charlotte Assembly Si & Michael Blake Krisha & Andy Blanchard Mary & Charles Bowman Barbara & Twig Branch Robin & Bill Branstrom Shirley & Mike Butterworth Dr. William J. Charles & Dr. Cynthia Nortey Morgan & Brian Cromwell Elizabeth & Christopher Daly Mary & Phil Delk Mary Anne Dickson Dorne & Steve Eastwood Anne O’Byrne & David J.L. Fisk Joan & Parker Foley Carol & Ron Follmer Carrie & Jay Galloway Sarah & Frank Gentry William & Patricia Gorelick Family Foundation Lucia Zapata Griffith & Michael Griffith Janet M. Haack Reginald B. Henderson, Esq. Vivian & Robert Lamb Anna & Laszlo Littmann Stacie McGinn Susanne & Bill McGuire Paula & Paul McIntosh Susan & Loy McKeithen* Courtney Reichs Mixon Emily & Nima Pirzadeh Anne Robinson Nancy & Charlie Robson Susie & Rick Schnall Laura A. & Michael J. Schulte Ylida & Bert Scott Mr. & Mrs. Harley F. Shuford, Jr. Nancy E. Simpson Erin & William Sparks Elizabeth Connor Stewart Chris & Jim Teat Nancy & Dick Thigpen Brienne Tinder Judith & Gary Toman Rocky & Curtis Trenkelbach Daniel Troy in Loving Memory of Kathleen Troy
Annual Fund Supporters (continued) $5,000 – $9,999 (continued) Molly & Chris Tull Susan & Paul Vadnais In Memory of Tess Verbesey Elizabeth & Stephan Willen Glenda Colman & Floyd Wisner Joan H. Zimmerman Abby & Albert Zue
$3,500 – $4,999 Dawn Beatty-Batten & Philipp J. Bischoff Jan & Bob Busch Posey & Mark Mealy Dick Metzler Holly & Jason Norvell Linda & Tony Pace Suan & Bob Salvin Teresa & Stuart Singer Emily & Zach Smith Dr. Mark R. Swanson Deborah J. Cox & Bob Szymkiewicz Karen & Edgar Whitener
$2,500 – $3,499 Harriet B. Barnhardt Georgia & Bill Belk Tiffany & Jason Bernd James Biddlecome, in loving memory of Bernadette Zirkuli Biddlecome Lee & Alan Blumenthal Dr. & Mrs. O. Robert Boehm Frances & Herbert Browne Maggie Callen The Jack H. & Ruth C. Campbell Foundation Dr. William H. Carson Pauline & Bill Chinnis Ann Thomas Colley Amy & Alfred Dawson Cheryl DeMaio Peggy & Charles Dickerson Elizabeth Betty Eaton Lucy Quintilliano & Leonard Fumi Kara & Timothy Gallagher Melisa & Frank Galasso Billy L. Gerhart, in memory of Judith Gerhart Katherine G. Hall Jennifer & Logan Henderson
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Megan & Brendan Hoffman Christy & Ben Hume Leigh & Watts Humphrey Peggy Hynes Shirley & Bob Ivey David S. Jacobson Christopher James Lees Meghan & Luis Lluberas Jim & Kathleen Lynch Dottie & Jim Martin Cynthia L. Caldwell & Richard I. McHenry Dee Dee McKay Carolyn & Sam McMahon Debbie Miller & Tim Black Susan D. Montgomery Janet & Peter Nixon Laura & Tom Parrott Laura Paschall & Brad Glaza Pamela Pearson & Charles Peach Dr. Reta R. Phifer Vincent Philips & Paul Pope Kathleen D. Prokay Lisa & Robert R. Rollins, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Mahesh Sardesai Jane Perry Shoemaker Peggy & Pope Shuford Patricia & Morris Spearman Ken Spielfogel & Richard Withem Maxine & Robert Stein Dottie Stowe, in loving memory of Dickson Stowe Kelly Zellars & James H. Trexler Jenny & Ken Tolson Drs. Iris Cheng & Daniel Uri Sandy & Greg Vlahos Mary Claire & Dan Wall Deborra Wood & Russell Propst Barbara Yarbrough
Annual Fund Supporters (continued) PATRON CIRCLE $1,500 – $2,499 Anonymous Sharon Baker & Peter Moore Merilyn & Craig Baldwin Katie & Morgan Beggs Barrie & Mark Benson Donald H. & Barbara K. Bernstein Sallie & Derick Close Jean E. Davis & Robert Metzger Dr. Kandi & Gary Deitemeyer Martin Ericson, Jr. Karen Gunther Angela M. & Michael D. Helms Joan Irwin Martha D. Jones Helen & Gene Katz Ginger Kemp Mary & Michael Lamach Lucinda Nisbet Lucas Dr. & Mrs. Randolph Mahnesmith Anna Marriott Rosemarie Marshall & Lee Wilkins Tammy & Steve Matula Louise & Gary McCrorie Cricket Weston & David Molinaro Greater Golf Express Dr. John & Susan Rae Brendan Reen Michelle Richards Anne & Mark Riechmann Donald Schmidt Dr. Stephen P. Schultz & Donna Dutton Katy & Raleigh Shoemaker Rebecca & Eric Smith Marsha & Robert L. Stickler Jean M. Summerville Tillie S. Tice Henry Ward Grant Webb Pam West Bryan Wilhelm Deems Wilson
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$1,000 – $1,499 Anonymous (3) Michele & Ross Annable Larry Anderson JWD Atchison Dianne & Brian Bailey Elsie & William Barnhardt Ms. Helen Fowler & Mr. Lincoln A. Baxter Emerson Bell Shirley W. Benfield Samuel Blackmon Sara & Ethan Blumenthal Jodie & Erik Bowen In Memory of Kyden Justice Brown Jane & Larry Cain Amanda & Kevin Chheda Rebecca & D. Mark Cody Dorothy & Mike Connor Dr. & Mrs. Charles E. Cook Dr. Kilian Cooley Kathleen Goldammer-Copeland & Mark Copeland Ann F. Copeland Larry J. Dagenhart Heather & Gray Dyer Judy & Bob Erb Heather & Thomas Finke Karen Geiger Jenn & Taylor Gherardi Carol & Joseph Gigler Audean & Berkley Godehn Judith Greene Joyce & Ed Hamilton Anne J. Henderson Juliet & Brian Hirsch Linda & Paul Ibsen Jennie & Don Johnson Lea & Stuart Johnson Priscilla & Michael Johnson Dr. Valerie Kinloch & Mr. Thomas A’Hearn Joan Kirschner Marilyn Kroll Holly & Christopher Maurer Anna & John McCoy Arrington Mixon Joan Morgan Sue Lin Tan & Rama Narayanan Eleanor W. Neal Mr. & Mrs. E. O. Oakley Caroline Olzinski Patricia & James Petillo Catherine Philpott Dr. William G. Porter
Annual Fund Supporters (continued) Susanne & Mark Rascio Family Joan Rasmussen & Morry Alter Jennifer & Manley Roberts Rita & Thomas Robinson Elizabeth & Robert Rostan Anjan Shah Sandra Shuster Anonymous Birte & Roman Streitberger Scott Smith Tamara & Cassiel Smith Alice & Al Sudduth Ann & Wellford Tabor Annette & Eric Telljohann Catherine Thompson Libby & Vint Tilson Tim Timson Sarah S. Tull Maureen Turner Emily & Jeff Vaughan Dr. & Mrs. Bill Chu & Jin Wang Rebecca Waters Linda & Craig Weisbruch Peter White Jennie & Ry Winston Lauren Wooden Velva W. Woollen Sandy & John Yakob
$500 – $999 Anonymous (2) Lynda & Doug Abel Daphne A. Banks Cathy & Bob Becker Natasha A. Bechtler Beth & Carl Belk Dr. John L. Bennett & Mr. Eric T. Johnson Mary Ann & Timothy Beranek Patricia Bialecki Jeffrey Boghosian Marilyn & Herb Bonkovsky James Broadstone Nelle & Ken Brown Aram Kim Bryan Mary Lou & Greg Cagle Jennifer & Daniel Callahan Nan & Brooks Carey Janelle & Todd Collins Thomas E. Collins, Jr. Jack Cook In Loving Memory of Ruth Jernigan Dr. & Mrs. Mark Couture Gaither & Robert Deaton Dr. Roy E. DeMeo, Jr. & Ms. Linda A. Evanko Margaret & George Dewey Diane & Doug Doak Kate & Trae Fletcher Lucinda & Harvey Gantt
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Dr. John & Eileen Gardella Dr. & Mrs. Richard Gellar Stacy & Pete Gherardi Cyndy & Larry Goodgame Linda & Dan Gordon Cynthia Greenlee Gloria Gunst Johanne & Patrick Hawk Dr. & Mrs. Michael D. Heafner Maria Felisa San Andres & Stefan Heinzelmann Ms. Yvonne DeBeauville & Mr. Roger Hill John J. Kelly, Jr. Mary & Steven Kesselman Nancy H. Kiser George W. & Constance C. Knight Linda & Norman Kramer Maria Kurtz Jonathan Lamb Barbara & Jerome Levin John J. Locke Katherine & Mark Love Dr. & Mrs. William W. MacDonald Allison Malter Leigh & Bruce Marsh Paula Goolkasian & Francis Martin Wendy & Ed Matthews Jill Maxwell Rob Roy McGregor Constance & Kiran Mehta Amanda & Matthew Molbert Sally Staub Moore Jennifer & Michael Neurohr Mary Newsom Dr. & Mrs. Paul Nitsch Nancy Olah & Bill Pace Ynez Olshausen Gwen Peterson & Tom Hodge Janet & Rick Pfeiffer Moira Quinn Sabine & Haywood Rankin Emily & Brian Reinicker Joan & Albert Rodgers Margaret Rogers & John R. Willis Betty & Bill Seifert Michael Silverman Dr. & Mrs. Henry L. Smith II Scott Smith Julia J. Souther Tara & Joseph Spil Jennifer & Philip Stafford Mary & Bill Staton Kathryn Stewart, MD, MPH Susan & Jet Taylor Molly & Chris Tull Melanie & James Twyne Signature Web Design Lyman Welton Karen & Charles Wolff Judith Wood
Planned Giving
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The Encore Society The Encore Society includes individuals who have made provisions for the CSO in their estate plans. We are honored to recognize their support: Anonymous (3) Geraldine I. Anderson† Michele & Ross Annable Richard & Ruth Ault Baldwin Family Trust Barnhardt Thomas Trust Lincoln A. Baxter & Helen M. Fowler Annette Bedford† Larry & Joyce Bennett† Dr. Milton & Arlene Berkman Donald H. & Barbara K. Bernstein Mark & Louise Bernstein† Rosemary Blanchard† Twig & Barbara Branch Saul Brenner Mike & Joan Brown† Mrs. Joan & George Bruns† Jan & Bob Busch Dr. Helen G. Cappleman, Ph.D.† Jim Cochran† & Robin Cochran Catherine & Wilton Connor Charles & Peggy Dickerson Martin Ericson, Jr. Linda & Bill Farthing David J.L. Fisk & Anne P. O’Byrne Sylvia T. Forsythe† Dorris H. Goodyear† Peter & Ann† Guild William G. & Marguerite K. Huey Fund Dr. Nish Jamgotch, Jr.† Betty & Stanley Livingstone†
Lucille F. & Edwin L. Jones Endowment for the Arts Polly & Don Kellam† Jim Martin Paula & Paul McIntosh Nellie McCrory† M. Marie Mitchell† Cricket Weston & David Molinaro Joan & Richard Morgan Francis A. Mueller† Don C. Niehus Eva Nove Richard J. Osborne Gwen Peterson & Tom Hodge Gilbert Pirovano† 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. & Dr. Chandler† Thompson Tim Timson Jenny & Ken Tolson Ms. Deborra Wood & Mr. Russell Propst
† Deceased
Leave a lasting legacy of great music through your planned gift. For more information, please contact Shayne Doty at 704.714.5104.
Comprehensive Campaign
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Comprehensive Campaign We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Comprehensive Campaign. This list reflects gifts received through August 1, 2025.
$10,000,000+ Bank of America · The C.D. Spangler Foundation
$5,000,000 - $9,999,999 John S. & James L. Knight Foundation
$2,000,000 - $4,999,999 The Leon Levine Foundation · Jane & Hugh McColl
$1,000,000 - $1,999,999 Michele & Ross Annable · Atrium Health · Howard C. & Margaret G. Bissell Foundation Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. · EY · Contributions Associated with Falfurrias Capital Partners Lynn & Brian Good · Julie & Howard Levine · Susan & Loy McKeithen · Novant Health
$500,000 - $999,999 Anonymous · Arlene & Milton Berkman · Robin & Bill Branstrom · Deloitte Mary & Mike Lamach · Rich Osborne · Debbie & Pat Phillips · Pat Rodgers · M.A. Rogers Robert Haywood Morrison Foundation · Trane Technologies · Truist Financial Corporation
$250,000 - $499,999 Cathy Bessant · The Dickson Foundation · The Gambrell Foundation The Gorelick Family Foundation · Moore & Van Allen PLLC · Janet Preyer Nelson The Trexler Foundation · Ed Weisiger, Jr. & Betsy Fleming
$100,000 - $249,000 Anonymous · Jeannette & Francisco Alvarado · Joan & Mick Ankrom Ruth & Richard Ault · NCFI/Barnhardt Foundation · Catherine & Wilton Connor Robin Cochran · Denise & Peter DeMaio · The Dowd Foundation · Linda & Bill Farthing Fran & Greg Hyde · Dr. Richard Krumdieck & Mrs. Sally Gregory · Elizabeth & Jay Monge Patricia & Thruston Morton · Steelfab, Inc. · Linda & Craig Weisbruch Andromeda & John Williams
Comprehensive Campaign (continued)
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$50,000 - $99,999 Amy & Robert Brinkley · Crescent Communities · The Fox Family · Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle Mariam & Robert Hayes Charitable Trust · Ulrike & Alex Miles · Dr. Ruth G. Shaw Chris & Jim Teat · Rita & Bill Vandiver · Lisa & Richard Worf
$10,000 - $49,999 Anonymous · Wedge & Debbie Abels · Mary Lou & Jim Babb · Tiffany & Jason Bernd Frank Bragg · Shirley & Mike Butterworth · Joye Blount & Jesse Knight, Jr. The Cato Corporation · Margarita & Nick Clements · Mary Delk Caroline & Ben Dellinger III · Lisa & Carlos Evans · David Fisk & Anne O’Byrne Averill, Johanna, & Lauren Harkey · Carol & Bill Lorenz · Leslie & Michael Marsicano Virginia & Chan Martin · DeDe & Alex McKinnon · Posey & Mark Mealy · Wanda & Steve Phifer · Ridgely & John Phillips · Dale & Larry Polsky Judy & Derek Raghavan · Shannon & Eric Reichard · Sara & Daniel Roselli · Lori & Eric Sklut Emily & Zach Smith · Melinda & David Snyder · Dr. John A. Thompson, Jr. & Dr. Lee Rocamora Jill & Kevin Walker · Jim Worrell
$5,000 - $9,999 Brian S. Cromwell · Toni Burke & Bob Gaines · Sarah & Frank Gentry · Carol & Joseph Gigler Lucinda Nisbet Lucas · Dee Dee & William Maxwell · Melissa & Dennis McCrory Cyndee Patterson · Betty & William Seifert · Peggy & Pope Shuford · Nancy E. Simpson Drs. Jennifer & Matthew Sullivan · Mary Claire & Dan Wall · Martha Ann & Craig Wardlaw
Corporate Partners We are grateful for the following outstanding corporate funders:
For more information, please contact Tara Spil at 704.714.5138.
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Government & Foundations
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We are grateful for the following outstanding foundation and government funders:
Anonymous Robert Haywood Morrison Foundation
Dowd Foundation, Inc. The Trexler Foundation
The Dickson Foundation Cole Foundation
Maurer Family Foundation Triad Foundation Barnhardt/Thomas Trust The George W. & Ruth R. Baxter Foundation The Blumenthal Foundation The Charlotte Assembly Minor Foundation, Inc Music Performance Trust Fund The Mary Norris Preyer Fund For more information, please contact Tara Spil at 704.714.5138.
Leadership
page 26
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025-26 OFFICERS Richard Krumdieck, Chair Ulrike Miles, Vice Chair Melinda Snyder, Vice Chair & Secretary Denise DeMaio, Treasurer David Fisk, President & CEO Kwamé Ryan, Music Director
2025-26 DIRECTORS Krisha Blanchard Joye D. Blount Mike Butterworth Nick Clements Sidney Fletcher Craig Froelich
Carrie Galloway Lucia Zapata Griffith Fran Hyde Byron Johns* Valerie Kinloch Stephen Makris Juliette Pryor Manley Roberts* Sara Garces Roselli Lindsay Schall Ylida Scott Cameron Sherrill Jennifer Sullivan Brienne Tinder* Andrea Mumm Trammell* Ken Walker *ex-officio
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Linda McFarland Farthing, Chair Francisco & Jeannette Alvarado Paul Anderson Ruth & Richard Ault Rachel Gogal Badillo Arlene & Milton Berkman Mary & Charles Bowman Frank Bragg Robin & Bill Branstrom Paige & Steve Burgess Dr. William Charles & Dr. Cynthia Nortey Derick & Sallie Close Robin Cochran Catherine & Wilton Connor Jeanie & T. Thomas Cottingham III Brian Cromwell Susan Cybulski Marcia & Jason Daily Alessandra & Pasquale De Martino Alvaro & Donna de Molina Peggy & Richard Dreher Lisa Hudson Evans Bill Farthing Karen Fox Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle Ralph S. Grier Laurie Guy Janet Haack Reginald B. Henderson, Esq. Mark & Whitney Jerrell Jeff Lee Gov. James G. Martin
Jane & Hugh McColl Stacie McGinn Susan & Loy McKeithen Alex & DeDe McKinnon Elizabeth & Jay Monge Mica Oberkfell Patrick J. O’Leary Richard Osborne Debbie & G. Patrick Phillips Derek & Judy Raghavan Paul Reichs Nancy & Charles Robson Patricia A. Rodgers M.A. Rogers Frank Schall Laura & Mike Schulte Carolyn Shaw Emily & Zach Smith Will Sparks Elizabeth Connor Stewart Bob & Marsha Stickler Kelly & Neal Taub Adam Taylor Chris & Jim Teat Kevin & Jill Walker Elizabeth & Steve Willen Braxton Winston Richard Worf Joan Zimmerman Albert Zue
Leadership (continued)
page 27
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF EXECUTIVE
HUMAN RESOURCES
David J. L. Fisk
Maribeth Baker
President & CEO
Human Resources Counselor
Samantha Hackett
Manager of Executive Administration & Board Relations
ARTISTIC OPERATIONS
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Christian Drake
Vice President of Finance & Administration
Scott Freck
Amy Hine
Erin Eady
Kensloe Norrington
Laura Lindsay
Chazin & Company, Financial Services
Claudia Schmitz
LEARNING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Vice President for Artistic Operations & General Manager Director of Orchestra Personnel Director of Orchestra Operations Director of Artistic Planning
Bart Dunn
Principal Music Librarian
Emily Marsh
Assistant Music Librarian
Ana Faithe Allen
Operations Coordinator
John Jarrell
Stage Manager
Byron Johns
Senior Stage Technician
Ross Jarrell
Stage Techician
DEVELOPMENT Shayne Doty
Vice President of Development
Richard Riedl
Associate Vice President of Development
Mary Nell Johnson
Senior Director of Individual Giving
Tara Spil
Director of Corporate & Institutional Giving
Tammy Matula
Director of Development Services
Josh Bottoms
Manager of Corporate & Institutional Giving
Jennifer Gherardi
Manager of Development Services & Events
Noel Kiss
Manager of Individual Giving & Events
HR Coordinator & Office Administrator Staff Accountant
Aram Kim Bryan
Vice President of Community Relations & Learning
Dylan Lloyd
Senior Manager of Youth Orchestras
Mark Rockwood
Senior Manager of Youth Education
Michaela Sciacca
Senior Manager of Youth Programs
Gavin Fulker
Education Programs Assistant
Bria Alexander
Community Engagement Assistant
MARKETING & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Frank Impelluso
Vice President of Marketing & Audience Development
Deirdre Roddin
Director of Institutional Marketing & Communications
Nicole Glaza
Senior Manager of Digital Marketing
Laura Thomas
Senior Manager of Marketing & Audience Development
Chad Calvert
Visual Communications Manager
Meghan Cole
Patron Experience Manager
Garrett Whiffen Ticketing Manager
Live on the big screen with your Charlotte Symphony!
DISNEY’S
MARVEL STUDIOS’
Encanto
Black Panther
IN CONCERT
IN CONCERT
March 20 & 21
June 5 & 6
BELK THEATER
BELK THEATER
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! 704.972.2000 · charlottesymphony.org