Gil Shaham Plays Tchaikovsky
Thursday, September 18
BELK THEATER
Kwamé Ryan, conductor
Gil Shaham, violin
A Message from the President & CEO
Welcome! Tonight is a special occasion in so many ways. As we gather for one of the Symphony’s most exciting celebrations of the year, we look forward to an evening that brings together extraordinary artists, breathtaking music-making, and our dear friends and supporters, whose belief in the power of music ensures that our Orchestra continues to thrive.
This evening is especially meaningful as we welcome Music Director Kwamé Ryan to his first Charlotte Symphony Gala. Sharing this milestone with all of you and experiencing the energy, artistry, and vision he brings to the podium is a true joy. We are also honored to welcome the incomparable Gil Shaham, performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, alongside Tchaikovsky’s First Symphony, a work full of charm, color, and youthful vitality.
Looking ahead to our new season, I invite you to follow along as we explore the many meanings of “home,” reflect on the shaping of America’s musical identity, and dive into the musical storytelling of our first CSO Spotlight Artist Gabriel Kahane. Each program offers new discoveries, fresh perspectives on beloved works, and truly unforgettable musical experiences. See page 4 to learn more.
As we celebrate together tonight, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for joining us and for the many ways you help sustain the Symphony. Your support makes evenings like this possible, and we are deeply grateful. Here’s to a memorable night of music and many more shared moments in the season to come!
David Fisk President & CEO
The 2025-26 Season
Threads
Music that connects — across time, place, and experience.
Woven through our season are questions of who we are, where we come from, and what binds us together.
These threads explore the meaning of home, the shaping of American identity, and the stories we share.
America @ 250
Reflect on our nation’s musical identity through works by American voices past and present, including Amy Beach, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, and George Walker.
Soyeon Kate Lee plays pioneering composer Amy Beach's Piano Concerto, October 24–26
Perspectives on Home
Explore how composers from around the world wrestle with what it means to belong — from Dvořák’s longing for home in the “New World” Symphony to Anna Clyne’s response to pandemic isolation in The Years, receiving its U.S. Premiere.
The Charlotte Master Chorale debuts The Years alongside Beethoven's "Emperor" Concerto, Apr 10 & 11
The 2025-26 Season
Iconic Fifths
Revel in three of the most iconic Fifth Symphonies — Beethoven, Shostakovich, and Tchaikovsky — timeless works that explore strength, struggle, and triumph.
Kwamé Ryan leads the CSO in Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, Feb 13 & 14
Spotlight: Gabriel Kahane
Take a closer look at composer, singersongwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Gabriel Kahane in a season-long exploration of his poignant musical stories, culminating in the powerful finale, emergency shelter intake form.
Gabriel Kahane performs in emergency shelter intake form, May 15 & 16
…and discover what awaits this season.
For more information, visit us at
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!
THE NINETY-FOURTH SEASON
ANNUAL GALA & CONCERT
Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 8:00 pm
Belk Theater at Blumenthal Arts
P. I. TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893)
Kwamé Ryan, conductor Gil Shaham, violin
Symphony No. 1 in G minor Op. 13, Winter Dreams
I. Dreams of a Winter Journey Allegro tranquillo
II. Land of Desolation, Land of Mists Adagio cantabile ma non tanto
III. Scherzo Allegro scherzando giocoso
IV. Finale
Andante lugubre - Allegro maestoso [~43’]
INTERMISSION
P. I. TCHAIKOVSKY
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35
I. Allegro moderato
II. Canzonetta: Andante
III. Finale: Allegro vivacissimo
Gil Shaham, violin
APPROX. DURATION: 2 hours, including one 20-minute intermission.
Kwamé Ryan music director
Kwamé Ryan was born in Canada and grew up on the Caribbean island of Trinidad, where he received his early musical education. He completed his studies in the UK and Hungary, reading Musicology at Cambridge University.
Currently in his second season as Music Director of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Ryan held the position of General Music Director of Freiburg Opera from 1999–2003, and served as Musical and Artistic Director of the National Orchestra of Bordeaux Aquitaine from 2007–13. As a guest conductor in Germany, he has led the Radio Orchestras of Stuttgart and Bavaria, the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Staatsoper Saarbrücken, and Staatsoper Stuttgart. While in France, he worked at Opéra de la Bastille, Opéra de Lyon, and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. Work
in the US and UK has taken him to the symphony orchestras of Baltimore, Dallas, Detroit, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Houston, Boston Lyric Opera, English National Opera, and the London Philharmonia.
Ryan has been a regular guest of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Proms, and Dutch National Opera, at which he has worked with the Residence Orchestra, The Hague, and the Rotterdam Philharmonic. In 2024, he returned to La Monnaie, Brussels for the revival of Kris De Foort’s The Time of our Singing, his 2021 premiere of which earned the International Opera Award for World Premiere of the Year.
The 2025–26 season sees returns to the Washington National Opera and the New York Philharmonic as well as his debut at the Metropolitan Opera.
Gil Shaham violin
Gil Shaham is one of the foremost violinists of our time; his flawless technique, combined with his inimitable warmth and generosity of spirit, has solidified his renown as an American master. He is sought after throughout the world for concerto appearances with leading orchestras and conductors, and regularly gives recitals and appears with ensembles on the world’s great concert stages and at the most prestigious festivals.
Highlights of recent years include a recording and performances of J.S. Bach’s complete sonatas and partitas for solo violin, and recitals with his long-time duo partner, pianist Akira Eguchi. He regularly appears with the Berlin Philharmonic, Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco symphonies, the Israel Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Orchestre de Paris, and in multi-year residencies with the orchestras of Montreal, Stuttgart, and Singapore.
Shaham has more than two dozen concerto and solo CDs to his name, earning multiple Grammy Awards, a Grand Prix du Disque, Diapason d’Or, and Gramophone Editor’s Choice. Many of these recordings appear on Canary Classics, the label he founded in 2004. His 2016 recording, 1930s Violin Concertos Vol. 2, as well as his 2021 recording of Beethoven and Brahms Concertos with The Knights, were nominated for Grammy Awards.
Shaham was awarded an Avery Fisher Career Grant in 1990 and in 2008, he received the coveted Avery Fisher Prize. In 2012, he was named “Instrumentalist of the Year” by Musical America. He plays the 1699 “Countess Polignac” Stradivarius and performs on an Antonio Stradivari violin, Cremona ca. 1719, with the assistance of Rare Violins In Consortium, Artists and Benefactors Collaborative. He lives in New York City with his wife, violinist Adele Anthony, and their three children.
© Chris Lee
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
Hannah 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
Assistant Principal
Ellen Ferdon
Wenlong Huang
Pedro Mendez
Viara Stefanova
Ning Zhao
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.
° 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
OBOES
Timothy Swanson, Principal
The Leo B. Driehuys Chair‡
Erica Cice
Jamison Hillian†
ENGLISH HORN
Erica Cice
CLARINETS
Taylor Marino, Principal
The Gary H. & Carolyn M. Bechtel Chair
Samuel Sparrow
Allan Rosenfeld
E ♭ CLARINET
Samuel Sparrow
BASS CLARINET
Allan Rosenfeld
BASSOONS
AJ Neubert, Principal
Joshua Hood
Nicholas Ritter
CONTRABASSOON
Nicholas Ritter
The CSO is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.
HORNS
Byron Johns, Principal
The Mr. & Mrs. William H. Van Every Chair
Andrew Fierova
Christopher Caudill†
The Robert E. Rydel, Jr. Third Horn Chair (acting)
Richard Goldfaden
Paige Quillen
TRUMPETS
Alex Wilborn, Principal
The Betty J. Livingstone Chair
Jesdelson Vasquez†
Gianluca Farina†
Acting Associate Principal
The Marcus T. Hickman Chair
Gabriel Slesinger*
TROMBONES
John Bartlett, Principal
Thomas Burge
BASS TROMBONE
Scott Hartman, Principal
TUBA
Colin Benton, Principal
The Governor James G. Martin Chair
TIMPANI
Denis Petrunin, Acting Principal†
The Robert Haywood Morrison Chair
PERCUSSION
Brice Burton, Principal
What does it mean to call a place home? Through music that spans centuries, continents, and perspectives, we invite you on a journey to explore the meaning of home — not just as a physical space, but as memory, identity, refuge, and hope.
FEATURING
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5
October 24 – 26, 2025 Knight Theater
Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5
February 13 & 14, 2026 Belk Theater
Dvořák’s New World Symphony
March 27 – 29, 2026 Knight Theater
Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto
April 10 & 11, 2026 Belk Theater
Explore the full season online and buy tickets today!
box office : 704.972.2000 · charlotte symphony .org
FEATURING
Dolly Parton’s Threads: MY SONGS IN SYMPHONY
October 17 & 18, 2025 Knight Theater
The Music of Motown
January 23 & 24, 2026 Knight Theater
THE CONCERT: A Tribute to ABBA
February 27 & 28, 2026 Knight Theater
FEATURING
Peter and the Wolf
October 18, 2025 Knight Theater
The Orchestra Games
January 24, 2026 Knight Theater
CLASSICAL KIDS LIVE: Beethoven Lives Upstairs
February 28, 2026 Knight Theater
FEATURING
Home Alone IN CONCERT
November 28 & 29, 2025 Belk Theater
DISNEY’S Encanto IN CONCERT
March 20 & 21, 2026 Belk Theater
MARVEL’S Black Panther IN CONCERT
June 5 & 6, 2026 Belk Theater
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
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
Gala Sponsors & Supporters
KWAMÉ’S WELCOME CIRCLE
Atrium Health
PLATINUM
Bank of America Corporation · Novant Health
GOLD
Deloitte & Touche LLP
SILVER
Cary J. Bernstein & Alan Kronovet · J.P. Morgan Chase · Sandra Levine
Ulrike & Alex Miles · Debbie & Pat Phillips · Richard J. Osborne
Kathy & Paul Reichs · Drs. Jennifer Sullivan & Matthew Sullivan
BRONZE
Dr. Milton & Arlene Berkman Philanthropic Fund · Marand Builders · Denise & Peter DeMaio
The Fox Family · Melisa & Frank Galasso · Nina & James Jackson · Dale & Larry Polsky
Ylida & Bert Scott · Melinda and David Snyder · Joan H. Zimmerman
BENEFACTOR GALA TICKET
Joye D. Blount & Jessie J. Knight Jr. · Robin & Bill Branstrom · Pauline & Bill Chinnis
Jeanie & Tom Cottingham · Donna & Alvaro de Molina · Amy & Sidney Fletcher · Ralph S. Grier
Laurie & Barry Guy · DeDe & Alex McKinnon · Vincent Phillips & Paul Pope · Anna & Tom Nelson
Cameron & Stuart Sherrill · Dr. Shanté Williams
GALA TICKET
Debbie & Wedge Abels · Kristen & Paul Anderson · Dr. William Charles & Dr. Cynthia Nortey
Robin Cochran · Susan Cybulski · Linda & Bill Farthing · Joan & Parker Foley · Caren & Charles Gale
Bill Gorelick & Barbara Karro · Sally Gregory & Richard Krumdieck · Leslie & Michael Marsicano
Susan & Loy McKeithen · Sandra Meyer · Gale Osborne · Cyndee Patterson & John Munce
Janet Preyer Nelson · Pamela Pearson & Charles Peach · Sara & Dan Roselli · Ellen Ruff
Laura & Michael Schulte · Dr. Ruth G. Shaw · Mary Staton · Elizabeth Connor Stewart & Sean
Stewart · Brienne Tinder · Jenny & Ken Tolson · Paul Vadnais · Jill & Kevin Walker · Noni Williams
Gala Patrons
$5,000+
Jacqueline B. Mars
$1,500 – $4,999
Sallie & Derick Close · Henry Ward
$100 – $1,499
Andrea & Alexander Bierce · Joseph H. & Carol Gigler
Program Notes
by Ken Meltzer
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
BORN: May 7, 1840 in Kamsko-Votkinsk, Russia
DIED: November 6, 1893 in Saint Petersburg, Russia
Symphony No. 1 in G minor
Opus 13, Winter Dreams (1866, rev. 1874)
PREMIERE: February 15, 1868 in Moscow
Approximate performance time is 43 minutes.
BEHIND THE MUSIC
In January 1866, Tchaikovsky moved from St. Petersburg to Moscow to begin teaching music theory at the Moscow Conservatory at the invitation of its founder, Nikolai Rubinstein, who provided the young composer with lodging at his home. Rubinstein was anxious to showcase the composition talents of his new faculty member. In March, Rubinstein conducted a Moscow concert that featured one of Tchaikovsky’s student works, his Overture in F.
Buoyed by what Tchaikovsky deemed “virtually my first public success,” the composer decided to write a more ambitious piece. But Tchaikovsky, who throughout his life battled the demons of self-doubt, soon found himself suffering from insomnia, headaches, and hallucinations that necessitated medical treatment. Nevertheless, by mid-June, Tchaikovsky began to orchestrate his symphony. In August, Tchaikovsky shared the work-in-progress with two of his teachers, Rubinstein’s brother, Anton, and Nikolay Zaremba. Both Anton Rubinstein and Zaremba rejected the piece. Despite
this devastating blow, Tchaikovsky finished the symphony by the year’s close.
Shortly after Tchaikovsky completed his First Symphony, individual movements from the work received public performances. However, the first complete presentation of the work did not take place until a Moscow concert on February 15, 1868, led by Nikolai Rubinstein. According to Tchaikovsky, the Symphony “scored a great success, particularly the Adagio.” Tchaikovsky later made revisions to the score, which was published in 1874.
Nikolai and Anton Rubinstein
Program Notes
WINTER DREAMS
Tchaikovsky gave his First Symphony the title Winter Dreams. Unlike such works as the composer’s Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy, the First Symphony does not appear to depict a specific narrative. Instead, the primary interest of the First Symphony rests with qualities that are characteristic of Tchaikovsky’s most famous works — a supreme gift for melody, gorgeous and transparent orchestration, and compelling energy and momentum. And while Tchaikovsky’s First Symphony is rarely performed, especially in comparison with the composer’s great final trilogy (Nos. 4-6), Winter Dreams provides its own considerable pleasures.
WHILE YOU LISTEN
• The Symphony is in four movements. Tchaikovsky subtitled the opening movement “Dreams of a Winter Journey.” Tchaikovsky sets the stage with shimmering violins and an animated theme for solo flute and bassoon.
• The Symphony’s slow-tempo movement, bearing the nickname “Land of Desolation, Land of Mists,” showcases Tchaikovsky’s genius for beautiful, unforgettable melody.
• The third movement is Tchaikovsky’s orchestration from a student composition, a sonata for piano. The playful outer sections frame a lovely waltz that foreshadows the Russian composer’s famous ballet scores.
• In the Symphony’s exuberant Finale, Tchaikovsky makes extensive use of Russian folk song.
THE COMPOSER SPEAKS
“Although it is in many ways immature, yet fundamentally [the First Symphony] has more substance and is better than many of my other more mature works. Despite its deficiencies, I have a soft spot for it. It is a sin of my sweet youth.”
in later years.
P. I. TCHAIKOVSKY
Symphony No. 1 in G minor Op. 13, Winter Dreams
I. Dreams of a Winter Journey Allegro tranquillo
II. Land of Desolation, Land of Mists Adagio cantabile ma non tanto
III. Scherzo Allegro scherzando giocoso
IV. Finale: Andante lugubreAllegro maestoso
Tchaikovsky
Violin Concerto in D major Opus
35 (1878)
PREMIERE: December 4, 1881 in Vienna
Approximate performance time is 34 minutes.
BEHIND THE MUSIC
Tchaikovsky composed his only Violin Concerto during the spring of 1878, while staying in the Swiss village of Clarens on Lake Geneva. Once Tchaikovsky began work on the Concerto, the creative process was swift. Tchaikovsky sketched the entire composition in a matter of a few weeks.
By mid-April of 1878, Tchaikovsky completed his Violin Concerto. The composer initially dedicated the work to the great Hungarian violinist Leopold Auer, who was living and teaching in St. Petersburg, but Auer declined to play the Concerto. Russian violinist Adolph Brodsky was the soloist for the December 1881 premiere, with Hans Richter conducting the Vienna Philharmonic. Tchaikovsky greatly appreciated the courage displayed by Brodsky in premiering a work “before a Viennese audience with a concerto by an unknown composer, and a Russian one to boot.”
A DISASTROUS PREMIERE
The extent of Brodsky’s courage becomes even clearer when the circumstances of the premiere are examined. The reaction by the audience and critics was unfavorable, to say the least. The performance inspired the prominent critic Eduard Hanslick to write one of the most scathing and infamous reviews in music history. For several months after the concert, Tchaikovsky carried a copy
of the Hanslick review with him. To the end of his days, Tchaikovsky could recite verbatim Hanslick’s caustic prose:
The Russian composer Tchaikovsky is surely not an ordinary talent, but rather an inflated one, with a geniuslike obsession without discrimination or taste. Such is also his latest, long, and pretentious Violin Concerto. For a while, it moves soberly, musically, and not without spirit. But soon vulgarity gains the upper hand and asserts itself to the end of the first movement. The violin is no longer played; it is pulled, torn, drubbed. The Adagio is again on its best behavior, to pacify and win us. But it soon breaks off to make way for a finale that transfers us to a brutal and wretched jollity of a Russian holiday. We see plainly the savage, vulgar faces, we hear curses, we smell vodka. Friedrich Vischer once observed, speaking of obscene pictures, that they stink to the eye. Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto gives us, for the first time, the hideous notion that there can be music that stinks to the ear.
Brodsky persevered in his advocacy of the Concerto, playing it throughout Europe. In time, the merits of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto became clear. Even Leopold Auer finally performed the Concerto, as did such protégés as Mischa Elman and Jascha Heifetz. But it was Adolph Brodsky to whom Tchaikovsky dedicated this beloved masterpiece.
Violinist Adolph Brodsky went on to settle in the United States and then England, where he worked closely with Edward Elgar.
WHILE YOU LISTEN
• In the latter part of the first movement, there is an extended and brilliant solo cadenza for the violin. Perhaps it was this daredevil episode that prompted Hanslick to complain: “The violin is no longer played; it is pulled, torn, drubbed.”
• In the slow-tempo second movement, the solo violin plays with a mute, giving the instrument a more intimate and warm sound quality.
• The finale (which follows the preceding movement without pause), a whirlwind, virtuoso tour-de-force for the soloist, is one of the most thrilling in the violin concerto repertoire.
THE COMPOSER SPEAKS
“From the first moment that the right frame of mind came to me, it has never left me. With one’s inner life in this condition, composing ceases altogether to be work: it becomes unalloyed pleasure. While you are writing, you do not notice how time passes, and if no one came to interrupt you, you would sit there and never leave your work all day.”
P. I. TCHAIKOVSKY
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35
I. Allegro moderato
II. Canzonetta: Andante
III. Finale: Allegro vivacissimo Gil Shaham, violin
portrait by Nikolai Kuznetsov
Annual Fund Supporters
Annual Fund
We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Annual Fund. This list reflects gifts received through August 1, 2025.
BENEFACTOR CIRCLE
$100,000+
The Fox Family Jane & Hugh McColl* Douglas Young Anonymous Jacqueline B. Mars
$50,000 – $99,999
$25,000 – $49,999
Joan & Mick Ankrom
Ruth & Richard Ault
Dr. Milton & Arlene Berkman Philanthropic Fund
Judith & Mark Brodsky
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*
Pat Rodgers
Carolyn Shaw
Susan & John Shimp
Andrea & Sean Smith
Tara & Ken Walker
$15,000 – $24,999
Joye D. Blount & Jessie J. Knight Jr.
Nicola & Emanuel Clark
Catherine & Wilton Connor*
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 Shayne Doty at 704.714.5104.
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
Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle
Dr. Robert A. Gaines & Toni S. Burke
Caren & Charles Gale
Andrea & Todd Griffith
In Loving Memory of Zaydee & Antonio
Lopez-Ibanez from Lina & Enrique Lopez-Ibanez
Leslie & Michael Marsicano
Robert Norville
Ann & Fritz Rehkopf
Kathy & Paul Reichs
Rosalind S. Richardson
Sara Garcés Roselli & Dan Roselli
Lindsay & Frank Schall
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
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 Anne Dickson
Anne O’Byrne & David J.L. Fisk
Amy & Sidney Fletcher
Joan & Parker Foley
Carol & Ron Follmer
Carrie & Jay Galloway
Sarah & Frank Gentry
Laura & Marshall Gilchrist
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*
Marcy Thailer & Chuck Miller
Courtney Reichs Mixon
Elizabeth & Jay Monge
Torsten Pilz
Emily & Nima Pirzadeh
Kelli & Michael Richardson
Anne Robinson
Nancy & Charlie Robson
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
Annual Fund Supporters
$5,000 – $9,999 (continued)
Rocky & Curtis Trenkelbach
Daniel Troy in Loving Memory of Kathleen Troy
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
Andrea & Alexander Bierce
Dawn Beatty-Batten & Philipp J. Bischoff
Jan & Bob Busch
Mary & Phil Delk
Pat English & Clay Furches
Posey & Mark Mealy
Dick Metzler
Holly & Jason Norvell
Linda & Tony Pace
Suan & Bob Salvin
Emily & Zach Smith
Dr. Mark R. Swanson
Deborah J. Cox & Bob Szymkiewicz
Karen & Edgar Whitener
$2,500 – $3,499
Harriet B. Barnhardt
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
Brent Clevenger
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
Ivan Hinrichs
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
Rob Roy McGregor
Cynthia L. Caldwell & Richard I. McHenry
Dee Dee McKay
Carolyn & Sam McMahon
Debbie Miller & Tim Black
Susan D. Montgomery
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
Glenn Sherrill, Jr. In Honor of Robin Branstrom
Jane Perry Shoemaker
Peggy & Pope Shuford
Hazel & Murray Somerville
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
Mindy & Don Upton
Drs. Iris Cheng & Daniel Uri
Mary Claire & Dan Wall
Deborra Wood & Russell Propst
Barbara Yarbrough
Annual Fund Supporters
PATRON CIRCLE
$1,500 – $2,499
Anonymous
Marcia Adams
Sharon Baker & Peter Moore
Merilyn & Craig Baldwin
Katie & Morgan Beggs
Georgia & Bill Belk
Donald H. & Barbara K. Bernstein
Sallie & Derick Close
Jean E. Davis & Robert Metzger
Dr. Kandi & Gary Deitemeyer
Martin Ericson, Jr.
Judith Greene
Karen Gunther
Maureen & Daniel Haggstrom
Angela M. & Michael D. Helms
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
Janet & Peter Nixon
Helen & Arvind Patil
Catherine Philpott
Greater Golf Express
Dr. John & Susan Rae
Brendan Reen
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
$1,000 – $1,499
Anonymous
Mariam Abdul Hamid & Ferd Davis
Michele & Ross Annable
JWD Atchison
Dianne & Brian Bailey
Elsie & William Barnhardt
Ms. Helen Fowler & Mr. Lincoln A. Baxter
Emerson Bell
Katherine & John Beltz
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
Anonymous
Heather & Gray Dyer
Judy & Bob Erb
Heather & Thomas Finke
Karen Geiger
Jenn & Taylor Gherardi
Carol & Joseph Gigler
Joyce & Ed Hamilton
Anne J. Henderson
Juliet & Brian Hirsch
Linda & Paul Ibsen
Joan Irwin
Marc Aspesi & Paulette Isoldi
Lea & Stuart Johnson
Priscilla & Michael Johnson
Dr. Valerie Kinloch & Mr. Thomas A’Hearn
Joan Kirschner
Marilyn Kroll
Holly & Christopher Maurer
Arrington Mixon
Joan Morgan
Eleanor W. Neal
Mr. & Mrs. E. O. Oakley
Caroline Olzinski
Patricia & James Petillo
Dr. William G. Porter
Annual Fund Supporters
$1,000 – $1,499 (continued)
Joan Rasmussen & Morry Alter
Sally & Russell Robinson
Rita & Thomas Robinson
Anonymous
Elizabeth & Robert Rostan
Sandra Shuster
Birte & Roman Streitberger
Scott Smith
Alice & Al Sudduth
Ann & Wellford Tabor
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
Lauren Wooden
Velva W. Woollen
Sandy & John Yakob
$500 – $999
Anonymous
Lynda & Doug Abel
Cathy & Bob Becker
Beth & Carl Belk
Dr. John L. Bennett & Mr. Eric T. Johnson
Mary Ann & Timothy Beranek
Jeffrey Boghosian
Marilyn & Herb Bonkovsky
James Broadstone
Nelle & Ken Brown
Aram Kim Bryan
Mary Lou & Greg Cagle
Jennifer & Daniel Callahan
Nan & Brooks Carey
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
Dr. John & Eileen Gardella
Dr. & Mrs. Richard Gellar
Stacy & Pete Gherardi
Linda & Dan Gordon
Cynthia Greenlee
Gloria Gunst
Johanne & Patrick Hawk
Dr. & Mrs. Michael D. Heafner
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 & Francis Martin
Wendy & Ed Matthews
Jill Maxwell
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
Susanne & Mark Rascio Family
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
Anonymous
Tara & Joseph Spil
Mary & Bill Staton
Kathryn Stewart, MD, MPH
Susan & Jet Taylor
Molly & Chris Tull
Melanie & James Twyne
Signature Web Design
Karen & Charles Wolff
Judith Wood
Planned Giving
The Encore Society includes individuals who have made provisions for the CSO in their estate plans. We are honored to recognize their support:
Anonymous (2)
Geraldine I. Anderson†
Michele & Ross Annable
Richard & Ruth Ault
Baldwin Family Trust
Barnhardt Thomas Trust
Lincoln A. Baxter & Helen M. Fowler
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†
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
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
Jim Martin
Paula & Paul 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
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
For more information, please contact Shayne Doty at 704.714.5104.
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 · Betsy Fleming & Ed Weisiger
$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
$50,000 - $99,999
Amy & Robert Brinkley · Crescent Communities · The Fox Family · Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle
Mariam & Robert Hayes Charitable Trust · Ulrike & Alex Miles · Ruth 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.
GreerWalker CPAs & Advisors New Systems Ethic Park, Inc.
We are grateful for the following outstanding foundation and government funders:
The Trexler Foundation
Dowd Foundation, Inc.
The Dickson Foundation
Cole Foundation
The Charlotte Assembly
The Jack H. & Ruth C. Campbell Foundation
The Mary Norris Preyer Fund
The George W. & Ruth R. Baxter Foundation
Barnhardt/Thomas Trust
Music Performance Trust Fund
For more information, please contact Tara Spil at 704.714.5138.
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
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Linda McFarland Farthing, Chair
Paul Anderson
Ruth & Richard Ault
Rachel Gogal Badillo
Arlene & Milton Berkman
Jason & Tiffany Bernd
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
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
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
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
EXECUTIVE
David J. L. Fisk
President & CEO
Samantha Hackett
Manager of Executive Administration & Board Relations
ARTISTIC OPERATIONS
Scott Freck
Vice President for Artistic Operations & General Manager
Erin Eady
Director of Orchestra Personnel
Laura Lindsay
Director of Orchestra Operations
Claudia Schmitz
Director of Artistic Planning
Bart Dixon
Principal Music Librarian
Emily Schaub
Assistant Music Librarian
Ana Faithe Allen
Operations Coordinator
John Jarrell
Stage Manager
DEVELOPMENT
Shayne Doty
Vice President of Development
Libby Currier
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
HUMAN RESOURCES
Maribeth Baker
Human Resources Counselor
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Christian Drake Vice President of Finance & Administration
Amy Hine
HR Coordinator & Office Administrator
Kensloe Norrington Staff Accountant
Chazin & Company, Financial Services
LEARNING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
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
MA RKETING & 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 Starr
Patron Experience Manager
Garrett Whiffen
Ticketing Manager
