Music That Moves Charlotte Impact
Our Impact in Action
From concert halls to classrooms, neighborhood parks, and care settings, music moves Charlotte.
Music Heard Across the Region
Spanning generations and backgrounds, audiences from near and far came together to share in music that connected, inspired, and resonated.
• 165,000+ people experienced live music with the Charlotte Symphony
• 51 US States and Territories were represented
→ In Attendance (p. 6)
Excellence on Stage
From masterworks to premieres, the Orchestra delivered performances that set a high artistic standard across every series.
• 184 concerts in 44 venues
• 74 acclaimed soloists & conductors
→ Unforgettable Performances (pp. 7–9)
Investing in the Next Generation
From receiving first instruments to advanced training, music education remained central to the Symphony’s mission.
• 24,792 student experiences
• 182 school partnerships
• $300,000 raised for new instruments and repairs
→ Investing in Our Schools & Young Musicians (pp. 12–15)
Music Where It Matters Most
Music was a continuous source of comfort and connection beyond the concert hall.
• 5,000+ people reached in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and shelters
• 11 free CSO Roadshow concerts
→ Meeting People Where They Are & Music as Care (pp. 11, 16)
Momentum Through Generosity
• 1,395 individual donors
• $50.1M raised in Comprehensive Campaign Individual gifts and the successful Comprehensive Campaign strengthened artistic ambition, financial stability, and long-term impact.
→ Made Possible by Generosity (pp. 20–27)
A Cultural and Economic Force
• $36.4M in total estimated economic impact
• 281 musicians employed Live orchestral music fueled the region’s cultural vitality and economic health.
→ Financial Statement (p. 29)
Orchestral music moves us, inspires us, and unites us. It sparks curiosity, stirs the soul, and enriches lives. It isn’t a relic — it’s vital, relevant, and profound. It belongs to all of us, not just the few.
Alive, daring, and unmistakably Charlotte,
We perform at the highest level — world-class and locally rooted.
We challenge expectations, embrace every genre, and reach beyond the stage. We educate. We innovate. We create experiences that resonate.
We are the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra:
The Musical Pulse of Charlotte.
A New Chapter Begins
Music Director Kwamé Ryan’s inaugural season set a powerful artistic tone — honoring tradition while embracing curiosity and fresh perspectives.
In his first concerts as Music Director, Ryan paired Brahms’s A German Requiem with Pēteris Vasks’s Musica Dolorosa, presented as a continuous musical arc without pause. The result was an experience that felt both reverent and fresh — rooted in the canon while inviting audiences to listen differently.
“Ryan’s vibe is buoyant. He led the Brahms on the balls of his feet, beaming at a vocal soloist’s line or another crisp entrance by the Charlotte Master Chorale.”
– LAWRENCE TOPPMAN, THE CHARLOTTE LEDGER
In Attendance
From relaxed performances in local breweries to grand concert halls, the Charlotte Symphony brought people together across generations and backgrounds to experience music that moved and inspired.
“Every single part was AMAZING. This is the best show I’ve seen in the city since I relocated.”
— AUDIENCE MEMBER, BEETHOVEN X BEYONCÉ
REACH BY THE NUMBERS
101,889 165,000+
experienced the CSO
128 ZIP CODES
13,365 HOUSEHOLDS represented across the Metrolina Area
across 51 US States and Territories
2024 · 2025 tickets sold were Gen Z and Millennial, a 15% increase since 2020
38% OF AUDIENCES
Unforgettable Performances
Across genres, venues, and experiences, the CSO delivered a season defined by artistic excellence, connecting with audiences through music that resonated.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SEASON
OCTOBER 9, 2024
ANNUAL GALA
An Evening with Sphinx Virtuosi
Featuring the flagship ensemble of the Sphinx Organization, dedicated to promoting diversity in the arts
OCTOBER 19, 2024
MERGE: Halloween Edition
Symphonic and EDM mash-up at Blackbox Theater
NOVEMBER 1 & 2, 2024
The Music of Queen
Audiences rocked out to the sounds of one of the most iconic bands of all time
NOVEMBER 15 & 16, 2024
Beethoven x Beyoncé
NOVEMBER 22 & 23, 2024
Brahms’ A German Requiem
Kwamé Ryan’s inaugural concerts as Music Director of the Charlotte Symphony
Unforgettable Performances
DECEMBER 5–7, 2024
Cody Fry Christmas: A Holiday Pops Special
JANUARY 7, 2025
On Tap @ Triple C
Casual concert experience brought to a neighborhood brewery
JANUARY 31 & FEBRUARY 1, 2025
Mendelssohn’s Double Concerto
Concertmaster Calin Lupanu and pianist Phillip Bush performed this rarely heard gem
FEBRUARY 22, 2025
Our Musical Neighborhood Family concert celebrating the Queen City
MARCH 7 & 8, 2025
Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2
MARCH 14 & 15, 2025
How to Train Your Dragon in Concert
MARCH 28, 2025
Spring Gala with Renée Fleming
A return to the newly reopened Carolina Theatre, site of the CSO's first concert in 1932
APRIL 25 & 26, 2025
Debussy’s La Mer
MAY 16–18, 2025
Bernstein & Copland
Featuring Copland’s Clarinet Concerto with Anthony McGill, led by Conductor Laureate Christopher Warren-Green
JUNE 8–29, 2025
Summer Pops at Symphony Park
World Premiere of MIRAGE by Andrea Casarrubios
Redefining the Orchestra Experience
This season, the Charlotte Symphony continued to stretch the boundaries of what a symphony orchestra can be. Programs like Beethoven x Beyoncé, MERGE, and Become Ocean invited new audiences to experience orchestral music in fresh and unexpected ways.
“[The Charlotte Symphony] continues to break new ground faster and farther than I remember in all of my 45 years in Charlotte.”
– LAWRENCE TOPPMAN,
WDAV
John Luther Adams’s Become Ocean, a 360-degree spatial audio immersive experience at Blume Studios
Meeting People Where They Are
CSO Roadshow brought live orchestral music directly into 11 neighborhoods across Charlotte. These free, welcoming events created memorable experiences where people already live, work, and gather.
“Your musicians brought music that really reflected our neighbors. We hope we get to partner with you again to keep connecting our community with music and experiences that make our lives richer.”
— W.H. “MACK” MCDONALD, FORMER CEO OF RENAISSANCE WEST COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
Artwork on the mobile stage was created by local artist Rosalía Torres-Weiner, commissioned by the CSO
CSO Roadshow is made possible in part by
Investing in Our Schools
We believe music belongs in every classroom.
Through deep partnerships with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and surrounding districts, the Charlotte Symphony brings high-quality music learning directly to students — supporting teachers, expanding access to instruments, and creating moments that stay with students long after the last note fades.
2024 · 2025
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
young musicians received personalized coaching
931 raised for CMS instruments
$300,000
11,013
students attended One Musical Family education concerts
81%
50 of CMS schools engaged with the CSO
schools served through Project Harmony (primarily Title I)
Our education programs reach students across Charlotte-Mecklenburg and surrounding counties
LEGEND
One Musical Family Schools
In-School Educational Programs
Project Harmony/Charlotte Bilingual/Youth Orchestra Sites
Sphinx Virtuosi School Tour
“My favorite part of the performance was when the first notes were played, and my students made a collective gasp.”
— TEACHER FROM NORTH BELMONT ELEMENTARY, GASTON COUNTY SCHOOLS
with support from
Investing in Young Musicians
Through our four Youth Orchestras, music moves young musicians forward — challenging them artistically while building confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging. For our youngest students in Project Harmony and Charlotte Bilingual Preschool, music inspires pride and joy — laying the foundation for lifelong learning.
2024 · 2025
365 REACH BY THE NUMBERS
students participated in CSO Youth Programs
10,494
19 experiences
public performance opportunities
“Project Harmony made me feel…”
Like myself AMAZING Confident
I could conquer
the world
PROUD Like
INSPIRED Like I want to play more trumpet
“Mi hija está súper feliz por estar en este programa.” [My daughter is super happy to be in this program.]
— PARENT OF CHARLOTTE BILINGUAL PRESCHOOL STUDENT
Music as Care
Music can offer comfort when it’s needed most. This season, Charlotte Symphony musicians brought live music into care settings across Charlotte — meeting people exactly where they are.
· 2025
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
Reflecting our growing focus on the ties between music and wellness, the Symphony presented Music and Mind, a public panel discussion inspired by the work of Renée Fleming that brought together artists and healthcare leaders to explore the role of music in health programming at Roof Above supported by locations 7 performances 30 people reached 5,000+
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart…It was truly a pleasure to see folks like George smiling the entire time, people who couldn’t help but sing along like Shawn, and even (or perhaps especially) the gentleman at the back who heard the group play his mother’s favorite lullaby and fell instantly asleep.”
— ROOF ABOVE STAFF MEMBER
Musicians in Our Community
Beyond the stage, Charlotte Symphony musicians are teachers, mentors, and cultural leaders. They coach young musicians in schools, provide private instruction, perform in hospitals and shelters, and share live music in spaces where it is needed most. Their presence strengthens arts education and enriches life across our city.
Musicians performing at Roof Above
Principal Harp Andrea Mumm Trammell performs at Levine Childrens Hospital
Musicians performing at Levine Children's Hospital
Flutist Amy Orsinger Whitehead coaching students
Performance at Anne Springs Close Greenway
Christopher James Lees, Resident Conductor
Christopher Warren-Green, Conductor Laureate
2024 · 2025 MUSICIAN ROSTER
FIRST VIOLINS
Calin Ovidiu Lupanu, Concertmaster
The Catherine & Wilton Connor Chair
Joseph Meyer,* Associate Concertmaster
Kari Giles, Acting Associate Concertmaster
Dustin Wilkes-Kim, Acting Assistant Concertmaster
Susan Blumberg°°
Jane Hart Brendle
Cynthia Burton
Ayako Gamo
David Horak†
Lenora Leggatt
Jenny Topilow
Angela Watson† 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 Merrillt Principal Viola Chair
Kirsten Swanson†
Acting Assistant Principal
Matthew Darsey†
Ellen Ferdon
Wenlong Huang
Viara Stefanova
Ning Zhao
CELLOS
Jonathan Lewis, Principal
The Kate Whitner McKay Principal Cello Chair
Allison Drenkow, Assistant Principal
Alan Black, Principal Emeritus
Marlene Ballena
Jeremy Lamb
Amy Sunyoung Lee
Sarah Markle
DOUBLE BASSES
Jason McNeel, Acting Principal
Judson Baines, Assistant Principal
Justin Cheesman†
Jeffrey Ferdon
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
OBOES
Timothy Swanson, Principal
The Leo B. Driehuys Chair‡
Erica Cice
Jamison Hillian†
Terry Maskin*
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
HORNS
Byron Johns, Principal
The Mr. & Mrs. William H. Van Every Chair
Andrew Fierova
Bradley Burford
The Robert E. Rydel, Jr. Third Horn Chair
Richard Goldfaden
Paige Quillen
TRUMPETS
Alex Wilborn, Principal
The Betty J. Livingstone Chair
Jonathan Kaplan*
Peter Stammer†
Gabriel Slesinger, Associate Principal
The Marcus T. Hickman Chair
TROMBONES
John Bartlett, Principal
Thomas Burge
BASS TROMBONE
Scott Hartman, Principal
TUBA
Colin Benton, Principal
The Governor James G. Martin Chair
TIMPANI
Jacob Lipham,** Principal
The Robert Haywood Morrison Chair
PERCUSSION
Brice Burton, Principal
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.
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.
° 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
** In memoriam
The CSO is the largest employer of performing artists in the region full-time Orchestra members 65 acclaimed soloists & conductors 74 concerts in 44 venues 184 musicians employed 281
“Ryan is not just leading an orchestra. He’s inviting audiences into a home, one where music is a living, breathing conversation, and where every note, like every individual, has a place.”
– AMY CARLETON, THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
A Shared Achievement
The successful completion of the $50M Comprehensive Campaign marked a defining moment for the Charlotte Symphony — strengthening financial stability, growing the endowment, and securing the future of the Orchestra for generations to come.
“This campaign brought our community leaders together to support a vital institution whose legacy — and future — are deeply tied to the success of our city.”
— HUGH L. MCCOLL, JR.
Campaign leaders and donors gathered at Susan and Loy McKeithen’s home to celebrate the completion of the Comprehensive Campaign. (L-R: Campaign Cabinet Member Michael Marsicano, Loy McKeithen, Campaign Chair Pat Phillips, and Bill Farthing)
Music Director Kwamé Ryan with Pat Phillips
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
$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
Made Possible by Generosity
Everything we do — from the music on our stages to the students we reach, and the moments of connection created across Charlotte — is made possible by our generous supporters. Thank you for your belief in the power of music and for the role you play in shaping the Charlotte Symphony’s future.
1. Bert and Ylida Scott, Drs. Yele Aluko and Shirley Houston-Aluko, and Frank and Lisa Emory at the Annual Gala
2. Bill and Linda Farthing
3. Cameron and Stuart Sherrill
4. Board Chair Dr. Richard Krumdieck addresses donors at Music with a View
5. Music Director Kwamé Ryan joins donors for a celebration after his debut with the Washington National Opera
6. Janet Preyer Nelson and Robin Cochran
7. Donor trip to Washington D.C.
8. Kieth Cockrell, Joyce Cadesca, Kristen Howard, and Pat Phillips
9. Paul Pope and Vincent Phillips at the Spring Gala
10. Arlene and Dr. Milton Berkman
Annual Fund Donors
We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Annual Fund. This list reflects gifts received between July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
BENEFACTOR CIRCLE
Anonymous Joan & Mick Ankrom
& Richard Ault
Dr. Milton & Arlene Berkman Philanthropic Fund
Judith & Mark Brodsky
Margarita & Nick Clements
Roberta H. Cochran
Anonymous (2)
Joye D. Blount & Jessie J. Knight Jr.
& Emanuel Clark Denise & Peter DeMaio
Robin & Christoph Feddersen
$25,000 – $49,999
Catherine & Wilton Connor*
Jean & Dick Cornwell
Susan Cybulski
Linda & Bill Farthing Ralph S. Grier
Maria & John Huson
Kelly Richard Krumdieck & Sally Gregory Patrick J. O’Leary
$15,000 – $24,999
Fran & Greg Hyde
Sandra Levine
Tanya & Steve Makris
DeDe & Alex McKinnon
Ulrike & Alex Miles
Keith Oberkfell & Mica Post Oberkfell
Richard J. Osborne*
Debbie & Pat Phillips*
Kathy & Paul Reichs
Rodgers Carolyn Shaw
Andrea & Sean Smith Melinda & David Snyder
Ken & Tara Walker
Juliette & Walter Pryor
Judy & Derek Raghavan Ann & Fritz Rehkopf Lindsay & Frank Schall
& Neal Taub
VIRTUOSO CIRCLE
$5,000 – $9,999
Wedge & Debbie Abels
Howard P. Adams & Carol B. McPhee
Jeannette & Francisco Alvarado
Paul & Kristen Anderson
The Charlotte Assembly
Tiffany & Jason Bernd
Mr. James Biddlecome, in Loving Memory of Bernadette Zirkuli Biddlecome
Si & Michael Blake
Krisha & Andy Blanchard
Mary & Charles Bowman
Barbara & Twig Branch
Robin & William Branstrom
Shirley & Michael Butterworth
Dr. William J. Charles & Dr. Cynthia Nortey
Glenda Colman & Floyd Wisner
Morgan & Brian Cromwell
Elizabeth & Christopher Daly in Memory of Betty Haggerty
Mary Anne Dickson
David J.L. Fisk & Anne O’Byrne
William & Patricia Gorelick
Family Foundation
Sidney & Amy Fletcher
Joan & Parker Foley
Carol & Ron Follmer
Dr. Robert A. Gaines & Toni Burke
Caren & Charles Gale
Sarah & Frank Gentry
Laura & Marshall Gilchrist
Laurie & Barry Guy
Leigh & Watts Humphrey
The Jenny Lillian Semans Koortbojian Trust, in Honor of Sally Trent Harris
Vivian & Robert Lamb
Anna & Lazlo Littmann
Susanne & Bill McGuire
Paula & Paul McIntosh
Susan & Loy McKeithen*
Carolyn & Sam McMahon
Chuck Miller & Marcy Thailer
Vincent Phillips & Paul Pope
Kim & Torsten Pilz
Emily & Nima Pirzadeh
Laura & Michael Schulte
Ylida & Bert Scott
Mr. & Mrs. Harley F. Shuford, Jr.
Emily & Zack Smith
Erin & William Sparks
Chris & Jim Teat
Brienne Tinder & Thomas Lervik
Judith & Gary Toman
Mr. Herbert Verbesey, in Memory of Tess Verbesey
Elizabeth & Stephan Willen
Joan H. Zimmerman
Abby & Albert Zue
$3,500 – $4,999
Anonymous
Phillip J. Bischoff & Dawn Beatty-Batten
Andrea & Alexander Bierce
Jan & Bob Busch
Mary & Phil Delk
Pat English & Clay Furches
Reginald B. Henderson, Esq.
Dick Metzler
Holly & Jason Norvell
Linda & Tony Pace
Dr. Mark R. Swanson
Susan & Paul Vadnais
Karen & Edgar Whitener
$2,500 – $3,499
Anonymous
Harriet B. Barnhardt
Bill & Georgia Belk
Lee & Alan Blumenthal
Dr. & Mrs. O. Robert Boehm
Frances & Herbert Browne
The Jack H. & Ruth C.
Campbell Foundation
Dr. William H. Carson
Drs. Iris Cheng & Daniel Uri
Brent Clevenger
Ann Thomas Colley
Dorothy & Mike Connor
Deborah J. Cox & Bob Szymkiewicz
Amy & Alfred Dawson
Peter De Arcangelis
Cheryl DeMaio
Peggy & Charles Dickerson
Elizabeth Betty Eaton
Melisa & Frank Galasso
Kara & Timothy Gallagher
Billy L. Gerhart, in Memory of Judith Gerhart
Heather & Kevin Gottehrer
Andrea & Todd Griffith
Katherine G. Hall
Ivan Hinrichs
Megan & Brendan Hoffman
Christy & Ben Hume
Peggy & Jim Hynes
Shirley & Bob Ivey
David S. Jacobson
Martha & Bruce Karsh
Dr. & Mrs. Christ A. Koconis
Meghan & Luis Lluberas
James Lynch
Dottie & Jim Martin
Rob Roy McGregor
Richard I. McHenry & Cynthia L. Caldwell
Dee Dee McKay
Posey & Mark Mealy
Debbie Miller & Tim Black
Susan D. Montgomery
Pamela Pearson & Charles Peach
Dr. Reta R. Phifer
Kathleen D. Prokay
Lucy Quintilliano & Leonard Fumi
Lisa & Robert R. Rollins, Jr.
Mahesh Sardesai
Suzy & Robert Schulman
Glenn Sherrill, Jr. in Honor of Robin Branstrom
Jane Perry Shoemaker
Peggy & Pope Shuford
Nancy E. Simpson
Hazel & Murray Somerville
Patricia & Morris Spearman
Ken Spielfogel & Richard Withem
Aleca & Joseph Stamey
Maxine & Robert Stein
Dottie Stowe, in Loving Memory of Dickson Stowe
Dr. John A. Thompson, Jr. & Dr. Lee Rocamora
Jenny & Ken Tolson
Mindy & Don Upton
Mary Claire & Dan Wall
Deborra Wood & Russell Propst
The Encore Society
The Encore Society includes individuals who have made provisions for the CSO in their estate plans. We gratefully acknowledge the individuals in bold who joined the Encore Society and generously supported the Comprehensive Campaign.
Anonymous (3)
Geraldine I. Anderson†
Michele & Ross Annable
Ruth & 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
Sigrid & Hans Teich †
Cordelia G. & Dr. Chandler† Thompson
Tim Timson
Jenny & Ken Tolson
Linda & Craig Weisbruch
Ms. Deborra Wood & Mr. Russell Propst
Contributors as of June 30, 2025.
Sponsors
This list reflects gifts received between July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
Corporate Partners Government & Foundations
We are grateful for the following outstanding corporate funders:
GreerWalker CPAs & Advisors
New Systems Ethic Park, Inc.
Publix Super Markets Charities
SouthState Bank
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
Leadership
Directors and Trustees as of June 30, 2025
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Richard Krumdieck, Chair
Ulrike Miles, Vice Chair
Melinda Snyder, Vice Chair
Linda Farthing, Immediate Past Chair
Kevin Walker, Treasurer
Denise DeMaio, Secretary
David Fisk, President & CEO
Kwamé Ryan, Music Director
Mick Ankrom
Joye D. Blount
Krisha Blanchard
Mike Butterworth
Nick Clements
Mary Delk*
Sidney Fletcher
Carrie Galloway
Lucia Zapata Griffith
Fran Hyde
Byron Johns*
Valerie Kinloch
Stephen Makris
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Richard Osborne, Chair
Paul Anderson
Ruth & Richard Ault
Arlene & Milton Berkman
Jason & Tiffany Bernd
Mary & Charles Bowman
Frank Bragg
Robin & Bill Branstrom
Dr. William Charles
& Dr. Cynthia Nortey
Derick & Sallie Close
Robin Cochran
Catherine & Wilton Connor
Jeanie & T. Thomas Cottingham III
Brian Cromwell
Susan Cybulski
Alessandra & Pasquale De Martino
Alvaro & Donna de Molina
Peggy & Richard Dreher
Lisa Hudson Evans
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
Elizabeth & Jay Monge
Mica Oberkfell
Patrick J. O’Leary
Debbie & G. Patrick Phillips
Alex McKinnon
Juliette Pryor
Sara Garces Roselli
Lindsay Schall
Ylida Scott
Cameron Sherrill
Jennifer Sullivan
Brienne Tinder*
Andrea Mumm Trammell*
Ken Walker
*ex officio
Paul Reichs
Nancy & Charles Robson
Patricia A. Rodgers
M.A. Rogers
Frank Schall
Laura & Mike Schulte
Carolyn Shaw
Emily & Zach Smith
Will Sparks
Bob & Marsha Stickler
Chris & Jim Teat
Kelly & Neal Taub
Adam Taylor
Elizabeth & Steve Willen
Braxton Winston
Richard Worf
Joan Zimmerman
Albert Zue
Statement of Financial Position
of June 30, 2025
Administrative Staff
Staff as of June 30, 2025
EXECUTIVE
David J. L. Fisk, President & CEO
Samantha Hackett, Executive Administrator
ARTISTIC OPERATIONS
Scott Freck, Vice President for Artistic Operations & General Manager
Carrie Graham, Senior Director of Artistic Planning
Tim Pappas, Director of Operations
Bart Dunn, Principal Music Librarian
Emily Schaub, Assistant Music Librarian
Erin Eady, Senior Manager of Orchestra Personnel
Ana Faithe Allen, Operations Coordinatorr
John Jarrell, Stage Manager
DEVELOPMENT
Shayne Doty, Vice President of Development
Libby Currier, Director of Individual Giving
Tara Spil, Director of Corporate & Institutional Relations
Tammy Matula, Senior Manager of Development Operations
Jennifer Gherardi, Development Manager –Campaign & Special Events
Meghan Woolbright, Annual Fund Manager
Noel Kiss, Advancement Associate
Josh Bottoms, Institutional Giving Coordinator
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Christian Drake, Vice President of Finance & Administration
Amy Hine, HR Coordinator & Office Administrator
Kensloe Norrington, Staff Accountant
Chazin & Company, Financial Services
HUMAN RESOURCES
Maribeth Baker, Human Resources Counselor
LEARNING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Aram Kim Bryan, Vice President of Learning & Community Engagement
Dylan Lloyd, Senior Manager of Youth Orchestras
Mark Rockwood, Education & Community Programs Manager
Michaela Sciacca, Project Harmony Manager
Gavin Fulker, Education & Community Programs Assistant
Lily Moore, Youth Orchestras Assistant
Bria Alexander, Learning & 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 Starr, Patron Experience Manager
Garrett Whiffen, Ticketing Manager
A Growing Spotlight
From local coverage to national platforms, the Charlotte Symphony has earned recognition for bold programming, artistic excellence, and meaningful community connection — elevating both the Orchestra and Charlotte as a leading cultural destination.
“Charlotte Symphony tops $50M fundraising goal.”
“Kwamé Ryan Proves Why His Charlotte Symphony Hiring Matters”
“Charlotte Symphony Brings Live Music to Those Facing Hardships on the Street”
Kwamé Ryan in conversation with Fred Child, host of APM's Performance Today
David Fisk joins the hosts of WBTV's QC Morning
Christopher James Lees on WBTV News with host John Carter
Thank you!
The Charlotte Symphony’s 2024–25 season was filled with extraordinary concerts, live broadcasts, enriching educational experiences, and community connection because of the generosity of our patrons and donors. Your support makes a difference!