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
THE NINETY-FOURTH SEASON
Friday, December 5, 2025, at 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 7:30 pm
Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 3:00 pm
Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts
Grant Llewellyn, conductor
Deanna Breiwick, soprano · Meg Bragle, mezzo-soprano
Eric Ferring, tenor · Tyler Duncan, baritone
Charlotte Master Chorale · Kenney Potter, artistic director
GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL (1685-1759)
Messiah, HWV 56
Part I. The Advent of the Messiah
INTERMISSION
Part II. The Passion of the Christ
Part III. His Resurrection
These performances present an abridged version of Messiah. You may find a detailed listing of the concert order on the following pages.
CONCERT DURATION: approximately 2 1/2 hours. There will be one 20-minute intermission.
Music by George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Texts selected from Scripture by Charles Jennens (1700-1773)
Part I: The Advent of the Messiah
INSTRUMENTAL
TENOR RECIT. & AIR
CHORUS
BASS RECITATIVE
ALTO AIR
CHORUS
ALTO RECITATIVE
ALTO AIR & CHORUS
BASS RECIT. & AIR
CHORUS
INSTRUMENTAL
SOPRANO RECITATIVE
Sinfony (Overture)
Comfort, ye my people
Ev’ry valley shall be exalted
And the Glory of the Lord
Thus saith the Lord
But who may abide the day of His coming?
And He shall purify
Behold, a Virgin shall conceive
O thou, that tellest good tidings to Zion
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth
The people that walked in darkness
For unto us a Child is born
Pifa (Pastorale)
There were shepherds abiding in the field
And lo, the angel of the Lord
And the angel said unto them
And suddenly there was with the angel
CHORUS
SOPRANO AIR
ALTO RECITATIVE
ALTO & SOPRANO DUET
CHORUS
Glory to God in the highest
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened
He shall feed His flock like a shepherd
Come unto Him, all ye that labor
His yoke is easy
INTERMISSION
CHORUS
ALTO AIR
CHORUS
Part II: The Passion of the Christ
Behold the Lamb of God
He was despised and rejected of men
Surely He has borne our griefs
And with His stripes we are healed
All we, like sheep, have gone astray
TENOR RECITATIVE
CHORUS
TENOR RECIT. & AIR
SOPRANO AIR
BASS AIR
CHORUS
TENOR RECIT. & AIR
CHORUS
SOPRANO AIR
CHORUS
BASS RECIT. & AIR
CHORUS
All they that see Him, laugh Him to scorn
He trusted in God
Thy rebuke hath broken His heart
Behold, and see
How beautiful are the feet of Him
Why do the nations so furiously rage together?
Let us break their bonds asunder
He that dwelleth in heaven
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron
Hallelujah
Part III: His Resurrection
I know that my Redeemer liveth
Since by man came death
Behold, I tell you a mystery
The trumpet shall sound
Worthy Is the Lamb that was slain Blessing and honor
Amen
Organ courtesy of Dr. Murray Somerville
CONCERT SPONSORED BY
Grant Llewellyn guest conductor
Grant Llewellyn is renowned for his exceptional charisma, energy, and effortless authority in music of all styles and periods.
Born in Tenby, South Wales, Llewellyn’s early promise was recognized with a Conducting Fellowship at the Tanglewood Music Center in Massachusetts in 1985 where he worked with Bernstein, Ozawa, Masur, and Previn.
After an eight-year tenure as Music Director of the Orchestre National de Bretagne, Llewellyn returned last season, showcasing works by Hoddinott, Walton, and Brahms’s Symphony No. 3. Under his direction, the orchestra performed the world premiere of Sarah Lianne Lewis’s L’Île des jamais trop tard, a symphonic tale exploring and reflecting upon the sounds of seascapes and the looming threats of climate change — a piece that continues to resonate in performances this season. Other standout moments included a spectacular concert at Festival Saint Denis in Paris featuring Beethoven’s Celtic songs with Bryn Terfel and Carlos Nunez as well as tours of venues and festivals across Brittany. Llewellyn also played a key role initiating and strengthening the collaboration between the Orchestre National de Bretagne and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
Llewellyn maintains a close relationship with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, whom he led on tour to Patagonia
and South America, as well as joining their 90th anniversary celebrations and conducting their Proms in the Park in September 2018. His extensive experience across Europe includes guest engagements and previous conducting positions with the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic, Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and Stavanger Symphony amongst others.
In North America, after a distinguished seventeen-year tenure as Music Director of the North Carolina Symphony, Llewellyn returned last season for a symphonic program and an education project. His conducting portfolio spans many of the continent’s leading orchestras, including those of Atlanta, Boston, Houston, Milwaukee, Montreal, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Toronto, as well as an appearance at the Caramoor Festival with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. During his time as Music Director of the Handel and Haydn Society, America’s premier period orchestra, he earned a formidable reputation as an interpreter of Baroque and Classical repertoire.
An accomplished opera conductor, Llewellyn has graced the stages of English National Opera, Opera North, and the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, conducting a diverse repertoire from Mozart’s The Magic Flute to Alexander Goehr’s Arianna.
Notable productions include the US premiere of Handel’s Richard the Lionheart with the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and Fidelio with the Opéra de Rennes, where his recent direction of Mathieu Bauer’s production of Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress earned the Claude Rostand prize from the Syndicat Français de la Critique for Best Opera Outside of Paris. Llewellyn’s discography includes notable recordings with the North Carolina Symphony, such as American Spectrum, featuring 20th-century works with saxophonist Branford Marsalis, and a recording of Britten’s Cello Symphony
and Prokofiev’s Sinfonia Concertante with cellist Zuill Bailey. His collaboration with the BBC Symphony Orchestra resulted in a critically acclaimed recording of Lowell Liebermann’s orchestral works.
Deeply committed and passionate about engaging young people with music, Llewellyn regularly leads education and outreach projects; in 2017 he led the first ever “relaxed” BBC Prom with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, a concert specially designed for those with autism, sensory and communication impairments, and learning disabilities.
Deanna Breiwick
soprano
American soprano Deanna Breiwick, hailed by The New York Times for her “sweet sound and floating high notes” and for being a “vocal trapeze artist,” is enjoying an exciting and diverse career. In the 2025–26 season, Breiwick will return to The Dallas Opera to sing Sister Constance in Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites, Nannetta in Verdi’s Falstaff with Los Angeles Opera, and in concert, Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 with Fabio Luisi and the Dallas Symphony.
Past operatic engagements have included a debut at San Francisco Opera, performing Sister Constance, conducted by Eun Sun Kim, the Bayerische Staatsoper for Adele in Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, and made debuts at the Gran Teatre del Liceu as Drusilla in Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea, the Atlanta Opera as Cunegonde in Bernstein’s Candide and with Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Oriana in Handel’s Amadigi, returned to The Dallas Opera for the world premiere of Gene Scheer and Jody Talbot’s The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, singing the role of Claude and a concert performance as Lisette in Puccini’s La Rondine with Washington Concert Opera. At the Metropolitan Opera, Breiwick has been featured as La Charmeuse in Massenet’s Thaïs, a Flower Maiden in Wagner’s Parsifal, a Shadow in the North American premiere of Nico Muhly’s Marnie, Najade in Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos, and a featured soloist in the company’s Summer Recital Series.
Breiwick is a Metropolitan Opera National Council Grand Finalist, a Grand Prize Winner of the Sullivan Foundation Vocal Competition, and a First Prize Winner of the Gerda Lissner Foundation International Vocal Competition. She also holds awards from the George London Foundation, the Giulio Gari Foundation, the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation, and the Richard F. Gold Career Grant. Breiwick is a native of Seattle, WA.
Meg Bragle mezzo-soprano
Meg Bragle is a renowned mezzo-soprano, educator, and broadcaster acclaimed for her musical intelligence, “expressive virtuosity” (San Francisco Chronicle), and deep commitment to communication and connection through music. A leading interpreter of Baroque and Classical repertoire, she brings clarity and emotional depth to performances with the world’s finest baroque ensembles and symphony orchestras in the U.S. and Canada.
With over 20 recordings to her credit, spanning almost 1,000 years of music, her discography includes four critically acclaimed recordings of J.S. Bach’s music — including the Ascension and Easter Oratorios and the Mass in B minor with Sir John Eliot Gardiner and the English Baroque Soloists.
In addition to her performance career, Bragle is the Co-Founder and Director of the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park National Oratorio Competition, a platform dedicated to fostering excellence and opportunity for emerging artists interested in oratorio repertoire. As Artist in Residence at the University of Pennsylvania, she directs the Collegium Musicum, founded and directs the Opera & Musical Theater Workshop, and mentors student-created ensembles.
Bragle shares her love of classical music with a wider audience as the weekday afternoon host on WRTI 90.1 FM in Philadelphia, where her broadcasts blend insight, warmth, and accessibility.
With a career that bridges performance, education, and broadcasting, Meg Bragle is a vital and inspiring voice in today’s classical music landscape.
Eric Ferring tenor
Tenor Eric Ferring, a native of Dubuque, Iowa, graduated magna cum laude from Drake University with his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and from The Boston Conservatory with his Master of Music in Opera Performance. He is a graduate of the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Ryan Opera Center and the Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist Program, a 2022 George London Foundation Award Winner, and the Top Prize Winner of the 2022 Gerda Lissner Foundation International Vocal Competition.
Highlights of Ferring’s 2025-26 season include Mozart’s Requiem with the New Jersey Symphony and Music Director Xian Zhang, Rinuccio in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi with Opera Carolina, and Handel’s Messiah with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra led by Grant Llewellyn and the Knoxville Symphony under Music Director Aram Demirjian.
Ferring’s 2024-25 season included a program of Rameau and Handel with conductor Emmanuelle Haïm, for both his Los Angeles Philharmonic debut and performances in Lille, France. He performed Act 1 of Mozart’s Zaide with the Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center, conducted by Dame Jane Glover; bowed in the role of Artabano in Vinci’s Artaserse with Haymarket Opera, and joined the Ravinia Festival as Oronte in Handel’s Alcina. Additionally, he sang Mozart’s Requiem with the North Carolina
Symphony, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Portland Symphony Orchestra, and Handel’s Messiah with the Evansville Philharmonic.
Previous notable engagements include his principal role debut at Lyric Opera of Chicago as Lurcanio in Handel’s Ariodante, a role he also performed for his Opéra de Paris debut in a new Robert Carsen production. With the Metropolitan Opera, he has bowed as Arturo in a new production of Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, Tamino in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, and Pong in Puccini’s Turandot. He has sung Fenton in Verdi’s Falstaff with Santa Fe Opera, Don Ottavio in Mozart’s Don Giovanni with Opéra de Lille and Opéra de Rouen, Tamino in Mozart’s The Magic Flute with Opéra national du Rhin and Verbier Festival, and joined The English Concert as Grimoaldo in Handel’s Rodelinda on a multi-continent tour conducted by Harry Bicket.
Tyler Duncan baritone
With a voice described as “honey-colored and warm, yet robust and commanding” (The Globe and Mail), baritone Tyler Duncan has performed worldwide to great acclaim in both opera and concert repertoire. Throughout his varied career, he has performed with several of the world’s leading orchestras and opera companies, including the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Tafelmusik, the Metropolitan Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, and the Kansas City Symphony.
Recent highlights include a concert featuring the works of Martinů with the Bard Music Festival, Mendelssohn’s Elijah with the Master Chorale of South Florida, Mozart’s Vesperae solennes de confessore and Haydn’s “Lord Nelson” Mass with Les Violons du Roy, and singing Bach cantatas with the Whidbey Island Music Festival. Duncan recently performed the role of Count Almaviva in Pacific Opera Victoria’s production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, C.P.E. Bach’s Magnificat with the Handel and Haydn Society, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Bach’s St. John and St. Matthew Passions with the Oregon Bach Festival, and Haydn’s The Creation with Music of the Baroque. Other notable engagements include Handel’s Messiah with Houston Symphony, New Jersey Symphony and Symphony Nova Scotia; Handel’s Theodora with Trinity Church Wall Street at Caramoor; Handel’s Apollo e Dafne
and Bach’s “Ich habe genug” with Arizona Early Music’s Tucson Baroque Music Festival; Brahms’s Requiem with Johnstown Symphony; and concerts with Bard Music Festival, Brooklyn Art Song Society, and Aspect Chamber Music. He also returned to the roster of The Metropolitan Opera for their new production of Terence Blanchard’s Champion.
In the 2025–26 season, Tyler returns to the Brooklyn Art Song Society for Schubert’s Die schöne Müllerin, makes his Amarillo Opera debut as the Count in The Marriage of Figaro, and sings the role of Melchior in Lincoln Center Theater’s Amahl and the Night Visitors alongside Joyce DiDonato. He also appears in Haydn’s The Creation with the Avanti Singers, Mozart’s Requiem with the Victoria Symphony, Bach’s Mass in B minor with the Grand Philharmonic Choir, and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio with the Washington Bach Consort.
As a faculty member of the prestigious Vocal Arts Program Bard College, Mr. Duncan finds joy in helping the next generation of singers find their true voice. Originally from British Columbia, Canada, he resides in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley where you might find him exploring roadside farmstands in search of the perfect, freshly picked heirloom apple.
Kenney Potter, Artistic Director
Philip Biedenbender, Managing Director, Asst. Conductor & Pianist
Christine Starnes, Chorus Manager
Monica Amery
Rachel Barber
Darla Bennett
Rebecca Black
Romy Cawood
Megan Crosson
Sarah Edwards
Sarah Fink
Caroline Goforth
Brett Blumenthal
Sarah Case
Natalie Conte
Megan Cummings
Alexandra Eliasek
Lori Garber
Kathleen Hartung
Lamar Davis
Chase Douthit
David Herring
David Jacobs
Skipper Johnson
Bennett Billard
Nello Barone
Aj Calpo
Brett Carow
David Dennis
Rebecca Gold
Angela Gwinn
Janet Hall
Holly Hauser
Darlene Ifill-Taylor
Kristen Levine
Hanna Loftus
Virginia Neisler
Tricia McCord
Caitlin Jones
Sydney Kopera
Kate Lavender
Katie Nix
Laura Milani
Katie Porier
Sophia Raspanti
Adam Krahn
Greyson Lehman
Kevin Logan
Thomas Moncrief
Zion Morgan
Parkes Dibble
Josh Ellenberg
Preston Fender
Stephen Field
Johnathan Harding
Junghee Park
Liz Strapp
Kristen Stetzer
Kara Stewart
Melissa Theiss
Sarah Barton Thomas
Ananda Thompson
Mikalah Watson
Victoria Wojciechowski
Meg Ricci
Casey Roberts
Stephenie Santilli
Donarah Sheppard
Paige Sisk
Cricket Weston
Hope Wright
David Moser
Chris Pringle
Jesse Tillman
Jordan Taylor
Kyle Wolford
Adam Kerns
Sam Mayo
Thomas McCoy
Aden Peters
Ray Trogdon
SOPRANO
TENOR BASS
ALTO
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
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
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
MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT
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
Messiah (1742)
George Frideric Handel
BORN: February 23, 1685 in Halle, Germany
DIED: April 14, 1759 in London, UK
PREMIERE: April 13, 1742, at Dublin’s New Music Hall
Approximate performance time is 2 hours 30 minutes.
BEHIND THE MUSIC
The creation of George Frideric Handel’s most beloved work, Messiah, took place during a challenging period in the composer’s life. The steady decline in London of the popularity of Italian opera had caused Handel tremendous financial hardship. In addition, Handel’s rigorous work schedule had taken a profound toll on the composer’s health. By the summer of 1741, a period of lethargy had set in.
It was at this point that Handel received a libretto for a new work, an oratorio based upon the birth, life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The author of the libretto was Charles Jennens, who collaborated with Handel on several oratorios. Handel began composition of Messiah on August 22, 1741. There seems to be no question that the libretto, based upon the Old and New Testaments, proved to be a source of majestic inspiration. Handel, working at lightning pace, composed Messiah in just 24 days.
Once Handel completed Messiah, he focused his attention upon Samson, another oratorio inspired by the Bible. It was
during this period that Handel accepted an invitation to travel to Dublin for a series of concerts in aid of charity. In November, Handel set sail for Dublin, bringing with him several works for performance at the charity concerts. Among those compositions was Messiah.
The premiere of Messiah took place at Dublin’s New Music Hall in Fishamble Street on April 13, 1742. The performance was a tremendous success. The London premiere of Messiah, which took place at Covent Garden on March 23, 1743, was more problematic. It appears that the London public accorded Handel’s Messiah a mixed reception. But according to at least one observer, those in attendance — including a very prominent member of the audience — were particularly moved by a portion of the oratorio. This resulted in the birth of a tradition that continues to this day: “When the chorus struck up ‘for the Lord God Omnipotent’ (in the ‘Hallelujah’ Chorus), they were so transported that they all together, with the King (who happened to be present), started up and remained standing till the chorus ended.”
In May of 1750, Handel agreed to present Messiah as a benefit for London’s Foundling Hospital. The performance venue of the Hospital’s Chapel, coupled with the worthy cause, swept aside any possible objections. Charity concerts of Messiah became a yearly tradition at the Foundling Hospital.
On April 6, 1759, Handel made his final public appearance, conducting a London performance of Messiah. On April 14, Handel died at the age of 74. The funeral, held in Westminster Abbey, attracted
an estimated 3,000 mourners. Three years later, the great church unveiled a monument to Handel, created by the French sculptor, Louis François Roubiliac. The monument depicts Handel, holding the score of Messiah. Overhead, an angel plays a lyre. The score is opened to the soprano solo that serves to begin the oratorio’s Third Part: “I know that my redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.”
THE COMPOSER SPEAKS
According to an often-repeated narrative, a servant came upon Handel immediately after the composer had completed the “Hallelujah” Chorus. The composer tearfully exclaimed:
“I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God himself seated on his throne, with His company of Angels.”
Handel's monument at Westminster Abbey. (Image © 2021 Dean & Chapter of Westminster)
Dec 12 & 13 7:30 pm
Dec 13 11:00 am *ONE-HOUR FAMILY MATINEE
Dec 14 3:00 pm
KNIGHT THEATER
Join your CSO for a merry celebration featuring North Carolina’s rich musical heritage. Festive favorites like “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” alongside traditional songs with sounds of bluegrass and blues will wrap you in the season’s warmth and joy.
Christopher James Lees, conductor Charlotte Master Chorale and special guests!
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
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+
The Fox Family Jane & Hugh McColl* Douglas Young Anonymous Jacqueline B. Mars
$50,000 – $99,999
$25,000 – $49,999
Joan & Mick Ankrom
RRuth & 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*
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
$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
Robert H. Lee
In Loving Memory of Zaydee & Antonio LopezIbanez from Lina & Enrique Lopez-Ibanez
Leslie & Michael Marsicano
Elizabeth & Jay Monge
Robert Norville
Ann & Fritz Rehkopf
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
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
Amy & Sidney Fletcher
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
$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
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
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
$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
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
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
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
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 · 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.
We are grateful for the following outstanding foundation and government funders:
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.
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
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
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
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 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
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 Cole
Patron Experience Manager
Garrett Whiffen
Ticketing Manager
