October 16 & 17 KNIGHT THEATER
D I G I TA L P R O G R A M B O O K
Contents
page 2
What’s Inside A Message from the President & CEO Concert Program Artist Biographies 2026–27 Musician Roster About the CSO Musician Spotlight Annual Fund Donors Comprehensive Campaign Corporate & Foundation Sponsors Board of Directors & Trustees Administration
3 4 6 10 12 13 14 20 22 24 25
join the musical dialogue What did you think of the performance?
@cltsymphony #cltsymphony
Welcome
page 3
A Message from the President & CEO Great music is, of course, at the heart of our Pops Series, but so too is the simple pleasure of being in the company of others, sharing in the atmosphere of a live performance and, for a little while, setting aside the demands of everyday life. That sense of celebration is what inspires our Pops Series, and I would like to thank Sandra and Leon Levine for their vision and generosity in making this series possible. Tonight, we begin with the Music of Tina Turner, whose extraordinary voice and presence have made her one of the defining artists of popular music. Later in the series, we’ll gather for our annual Holiday Pops, welcome Byron Stripling for The Heart of the Blues, and sing along to the incredible rock anthems of Journey. And there are plenty of other ways to enjoy an evening out with the Charlotte Symphony. Our CSO 360 series places you around the Orchestra for a closer connection to the musicians, and a
different perspective on the music and the composers who created it. On Tap concerts offer a more intimate setting at some of Charlotte’s local breweries, while our Movie Series brings films like Top Gun: Maverick to the big screen with the Orchestra performing the score live. I hope you’ll join us often, and that the Charlotte Symphony continues to be the place to which you return throughout the season for live music, human connection, and shared experiences.
David Fisk
President & CEO
Concert Program
page 4
T H E N I N E T Y- F I F T H S E A S O N
The Music of
Tina Turner Friday, October 16, 2026, at 7:30 pm Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 7:30 pm Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts Christopher James Lees, conductor LaKisha Jones, vocalist Nova Payton, vocalist Armando Imagines, vocalist KERSEY/GREEN
(arr. Matt Smith)
SYLVESTER STEWART
(arr. Daryl McKenzie)
Disco Inferno I Want to Take You Higher
TINA TURNER
Nutbush City Limits
BRITTEN/LYLE
What's Love Got to Do with It
(arr. Lucas Waldin) (arr. Daryl McKenzie)
MITCHELL/JACKSON/GREEN
(arr. Sam Shoup)
Let's Stay Together
(arr. Roger Müller)
BRITTEN/LYLE
We Don't Need Another Hero from Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome
BONO/EVANS
Goldeneye
(arr. Jan Angermüller)
Program continued next page →
Concert Program (continued)
The Music of Tina Turner (continued)
LIONEL RICHIE
(arr. Matt Amy)
MARK KNOPFLER
(arr. Daryl McKenzie)
BARRY/GREENWICH/SPECTOR
(arr. Lucas Waldin)
All Night Long (All Night) Private Dancer River Deep - Mountain High
INTERMISSION PETER TOWNSHEND
(arr. Lucas Waldin)
STEVENSON/MOY
(arr. Lucas Waldin)
IGGY POP/DAVID BOWIE
(arr. Lucas Waldin)
Selections from The Who's Tommy: Overture Pinball Wizard It Takes Two Tonight
VALANCE/ADAMS
It's Only Love
WILKINS/HURLEY
Son of a Preacher Man
STEVIE WONDER
Living for the City
(arr. Lucas Waldin) (arr. Lucas Waldin)
(arr. Daryl McKenzie)
CHAPMAN/KNIGHT (arr. Richard Maslove)
LENNON/McCARTNEY
(arr. Randall Craig Fleischer)
JOHN FOGERTY (arr. Lucas Waldin)
The Best (Simply the Best) Music of The Beatles Proud Mary
CONCERT DURATION: Approx. 2 hours, including one 20-minute intermission.
page 5
Biographies
page 6
Christopher James Lees conductor Emerging American conductor Christopher James Lees brings passionate and nuanced orchestral performances to the stage, a fierce commitment to contemporary music, and a natural charisma to audiences all around the world. Since 2018, Lees has served as Resident Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. In addition to the more than 70 annual concert appearances with the CSO, he has annually stepped in to conduct classical subscription performances, including two gala concerts with legendary artists and Grammy Award winners Branford Marsalis and Rhiannon Giddens. He also spearheads the CSO 360, On Tap, and CSO Roadshow series, expanding the orchestra’s connections and accessibility across the community. With the Charlotte Ballet, Lees has conducted full evening productions of Bizet’s Carmen (2025), Bernstein’s Fancy Free & Facsimile (2018), and Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker (2016 & 2017). An active guest conductor, Lees has conducted or returned for performances with the New York, Los Angeles, Rochester, and Savannah philharmonic orchestras, as well as the Houston, Detroit, New World, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Fort Worth, North Carolina, Knoxville, Portland, Flint, Toledo, Charleston, & Winston-Salem symphonies.
Only the second American Gustavo Dudamel Conducting Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Lees made his debut with the orchestra in April 2013 and returned for concerts in February 2015. With the New York Philharmonic, St. Louis, and Atlanta symphonies, among others, Lees has served as an assistant conductor for the world’s leading conductors, including Gustavo Dudamel, Paavo Järvi, Herbert Blomstedt, Leonard Slatkin, David Robertson, Robert Spano, Marin Alsop, Pablo Heras-Casado, Stéphane Denève, Susanna Mälkki, and Nicholas McGegan. Lees was additionally named Music Director of the Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra in 2023. A dedicated advocate for music of our time, Lees has premiered more than 150 new works by a diverse range of composers. An equally passionate advocate for music education, he has brought inspirational energy to student orchestras across the country. When not performing, Lees can be found riding roller coasters with his elevenyear-old son, reading through the stack of books on his nightstand, or training for his next marathon.
Biographies (continued)
page 7
LaKisha Jones vocals
Best known to millions of TV viewers as a top-four finalist during the 2007 season of American Idol, LaKisha Jones is ready to reclaim center stage in music, theatre, and television. Her last album, So Glad I’m Me, was full of Jones’s expressive, full-bodied, and arresting vocals; the same voice that electrified American Idol viewers with the Dream Girls showstopper “And I Am Telling You,” and later the Broadway stage in the Oprah Winfrey-produced, Tony Award-winning musical, The Color Purple. Following her Broadway stint, Jones provided vocal coaching on MTV’s reality competition Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods, a show designed to find and hone Broadway’s next star. Her drive and motivation dates back to her childhood in Flint, Michigan. Raised by her mother and grandmother, Jones was exposed to music by legendary singers such as Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Patti LaBelle, with her grandmother urging the young girl to “let your voice shine” thereby prompting Jones to sing in church choirs, music programs, chorale groups, and a capella choruses throughout high school. A frequent soloist with symphonies around the world, Jones has performed as a guest soloist with the National Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Utah Symphony and Opera, Winnipeg
Symphony, Evansville Philharmonic, Jacksonville Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Colorado Symphony, Grand Rapids Symphony, Reno Philharmonic, Houston Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, Phoenix Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, Calgary Symphony, Tucson Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Long Bay Symphony, Battle Creek Symphony, Windham Chamber Singers, and the Festival Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic.
Biographies (continued)
page 8
Nova Payton vocals Chances are that you’ve heard the amazing soprano voice of Nova Y. Payton with the internationally staged musical, 3 Mo’ Divas, on television, or in countless regional theatre productions across the country. Boasting a prolific catalog of artist collaborations, the former American Musical and Dramatic Academy student has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, Levi Kreis, Bobby McFerrin, John Michael Higgins, Yolanda Adams, Betsy Wolfe, Michael Uris, Anthony Hamilton, and Michelle Williams. She has also opened for heavyweights like Ashford and Simpson, Will Downing, Stephanie Mills, Melba Moore, The Chi-Lites, and the Dramatics. Payton has performed in over 150 major cities in the US, as well as in Canada, Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Europe. Payton starred in a soul-stirring rendition of Effie White in Dreamgirls, which earned her the 2006 Barrymore nomination for Outstanding Leading Actress in a Musical. The DVD/CD for 3 Mo’ Divas received a 2010 NAACP nomination for Outstanding Duo, Group, or Collaboration. In 2012, she was honored as the Helen Hayes Award Recipient as the Best Supporting Actress in a Resident Musical for her portrayal of MotorMouth Maybelle in Hairspray. For her performance as Effie White in Dreamgirls during the 2012–13 season at Signature Theatre, Payton was nominated for the Helen Hayes Award for
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical. In 2015, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress (Musical) for her role in Elmer Gantry. She was also nominated in 2018 for Lead Actress (Musical) in Caroline, Or Change and Supporting Actress (Musical) in Ragtime. Other honors have come in the form of singing for President Biden and Vice President Harris and performing the National Anthem at the dedication of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial live as the world watched on C-SPAN. Payton has also appeared on the Jimmy Fallon late-night talk show accompanying artist Glen Hansard. Most recently, Payton starred in Grace the Musical, The Color Purple, Into the Woods, and Fela!
Biographies (continued)
page 9
Armando Imagines vocals
A Bronx native, Armando Imagines is a dynamic force in music, television, and film, known for his versatile talents as a singer, actor, dancer, and writer. Imagines has graced stages alongside music legends like Paul McCartney, Alicia Keys, Michael Bolton, Lionel Richie, Missy Elliott, Gwen Stefani, Jason Derulo, Luis Fonsi, and Prince Royce. His performances have captivated audiences in iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall and at high-profile events like the MTV Music Awards, The Brit Awards, and The Latin Grammys. He has also made a striking orchestral debut, performing with Amie Doherty and Orchestra for the premiere of the hit TV series POWER. In television, Imagines has brought such characters to life as Hector in NBC’s Prodigal Son alongside Michael Sheen and Tom Payne, or as Resonance, the reggaeton sensation, in ABC's Queens. Most recently, he starred as Rufus, the health-food fanatic coach, in Disney’s The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, with appearances in hit series like NCIS: Hawaii and 911: Lonestar. Imagine’s passion for storytelling extends beyond acting. Between roles, he crafts his own creative projects, including Die Laughing, an original short film he wrote and will be starring in. Currently,
he’s developing a TV series about a pop star finding fame at 40 — a project that showcases his creative talents not just as a writer, but as an actor, singer, and musician. Imagine’s work reflects his dedication to telling compelling stories through music and performance that resonate with authenticity and artistry.
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
Assistant Concertmaster
Susan Blumberg°° Jane Hart Brendle Cynthia Burton Ayako Gamo Oliver Kot°° Lenora Leggatt Jenny Topilow Hannah Zhdan
SECOND VIOLINS
Kathleen Jarrell, Acting Principal The Wolfgang Roth Chair
Carlos Tarazona°
Acting Assistant Principal The Pepsi-Cola Foundation of Charlotte Chair
Monica Boboc Fengwan Chen† Sakira Harley David Horak† Tatiana Karpova Ellyn Stuart
VIOLAS
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
Benjamin Geller, Principal
The Zoe Bunten Merrillt Principal Viola Chair
Kirsten Swanson†
Acting Assistant Principal
Christina D'Antonio† Ellen Ferdon Wenlong Huang Viara Stefanova Ning Zhao
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
page 11
OBOES
Timothy Swanson, Principal
HORNS
Byron Johns, Principal
The Leo B. Driehuys Chair‡
The Mr. & Mrs. William H. Van Every Chair
Erica Cice Jamison Hillian†
Andrew Fierova Paige Quillen
ENGLISH HORN Erica Cice
CLARINETS
The Robert E. Rydel, Jr. Third Horn Chair
Christopher Caudill† Richard Goldfaden
TRUMPETS
Taylor Marino, Principal
Alex Wilborn, Principal
Samuel Sparrow Allan Rosenfeld
Ayaka Miura Jesdelson Vasquez†
The Gary H. & Carolyn M. Bechtel Chair
E ♭ CLARINET Samuel Sparrow
BASS CLARINET Allan Rosenfeld
BASSOONS
AJ Neubert, Principal Joshua Hood Nicholas Ritter
The Betty J. Livingstone Chair
Acting 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
CONTRABASSOON Nicholas Ritter
TIMPANI
David Uhlmann, Principal
The Robert Haywood Morrison Chair
PERCUSSION
Brice Burton, Principal The CSO is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.
About the CSO
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is one of the premier music organizations in the Southeastern United States and the oldest continuously operating symphony orchestra in the Carolinas. As Charlotte’s most active performing arts group, the CSO presents more than 175 concerts each season, reaching more than 160,000 music lovers. The 2026–27 season marks Music Director Kwamé Ryan’s third year at the artistic helm of the Charlotte Symphony and explores resilience through music that reflects on heroism, hope, and the human spirit. Across the Classical, Pops, Movie, and Family Series, the season features contemporary voices, celebrated guest artists, and repertoire spanning centuries. Highlights include internationally acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell, the World Premiere of a new commission by CSO Spotlight Artist Levi Taylor, monumental works such as Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben, and popular programs including The Music of Tina Turner and Back to the Future in Concert.
page 12
The Charlotte Symphony engages more than 15,000 students each year through four youth orchestras; in-school education programs; instrument coaching; and Bridge, a free introductory strings program for kindergarten and firstgrade students with locations in underresourced communities. Through CSO Roadshow, the Symphony’s mobile stage, the Orchestra brings live music directly into neighborhoods across the region. Since its founding in 1932, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra has played 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
Our mission is to ignite the human spirit through the passion and unifying power of live symphonic music.
OUR VISION
Our vision is that the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra is the musical heart of our region.
For more information, visit us online at charlottesymphony.org
page 13
GET TO KNOW
Christina D’Antonio VIOLA† CSO Member since September 2026 What piece made you fall in love with music? Dvořák’s Piano Quintet. I was at a chamber festival in high school when the faculty performed this piece, and I was moved to tears. I knew then that I was going to go into music and absolutely love it. Do you have any pre-performance rituals? Taking a nap followed by a cup of coffee. Resting up and being awake is the best way for me to be present in a performance. What's an interesting tidbit about how you chose your instrument? I didn't really choose my instrument; my parents signed my brother and me up for lessons in a Suzuki program after reading an article that playing an instrument was good for children's brain development. My parents didn't want to drive my brother and me to different weekly lessons, rightfully so, and the only instrument with two slots available was the viola. I fell in love with the instrument and haven't looked back since.
† Acting member of the Charlotte Symphony
Annual Fund Supporters
page 14
We gratefully acknowledge the generous donors who support the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Annual Fund. This list reflects gifts received through October 1, 2026.
1932 SOCIETY $100,000+ Anonymous
Douglas Young
$50,000 – $99,999 Dr. Milton & Arlene Berkman Philanthropic Fund The Fox Family
Beverly & Jim Hance Mrs. Jacqueline B. Mars Ulrike & Alex Miles
$25,000 – $49,999 Ruth & Richard Ault Joye D. Blount & Jessie J. Knight Jr. Judith & Mark Brodsky Margarita & Nick Clements Roberta H. Cochran Jean & Dick Cornwell Susan Cybulski Linda & Bill Farthing Heidi & Craig Froelich Ralph S. Grier Maria & John Huson Fran & Greg Hyde Ginger Kelly Sally Gregory & Richard Krumdieck Jane & Hugh McColl*
Carolyn & Sam McMahon Janet Preyer Nelson Mica Post Oberkfell & Keith Oberkfell Patrick J. O'Leary Richard J. Osborne* Debbie & Pat Phillips* Ann Rehkopf Pat Rodgers Marjorie Moses Schwab Carolyn Shaw Cameron & Stuart Sherrill Susan & John Shimp Annie & Matthew Spanjers Tara & Ken Walker
* The CSO recognizes donors of exceptional generosity whose cumulative giving exceeds $1 million with the designation of Music Director Society.
QUEEN’S CIRCLE $15,000 – $24,999 Denise & Peter DeMaio Robin Hall Feddersen Laurie & Barry Guy Betty P. & Jeffrey J. Lee Sandra Levine Lina & Enrique Lopez-Ibanez Tanya & Steve Makris
Sharon & Craig McCollam DeDe & Alex McKinnon Juliette & Walter Pryor Melinda & David Snyder Drs. Jennifer Sullivan & Matthew Sullivan Molly & Chris Tull
For more information, please contact Mary Nell Johnson at 704.714.5137
Annual Fund Supporters (continued) QUEEN’S CIRCLE (continued)
$10,000-$14,999 Kristen & Paul Anderson Katharine & Frank Bragg Betsy & Alfred Brand Lynne & Colby Cathey Catherine & Wilton Connor* Donna & Alvaro de Molina E. Hunter & Patricia Dyer Lisa & Carlos Evans Drs. Amy & Sidney Fletcher Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle Dr. Robert A. Gaines & Toni S. Burke Caren & Charles Gale Laura & Mike Grace Andrea & Todd Griffith Sandie & Andy Jackson Susan & Chris Kearney Robert H. Lee Dee & Joe Marley Susan & Loy McKeithen* Elizabeth & Jay Monge Anne O'Byrne & David J.L. Fisk Ridgely & John Phillips Vincent Philips & Paul Pope Judy & Derek Raghavan Kathy & Paul Reichs Kelli & Michael Richardson Rosalind S. Richardson Sara Garcés Roselli & Dan Roselli Lindsay & Frank Schall Sabina & Wilfrid Schlumberger Glenn Sherrill, Jr. in Honor of Robin Branstrom Mr. & Mrs. Harley F. Shuford, Jr. Parker & Stephen Shuford Leigh-Ann & Martin Sprock Ann and Michael Tarwater Jill & Kevin Walker Michael Waterford John Drew Witherington Lisa & Richard Worf Joan H. Zimmerman
$5,000-$9,999 Anonymous Debbie & Wedge Abels Howard P. Adams & Carol B. McPhee Joan & Mick Ankrom The Charlotte Assembly Amanda & Zack Bacon Dawn Beatty-Batten & Philipp J. Bischoff Si & Michael Blake
page 15
Krisha & Andy Blanchard Mary & Charles Bowman Barbara & Twig Branch Nancy Brand & Bill Freeman Robin & Bill Branstrom Paige & Steve Burgess Shirley & Mike Butterworth Dr. William J. Charles & Dr. Cynthia Nortey Pauline & Bill Chinnis Jeanie & Tom Cottingham Morgan & Brian Cromwell Marcia & Jason Daily Chris & Elizabeth Daly in memory of Betty Haggerty Peter De Arcangelis Mary & Phil Delk Mary Anne Dickson Peggy & Richard Dreher Dorne & Steve Eastwood Joan & Parker Foley Carol & Ron Follmer Pat English & Clay Furches Melisa Galasso Sarah Gentry Billy L. Gerhart, in memory of Judith Gerhart Judith & Martyn Greene Lucia Zapata Griffith & Michael Griffith Janet M. Haack Reginald B. Henderson, Esq. Nina & James Jackson Krystyna Kiel & Alexander Templeton Vivian & Robert Lamb Anna & Laszlo Littmann Lucinda Nisbet Lucas Leslie & Michael Marsicano Stacie McGinn Susanne & Bill McGuire Paula & Paul McIntosh Chuck Miller & Marcy Thailer Courtney Reichs Mixon Robert Norville Emily & Nima Pirzadeh Dale & Larry Polsky Kathleen D. Prokay Anne Robinson Nancy & Charlie Robson Katy Ross & Joseph Lees Susie & Rick Schnall Laura A. & Michael J. Schulte Ylida & Bert Scott Dr. Ruth G. Shaw Lori & Eric Sklut Erin & William Sparks Elizabeth Connor Stewart Ann & Wellford Tabor
Annual Fund Supporters (continued) $5,000 – $9,999 (continued) Kelly & Neal Taub Chris & Jim Teat Dick Thigpen Brienne Tinder Judith & Gary Toman Rocky & Curtis Trenkelbach Daniel Troy in Loving Memory of Kathleen Troy In Memory of Tess Verbesey Elizabeth & Steve Willen Aimee & Chris Williams Glenda Colman & Floyd Wisner Abby & Albert Zue
$2,500-$4,999 Harriet B. Barnhardt Georgia & Bill Belk Tiffany & Jason Bernd Lee & Alan Blumenthal Dr. & Mrs. O. Robert Boehm Frances & Herbert Browne Jan & Bob Busch Maggie Callen Drs. Iris Cheng & Daniel Uri Brent Clevenger Deborah J. Cox & Bob Szymkiewicz Cheryl DeMaio Peggy & Charles Dickerson Michael & Polly Dyer Elizabeth Betty Eaton Martin Ericson, Jr. Heather & Thomas Finke Lucy Quintilliano & Leonard Fumi Kara & Timothy Gallagher Carrie & Jay Galloway Brad Glaza Karen Gunther Katherine G. Hall Angela M. & Michael D. Helms Jennifer & Logan Henderson Melanie & Mathew Holladay Megan & Brendan Hoffman Christy & Ben Hume Leigh & Watts Humphrey Shirley & Bob Ivey David S. Jacobson Christopher James Lees Meghan & Luis Lluberas Jim & Kathleen Lynch Dottie & Jim Martin Dick Metzler Debbie Miller & Tim Black Susan D. Montgomery
page 16
Andrea & Kent Moore Janet & Peter Nixon Holly & Jason Norvell Linda & Tony Pace Laura & Tom Parrott Pamela Pearson & Charles Peach Sarah Frances & Matthew Peck Daniel Peterson Dr. Reta R. Phifer Susanne & Mark Rascio Family Michelle Richards Lisa & Robert R. Rollins, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Mahesh Sardesai Dr. Stephen P. Schultz & Donna Dutton Jane Perry Shoemaker Peggy & Pope Shuford Nancy E. Simpson Teresa & Stuart Singer Emily P. Smith Patricia & Morris Spearman Ken Spielfogel & Richard Withem Mary & Bill Staton Maxine & Robert Stein Dottie Stowe in loving memory of Dickson Stowe Alice & Al Sudduth Jean M. Summerville Jenny & Ken Tolson Sandy & Greg Vlahos Mary Claire & Dan Wall Pam West Karen & Edgar Whitener Deborra Wood & Russell Propst Barbara Yarbrough
FRIENDS OF THE SYMPHONY $1,000 – $2,499 Anonymous (4) Mariam Abdul Hamid & Ferd Davis Susan & John Allbert Larry Anderson Ross Annable JWD Atchison Rachel & José Badillo Sharon Baker & Peter Moore Merilyn & Craig Baldwin Elsie & William Barnhardt Ms. Helen Fowler & Mr. Lincoln A. Baxter Cathy & Bob Becker Katie & Morgan Beggs Emerson Bell Shirley W. Benfield
Annual Fund Supporters (continued) Barrie & Mark Benson Sara & Ethan Blumenthal Marilyn & Herb Bonkovsky In Memory of Kyden Justice Brown Lucy & Dean Butler Joyce Cadesca Jane & Larry Cain Amanda & Kevin Chheda Sallie & Derick Close Rebecca & D. Mark Cody Ann Thomas Colley Dorothy & Mike Connor Dr. & Mrs. Charles E. Cook Dr. Kilian Cooley Ann F. Copeland Dr. & Mrs. Mark Couture Larry J. Dagenhart Jennifer & Christian Drake Heather & Gray Dyer Caroline & Jed Dyson Judy & Bob Erb C. Thomas Fennimore & Gail H. Fennimore Kate & Trae Fletcher Patty & Alex Funderburg Jenn & Taylor Gherardi Carol & Joseph Gigler Audean & Berkley Godehn Maureen & Daniel Haggstrom Joyce & Ed Hamilton Anne J. Henderson Juliet & Brian Hirsch Linda & Paul Ibsen Joan Irwin Lea & Stuart Johnson Priscilla & Michael Johnson A’Keela Johnson Vickie & Eugene Johnson Jennie & Don Johnson Martha D. Jones Helen & Gene Katz John J. Kelly, Jr. Ginger Kemp Dr. Valerie Kinloch & Mr. Thomas A'Hearn Joan Kirschner Marilyn Kroll Anna Marriott Leigh & Bruce Marsh Paula Goolkasian & Francis Martin Tammy & Steve Matula Anna & John McCoy Louise & Gary McCrorie Arrington Mixon Cricket Weston & David Molinaro Joan Morgan Katelyn M. Morton Sue Lin Tan & Rama Narayanan
page 17
Juanita & Lonnie Newsom Kim & Mark Nicholas Mr. & Mrs. E. O. Oakley Caroline Olzinski In Honor of One Musical Family Helen & Arvind Patil Patricia & James Petillo Janet & Rick Pfeiffer Catherine Philpott Wilma Pinter Freddie and Kay Porter, Greater Golf Express Dr. John & Susan Rae Joan Rasmussen & Morry Alter Brendan Reen Anne & Mark Riechmann Cynthia & Joseph Riedl Jennifer & Manley Roberts Rita & Thomas Robinson Sally Robinson Linda Rosenfeld & Fred Krosner Elizabeth & Robert Rostan Audrey Schmidt Katy & Raleigh Shoemaker Sandra Shuster Dr. and Mrs. Henry L. Smith II Tamara & Cassiel Smith Rebecca & Eric Smith Hazel & Murray Somerville Tara & Joseph Spil Linda & Morris Spil Jennifer & Philip Stafford Marsha & Robert L. Stickler Birte & Roman Streitberger Gretchen & Jean-Claude Thill Catherine Thompson Libby & Vint Tilson Kelly Zellars & James H. Trexler Sarah S. Tull Maureen Turner Sara & Tim Turner Victoria & Mark Walker Dr. & Mrs. Bill Chu & Jin Wang Henry Ward Vera Watson Grant Webb Linda & Craig Weisbruch Deems Wilson Jennie & Ry Winston Karen & Charles Wolff Judith Wood Lauren Wooden Velva W. Woollen Sue Worrel in honor of Rich Osborne Alanna & Richard Worrell Sandy & John Yakob
Annual Fund Supporters (continued) $500-$999 Anonymous (3) Lee & Michael Abbott Lynda & Doug Abel Daphne A. Banks Sharon Bartlett Natascha A. Bechtler Mary Ann & Timothy Beranek Nancy & Sam Bernstein Patricia Bialecki Mrs. Christine Bieri Black Notes Project & The Sol Kitchen James Broadstone Nelle & Ken Brown Aram Kim Bryan Mary Lou & Greg Cagle Jennifer & Daniel Callahan Nan & Brooks Carey Lillian Chapman Allison Clark Janelle & Todd Collins Thomas E. Collins, Jr. Jack Cook In Loving Memory of Ruth Jernigan Dedee & Irv Cygler Dr. Roy E. DeMeo, Jr. & Ms. Linda A. Evanko Diane & Doug Doak Dr. Kathleen A. Doman Kris & Thomas Duffy Allen Flaxman Dr. John and Eileen Gardella Lucinda & Harvey Gantt Jean & Stephen Geller Dr. & Mrs. Richard Gellar Stacy & Pete Gherardi Sarah Goad Kathleen Goldammer-Copeland & Mark Copeland Cyndy & Larry Goodgame Linda & Dan Gordon Gloria Gunst Barbara & Charles Haughey Johanne & Patrick Hawk Dr. & Mrs. Michael D. Heafner Maria Felisa San Andres & Stefan Heinzelmann Amy & Chad Hine Mary Nell Johnson Susan Keeble Mary & Steven Kesselman Nancy H. Kiser Constance C. & George W. Knight Linda & Norman Kramer Maria & John Kurtz Jonathan Lamb
page 18
Jerome Levin Dr. Elissa & Joshua Levine Dr. & Mrs. William W. MacDonald Dr. & Mrs. Randolph Mahnesmith Allison Malter Rosemarie Marshall & Lee Wilkins Jill Maxwell Lindsay & Stanton McCullough Rob Roy McGregor Constance & Kiran Mehta Sally Staub Moore Mary Beth & Bill Morgan Kimbrel & Tripp Morris Fran & Gary Morrison Carla & Robert Murray Dr. & Mrs. Paul Nitsch Nancy Olah & Bill Pace Cookie & Jerry Parnell Lisa & Tom Phillips Russell Phillips Barbara M. Pooley Conrad Puckett Sabine & Haywood Rankin Emily & Brian Reinicker Margaret Rogers & John R. Willis Nancy Rutledge & Jim Rutledge Betty & Bill Seifert Michael Silverman Carol Smith Kathryn Stewart, MD, MPH Melanie & James Twyne Aishwarya & Krishna Varanasi Ann & Kenneth Ward Kathleen & Henry Ward Debi Wayne Lyman Welton Peter White Noni Williams Drs. Hayes & Susan Woollen
The Charlotte Symphony wishes to thank the following companies for matching their employee gifts in support of our Annual Fund Campaign: Advocate Aurora Health · Albemarle Foundation · Ameriprise · Atrio Health Plans Bank of America · Corning · Deloitte · Duke Energy · Elasticsearch · EY · Harris Foundation Honeywell · Johnson Controls · JPMorgan Chase · Lincoln Financial Foundation · Microsoft Premier Health · TIAA · Truist · Wells Fargo
Planned Giving
page 19
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† Sybil Bernstein† Rosemary Blanchard† Twig & Barbara Branch Saul Brenner Mike & Joan Brown† Mrs. Joan & George Bruns† Jan & Bob Busch Martha Canipe Dr. Helen G. Cappleman, Ph.D.† Jim Cochran† & Robin Cochran Catherine & Wilton Connor Karen Cook Deborah Cox & Robert Szymkiewicz Charles & Peggy Dickerson Martin Ericson, Jr. Linda & Bill Farthing David J.L. Fisk & Anne P. O’Byrne Sylvia T. Forsythe† Nadine W. Fox† Dorris H. Goodyear† Sally Gregory & Richard Krumdieck Peter & Ann† Guild William G. & Marguerite K. Huey Fund Dr. Nish Jamgotch, Jr.† Lucille F. & Edwin L. Jones Endowment for the Arts Sally Gregory Betty & Stanley Livingstone†
Polly and Don Kellam† Jim Martin Daphine Doster Mastroianni† Nellie Rose McCrory† Paula & Paul McIntosh DeDe & Alex McKinnon Jane Green McNeary† M. Marie Mitchell† Cricket Weston & David Molinaro Joan & Richard† Morgan Francis A. Mueller† Don C. Niehus Eva Nove Dean O’Hare† Richard J. Osborne Gwen Peterson & Tom Hodge Gilbert Pirovano† James Y. Preston† Mrs. Clayton (Dusty) Pritchet Sally A. Raines† Ann & Fritz† Rehkopf Elizabeth Waring Reinhard Albert Rogat James M. and Ellen L. Ross† Nancy W. Rutledge Mike Rutledge Harriet Seabrook Mr. & Mrs. William Seifert Morris & Patricia Spearman Bob & Maxine Stein Robert Steppe† Dr. Ben C. Taylor III Mr. & Mrs. Hans Teich Cordelia G. & Dr. Chandler† Thompson Tim Timson† Brienne Tinder Jenny & Ken Tolson John Witherington Ms. Deborra Wood & Mr. Russell Propst † Deceased
Leave a lasting legacy of great music through your planned gift. For more information, please contact Shayne Doty at 704.714.5104.
Comprehensive Campaign
page 20
Comprehensive Campaign We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Comprehensive Campaign. This list reflects gifts received through August 1, 2025.
$10,000,000+ Bank of America · The C.D. Spangler Foundation
$5,000,000 - $9,999,999 John S. & James L. Knight Foundation
$2,000,000 - $4,999,999 The Leon Levine Foundation · Jane & Hugh McColl
$1,000,000 - $1,999,999 Michele & Ross Annable · Atrium Health · Howard C. & Margaret G. Bissell Foundation Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. · EY · Contributions Associated with Falfurrias Capital Partners Lynn & Brian Good · Julie & Howard Levine · Susan & Loy McKeithen · Novant Health
$500,000 - $999,999 Anonymous · Arlene & Milton Berkman · Robin & Bill Branstrom · Deloitte Mary & Mike Lamach · Rich Osborne · Debbie & Pat Phillips · Pat Rodgers · M.A. Rogers Robert Haywood Morrison Foundation · Trane Technologies · Truist Financial Corporation
$250,000 - $499,999 Cathy Bessant · The Dickson Foundation · The Gambrell Foundation The Gorelick Family Foundation · Moore & Van Allen PLLC · Janet Preyer Nelson The Trexler Foundation · Ed Weisiger, Jr. & Betsy Fleming
$100,000 - $249,000 Anonymous · Jeannette & Francisco Alvarado · Joan & Mick Ankrom Ruth & Richard Ault · NCFI/Barnhardt Foundation · Catherine & Wilton Connor Robin Cochran · Denise & Peter DeMaio · The Dowd Foundation · Linda & Bill Farthing Fran & Greg Hyde · Dr. Richard Krumdieck & Mrs. Sally Gregory · Elizabeth & Jay Monge Patricia & Thruston Morton · Steelfab, Inc. · Linda & Craig Weisbruch Andromeda & John Williams
Comprehensive Campaign (continued)
page 21
$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 Sarah & Frank Gentry · 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 · 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.
page 22
Government & Foundations
page 23
We are grateful for the following outstanding foundation and government funders:
Anonymous
The Dickson Foundation
Dowd Foundation, Inc.
Robert Haywood Morrison Foundation
The Trexler Foundation
Cole Foundation
Blumenthal Foundation
Barnhardt/Thomas Trust The Charlotte Assembly Minor Foundation, Inc Music Performance Trust Fund The Mary Norris Preyer Fund For more information, please contact Tara Spil at 704.714.5138.
Leadership
page 24
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Ulrike Miles, Chair Joye Blount, Vice Chair Ken Walker, Secretary Denise DeMaio, Treasurer Richard Krumdieck, Immediate Past Chair* David Fisk, President & CEO* Kwamé Ryan, Music Director* DIRECTORS Krisha Blanchard Mike Butterworth Nick Clements Sidney Fletcher Craig Froelich Carrie Galloway
Lucia Zapata Griffith Angela Helms* Fran Hyde Byron Johns* Valerie Kinloch Stephen Makris Juliette Pryor Manley Roberts* Sara Garces Roselli Lindsay Schall Ylida Scott Cameron Sherrill Susan Shimp Matthew Spanjers Jennifer Sullivan Andrea Mumm Trammell* *ex-officio
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Linda McFarland Farthing, Chair Debbie Abels Francisco & Jeannette Alvarado Paul Anderson Ruth & Richard Ault Rachel Gogal Badillo Arlene & Milton Berkman Mary & Charles Bowman Frank Bragg Robin & Bill Branstrom Paige Ferguson Burgess & 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 Dee and Joe Marley Gov. James G. Martin Jane & Hugh McColl Stacie McGinn Susan & Loy McKeithen Alex & DeDe McKinnon Elizabeth & Jay Monge Janet Preyer Nelson Mica Oberkfell Patrick J. O'Leary Richard Osborne
Sarah Frances Peck Daniel Peterson 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 Smith Will Sparks Elizabeth Connor Stewart Bob & Marsha Stickler Kelly & Neal Taub Chris & Jim Teat Kevin & Jill Walker Elizabeth & Steve Willen Richard Worf Joan Zimmerman Albert Zue
Leadership (continued)
page 25
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF EXECUTIVE
HUMAN RESOURCES
David J. L. Fisk
Maribeth Baker
President & CEO
Human Resources Counselor
Samantha Hackett
Manager of Executive Administration & Board Relations
ARTISTIC OPERATIONS
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Christian Drake
Chief Financial Officer
Scott Freck
Amy Hine
Erin Eady
Kensloe Norrington
Laura Lindsay
Chazin & Company, Financial Services
Lauren Woodward
LEARNING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Vice President for Artistic Operations & General Manager Director of Orchestra Personnel Director of Orchestra Operations Director of Artistic Planning
Bart Dunn
Principal Music Librarian
Jay Koziorynsky
Assistant Music Librarian
Ana Faithe Allen
Operations Coordinator
John Jarrell
Stage Manager
Byron Johns
Senior Stage Technician
Ross Jarrell
Stage Technician
Employee Experience Manager Staff Accountant
Aram Kim Bryan
Vice President of Community Relations & Learning
Dylan Lloyd
Senior Manager of Youth Orchestras
Mark Rockwood
Senior Manager of Youth Education
Bria Alexander
Youth Programs Manager
Gavin Fulker
Youth Education Coordinator
MARKETING & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Frank Impelluso
DEVELOPMENT Shayne Doty
Vice President of Development & Strategic Advancement.
Mary Nell Johnson
Senior Director of Development
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 & Special Events
James Popper
Manager of Individual Giving
Vice President of Marketing & Audience Development
Deirdre Roddin
Senior Director of Communications
Chad Calvert
Senior Manager of Branding & Design
Nicole Glaza
Senior Manager of Digital Strategy
Laura Thomas
Senior Manager of Marketing & Audience Development
Meghan Cole
Patron Experience Manager
Garrett Whiffen Ticketing Manager
Fate, resilience, and the triumph of “The Great” Symphony
Oct 23 & 24 FRI & SAT · 7:30 pm Oct 25 SUN · 3:00 pm KNIGHT THEATER
Kwamé Ryan, conductor Raehann Bryce-Davis, mezzo-soprano Carlos SIMON Gustav MAHLER Franz SCHUBERT
Fate Now Conquers Kindertotenlieder Symphony No. 9, “The Great”
charlottesymphony.org · 704.972.2000