October 18 KNIGHT THEATER
C O M M E M O R AT I V E P R O G R A M B O O K D I G I TA L P R O G R A M B O O K
Contents
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What’s Inside A Message from the President & CEO
3
The 2025–26 Season
4
Your Charlotte Symphony Experience
6
Concert Program
7
Artist Biographies
8
2025–26 Musician Roster
10
About the CSO
14
Musician Spotlight
15
Annual Fund Donors
16
Comprehensive Campaign
22
Corporate & Foundation Sponsors
24
Board of Directors & Trustees
26
Administration
27
join the musical dialogue What did you think of the performance?
@cltsymphony #cltsymphony
Welcome
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A Message from the President & CEO Welcome to the opening of our 2025–26 Family Series! There’s no better way to begin than with Prokofiev’s timeless Peter and the Wolf, a beloved classic, and the perfect introduction for young audiences to the magic of the Orchestra. This season, we’re exploring the meaning of “home” through music that welcomes us back to beloved classics while also introducing us to new voices and ideas. Sometimes home is a place of comfort; other times, curiosity leads us somewhere unexpected — just as today’s concert invites us to follow Peter and his friends on an imaginative journey.
Our entire season is designed to spark curiosity and invite discovery — whether you’re returning to music you know and love or encountering something entirely new. However you choose to engage, I hope you’ll find a sense of home here with your Charlotte Symphony — through connection, inspiration, and the experience of sharing live music with others. Thank you for joining us this afternoon! We’re thrilled to share this new season with you.
We hope you’ll join us for the rest of the Family Series: Holiday Pops on December 13, The Orchestra Games on January 24, and Beethoven Lives Upstairs on February 28. Families can also enjoy a Classical matinee of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony on October 26, with free tickets for all attendees under 18, and our family-friendly movie in concert, Encanto, on March 20 and 21.
David Fisk President & CEO
The 2025-26 Season
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Threads Music that connects — across time, place, and experience. Woven through our season are questions of who we are, where we come from, and what binds us together. These threads explore the meaning of home, the shaping of American identity, and the stories we share.
America @ 250 Reflect on our nation’s musical identity through works by American voices past and present, including Amy Beach, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, and George Walker. Soyeon Kate Lee plays pioneering composer Amy Beach's Piano Concerto, October 24–26
Perspectives on Home Explore how composers from around the world wrestle with what it means to belong — from Dvořák’s longing for home in the “New World” Symphony to Anna Clyne’s response to pandemic isolation in The Years, receiving its U.S. Premiere. The Charlotte Master Chorale debuts The Years alongside Beethoven's "Emperor" Concerto, Apr 10 & 11
The 2025-26 Season (continued)
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Spotlight: Gabriel Kahane Take a closer look at composer, singersongwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Gabriel Kahane in a season-long exploration of his poignant musical stories, culminating in the powerful finale, emergency shelter intake form. Kahane performs in Pattern of the Rail, Feb 13 & 14 and emergency shelter intake form, May 15 & 16
Iconic Fifths Revel in three of the most iconic Fifth Symphonies — Beethoven, Shostakovich, and Tchaikovsky — timeless works that explore strength, struggle, and triumph. Kwamé Ryan leads the CSO in Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, Feb 13 & 14
…and discover what awaits this season. For more information, visit us at
charlottesymphony.org
Your Charlotte Symphony Experience Whether this is your first concert or you’ve been enjoying the Symphony for years, we’re glad you’re here. Below are a few things to know to help you feel right at home.
Food & Drink A full bar, beverages, and snacks are available both before the concert and during intermission in the lobby.
Photography We welcome and encourage you to capture and share photos before and after the concert or during intermission. Feel free to use your cell phone for photography without flash during the performance, but please refrain from video or audio recording.
Applause You’ll notice that audiences applaud to welcome the concertmaster, conductor, and featured artists on stage. Some works may have several sections, or movements, separated by brief silent pauses. It is tradition to hold applause until after the last movement. If you are unsure, wait for the conductor to face the audience. But if you feel truly inspired, don’t be afraid to show your appreciation.
Need help or have questions? Our ushers and staff are happy to assist — just ask!
Concert Program
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T H E N I N E T Y- F O U R T H S E A S O N
Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 am Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts Christopher James Lees, conductor Candace Neal, narrator W. A. MOZART (1756-1791)
MICHAEL DJUPSTROM
(b. 1932)
JOHN WILLIAMS
(b. 1932)
SERGEI PROKOFIEV (1891-1953)
Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492
[~4’]
The Seahorse and the Crab
[~10’]
“Hedwig’s Theme” from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Suite
[~5’]
Peter and the Wolf, Opus 67
[~24’]
APPROX. DURATION: 1 hour with no intermission.
Conductor Bio
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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. Lees has served as Resident Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra since 2018 and was Principal Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra through 2024. In addition to the more than 70 concert appearances with the CSO per season, he has annually stepped in to conduct Subscription Classical performances, including two Gala concerts with legendary artists and Grammy Awardwinners Branford Marsalis and Rhiannon Giddens, respectively. An active guest conductor, Lees has conducted or returned for performances with the New York, Los Angeles, and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestras, as well as the Houston, Detroit, New World, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Fort Worth, North Carolina, Portland, Flint, Toledo, and Winston Salem symphonies. Additional engagements have taken him to the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Orchestra de Chambre de Paris, Aspen Philharmonic Orchestra, Cabrillo Festival Orchestra, and the Music in the Mountains Festival and Festival Internacional de Inverno de Campos do Jordão in Brazil.
Only the second American to be named a Gustavo Dudamel Conducting Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Lees made his debut with the orchestra in April 2013 and returned for concerts in February 2015. With the New York Philharmonic, St. Louis and Atlanta symphonies, among others, Lees has served as an assistant conductor for the world’s leading conductors, including Gustavo Dudamel, Paavo Järvi, Herbert Blomstedt, Leonard Slatkin, David Robertson, Robert Spano, Marin Alsop, Pablo Heras-Casado, Stéphane Denève, Susanna Mälkki, and Nicholas McGegan. Additionally, Lees was named Music Director of the Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra in 2023. A dedicated advocate for music of our time, Lees has premiered more than 150 works by a diverse range of composers, and collaborated closely with Pulitzer Prize winners John Adams, William Bolcom, John Corigliano, Jennifer Higdon, Joseph Schwantner, Steven Stucky, Caroline Shaw, Roger Reynolds, and Julia Wolfe. When not performing, Lees can be found riding roller coasters with his ten-year-old son, reading through the stack of books by his nightstand, or training for his next World Majors marathon.
Guest Artist Bio
Candace Neal narrator
Candace Neal is an actor, illustrator, and writer who has performed across the country and is delighted to return to the Charlotte stage — her old stomping grounds. After spending most of her life performing, she expanded her storytelling to the page, writing and illustrating over ten original Young People’s Concerts and family concerts, as well as illustrating two children’s books. Notable stage credits include Finding Nemo: The Musical (Dory), Chicago (Velma), and Gypsy (Louise). Passionate about making the arts accessible to young people, Neal is always exploring new, colorful, and cartoonish ways to spark joy and inspire creativity. She is endlessly grateful for her sweet husband and kiddos and loves working alongside her talented artsy family every day at Neal Studio Graphic Design.
candaceneal.com
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Kwamé Ryan · Music Director Christopher James Lees, Resident Conductor
Christopher Warren-Green, Conductor Laureate
MUSICIAN ROSTER FIRST VIOLINS
Calin Ovidiu Lupanu
Concertmaster The Catherine & Wilton Connor Chair
Joseph Meyer*
Associate Concertmaster
Kari Giles
Acting Associate Concertmaster
Hanna Zhdan
Acting Assistant Concertmaster
Susan Blumberg°° Jane Hart Brendle Cynthia Burton Fengwan Chen† Ayako Gamo David Horak† Oliver Kot°° Lenora Leggatt Jenny Topilow Dustin Wilkes-Kim*
SECOND VIOLINS
Kathleen Jarrell, Acting Principal The Wolfgang Roth Chair
Carlos Tarazona°
Acting Assistant Principal The Pepsi-Cola Foundation of Charlotte Chair
Monica Boboc Martha Geissler Sakira Harley Tatiana Karpova Ellyn Stuart
VIOLAS
Benjamin Geller, Principal
The Zoe Bunten Merrillt Principal Viola Chair
Pin-Hao Liao
CELLOS
Jon Lewis, Principal
The Kate Whitner McKay Principal Cello Chair
Allison Drenkow Assistant Principal
Marlene Ballena Jeremy Lamb Sarah Markle Nicco Mazziotto David Olson
DOUBLE BASSES
Jason McNeel, Acting Principal Judson Baines, Assistant Principal Jeffrey Ferdon Eric Thompson†
HARP
Andrea Mumm Trammell Principal The Dr. Billy Graham Chair
FLUTES
Victor Wang, Principal
The Blumenthal Foundation Chair
Amy Orsinger Whitehead Erinn Frechette
PICCOLO
Erinn Frechette
This roster lists the full-time members of the Charlotte Symphony. The number and seating of musicians on stage varies depending on the piece being performed.
Assistant Principal
Ellen Ferdon Wenlong Huang Pedro Mendez Viara Stefanova Ning Zhao
° Non-revolving position °° Alternates between first and second violins † Acting member of the Charlotte Symphony ‡ Funded by The Symphony Guild of Charlotte, Inc. * On leave
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OBOES
Timothy Swanson, Principal
HORNS
Byron Johns, Principal
The Leo B. Driehuys Chair‡
The Mr. & Mrs. William H. Van Every Chair
Erica Cice Jamison Hillian†
Andrew Fierova Christopher Caudill†
ENGLISH HORN Erica Cice
CLARINETS
The Robert E. Rydel, Jr. Third Horn Chair (acting)
Richard Goldfaden Paige Quillen
TRUMPETS
Taylor Marino, Principal
Alex Wilborn, Principal
Samuel Sparrow Allan Rosenfeld
Jesdelson Vasquez† Gianluca Farina†
The Gary H. & Carolyn M. Bechtel Chair
E ♭ CLARINET Samuel Sparrow
The Betty J. Livingstone Chair
Acting Associate Principal The Marcus T. Hickman Chair
Gabriel Slesinger*
TROMBONES
BASS CLARINET Allan Rosenfeld
John Bartlett, Principal Thomas Burge
BASSOONS
BASS TROMBONE
AJ Neubert, Principal Joshua Hood Nicholas Ritter
CONTRABASSOON Nicholas Ritter
Scott Hartman, Principal
TUBA
Colin Benton, Principal
The Governor James G. Martin Chair
TIMPANI
Denis Petrunin, Acting Principal† The Robert Haywood Morrison Chair
The CSO is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.
PERCUSSION
Brice Burton, Principal
What does it mean to call a place home? Through music that spans centuries, continents, and perspectives, we invite you on a journey to explore the meaning of home — not just as a physical space, but as memory, identity, refuge, and hope.
FEATURING
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 October 24 – 26, 2025 Knight Theater
Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 February 13 & 14, 2026 Belk Theater
Dvořák’s New World Symphony March 27 – 29, 2026 Knight Theater
Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto April 10 & 11, 2026 Belk Theater
Explore the full season online and buy tickets today! box office: 704.972.2000
· charlottesymphony.org
FEATURING
Holiday Pops A CAROLINA CHRISTMAS
December 12 – 14, 2025 Knight Theater
The Music of Motown January 23 & 24, 2026 Knight Theater THE CONCERT: A Tribute to ABBA
February 27 & 28, 2026 Knight Theater
FEATURING
Holiday Pops FAMILY MATINEE December 13, 2025 Knight Theater
The Orchestra Games January 24, 2026 Knight Theater CLASSICAL KIDS LIVE:
Beethoven Lives Upstairs February 28, 2026 Knight Theater
FEATURING
Home Alone IN CONCERT November 28 & 29, 2025 Belk Theater DISNEY’S Encanto IN CONCERT
March 20 & 21, 2026 Belk Theater MARVEL’S Black Panther IN CONCERT
June 5 & 6, 2026 Belk Theater
About the CSO
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is one of the premier music organizations in the Southeastern United States and the oldest continuously operating symphony orchestra in the Carolinas. As Charlotte’s most active performing arts group, the CSO presents around 150 concerts each season, reaching more than 150,000 music lovers. The 2025–26 season marks the next chapter in the Charlotte Symphony’s artistic evolution under Music Director Kwamé Ryan. Framed by a season-long exploration of home — reflecting on belonging, identity, and place through a wide range of musical voices — the season offers bold new works, symphonic masterworks, and creative collaborations across the Classical, Pops, Movie, and Family series. Highlights include the debut of the CSO Spotlight Series, an everexpanding look at the work of this season’s CSO Spotlight Artist, Gabriel Kahane; performances of audience favorites like Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Ravel’s Boléro; and more events that showcase the Orchestra’s breadth, from the music of Dolly Parton to Black Panther in Concert. Engaging with more than 15,000 students each year, the Charlotte Symphony nurtures the next generation of musicians and music lovers through its four diverse
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youth orchestras, in-school education programs, instrument coaching, and Project Harmony, which offers free afterschool lessons in music and life skills to over 200 students in under-resourced areas. With its new mobile stage, CSO Roadshow, the Symphony extends its reach directly into neighborhoods, bringing live music to communities across the region. Founded in 1932, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra continues to play a vital cultural role in the region and remains committed to the belief that music, accessible to all, enriches and unites our community.
OUR MISSION
The Charlotte Symphony uplifts, entertains, and educates the diverse communities of CharlotteMecklenburg and beyond through exceptional musical experiences.
OUR VISION
Reaching out through the transformative power of live music, the Charlotte Symphony will be a civic leader, reflecting and uniting our region.
For more information, visit us online at
charlottesymphony.org
MUSICIAN
SPOTLIGHT
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Pedro Mendez VIOLA CSO Member since September 2025 HOMETOWN: Barquisimeto, Venezuela
Fun Facts • Pedro discovered his love of music through his father, who taught him basic chords on the guitar and cuatro • He studied in the internationally acclaimed EL SISTEMA and performed under Gustavo Dudamel at the age of 13 • A passionate educator, Pedro has mentored young musicians in both South America and the United States
Annual Fund Supporters
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Annual Fund We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Annual Fund. This list reflects gifts received through August 1, 2025.
BENEFACTOR CIRCLE $100,000+ Anonymous
Jacqueline B. Mars
$50,000 – $99,999 The Fox Family
Jane & Hugh McColl*
Douglas Young
$25,000 – $49,999 Joan & Mick Ankrom Ruth & Richard Ault Dr. Milton & Arlene Berkman Philanthropic Fund Judith & Mark Brodsky Margarita & Nick Clements Roberta H. Cochran Jean & Dick Cornwell Susan Cybulski Linda & Bill Farthing Ralph S. Grier Maria & John Huson
Ginger Kelly Sally Gregory & Richard Krumdieck Betty P. & Jeffrey J. Lee Patrick J. O’Leary Sandra Levine Richard J. Osborne* Pat Rodgers Carolyn Shaw Susan & John Shimp Andrea & Sean Smith Tara & Ken Walker
$15,000 – $24,999 Joye D. Blount & Jessie J. Knight Jr. Nicola & Emanuel Clark Catherine & Wilton Connor* Denise & Peter DeMaio Robin & Christoph Feddersen Laurie & Barry Guy Fran & Greg Hyde Tanya & Steve Makris
DeDe & Alex McKinnon Ulrike & Alex Miles Mica Post Oberkfell & Keith Oberkfell Debbie & Pat Phillips* Juliette & Walter Pryor Judy & Derek Raghavan Cameron & Stuart Sherrill Melinda & David Snyder
* The CSO recognizes donors of exceptional generosity whose cumulative giving exceeds $1 million with the designation of Music Director Society. For more information, please contact Shayne Doty at 704.714.5104.
Annual Fund Supporters (continued) $10,000 – $14,999 Kristen & Paul Anderson Katharine & Frank Bragg Betsy & Alfred Brand Lynne & Colby Cathey Jeanie & Tom Cottingham Peter De Arcangelis Donna & Alvaro de Molina Peggy & Richard Dreher Lisa & Carlos Evans Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle Dr. Robert A. Gaines & Toni S. Burke Caren & Charles Gale Andrea & Todd Griffith In Loving Memory of Zaydee & Antonio Lopez-Ibanez from Lina & Enrique Lopez-Ibanez Leslie & Michael Marsicano Robert Norville Ann & Fritz Rehkopf Kathy & Paul Reichs Rosalind S. Richardson Sara Garcés Roselli & Dan Roselli Lindsay & Frank Schall Sherry & Thomas Skains Drs. Jennifer Sullivan & Matthew Sullivan Ann & Michael Tarwater Kelly & Neal Taub Jill & Kevin Walker Michael Waterford John Drew Witherington Lisa & Richard Worf
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VIRTUOSO CIRCLE $5,000 – $9,999 Debbie & Wedge Abels Carol B. McPhee & Howard P. Adams The Charlotte Assembly Si & Michael Blake Krisha & Andy Blanchard Mary & Charles Bowman Barbara & Twig Branch Robin & Bill Branstrom Shirley & Mike Butterworth Dr. William J. Charles & Dr. Cynthia Nortey Morgan & Brian Cromwell Elizabeth & Christopher Daly Mary Anne Dickson Anne O’Byrne & David J.L. Fisk Amy & Sidney Fletcher Joan & Parker Foley Carol & Ron Follmer Carrie & Jay Galloway Sarah & Frank Gentry Laura & Marshall Gilchrist William & Patricia Gorelick Family Foundation Lucia Zapata Griffith & Michael Griffith Janet M. Haack Reginald B. Henderson, Esq. Vivian & Robert Lamb Anna & Laszlo Littmann Stacie McGinn Susanne & Bill McGuire Paula & Paul McIntosh Susan & Loy McKeithen* Marcy Thailer & Chuck Miller Courtney Reichs Mixon Elizabeth & Jay Monge Torsten Pilz Emily & Nima Pirzadeh Kelli & Michael Richardson Anne Robinson Nancy & Charlie Robson Laura A. & Michael J. Schulte Ylida & Bert Scott Mr. & Mrs. Harley F. Shuford, Jr. Nancy E. Simpson Erin & William Sparks Elizabeth Connor Stewart Chris & Jim Teat Nancy & Dick Thigpen Brienne Tinder Judith & Gary Toman
Annual Fund Supporters (continued) $5,000 – $9,999 (continued) Rocky & Curtis Trenkelbach Daniel Troy in Loving Memory of Kathleen Troy Susan & Paul Vadnais In Memory of Tess Verbesey Elizabeth & Stephan Willen Glenda Colman & Floyd Wisner Joan H. Zimmerman Abby & Albert Zue
$3,500 – $4,999 Andrea & Alexander Bierce Dawn Beatty-Batten & Philipp J. Bischoff Jan & Bob Busch Mary & Phil Delk Pat English & Clay Furches Posey & Mark Mealy Dick Metzler Holly & Jason Norvell Linda & Tony Pace Suan & Bob Salvin Emily & Zach Smith Dr. Mark R. Swanson Deborah J. Cox & Bob Szymkiewicz Karen & Edgar Whitener
$2,500 – $3,499 Harriet B. Barnhardt Tiffany & Jason Bernd James Biddlecome In Loving Memory of Bernadette Zirkuli Biddlecome Lee & Alan Blumenthal Dr. & Mrs. O. Robert Boehm Frances & Herbert Browne Maggie Callen The Jack H & Ruth C. Campbell Foundation Dr. William H. Carson Pauline & Bill Chinnis Brent Clevenger Ann Thomas Colley Amy & Alfred Dawson Cheryl DeMaio Peggy & Charles Dickerson Elizabeth Betty Eaton Lucy Quintilliano & Leonard Fumi Kara & Timothy Gallagher Melisa & Frank Galasso Billy L. Gerhart, in memory of Judith Gerhart Katherine G. Hall Jennifer & Logan Henderson
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Ivan Hinrichs Megan & Brendan Hoffman Christy & Ben Hume Leigh & Watts Humphrey Peggy Hynes Shirley & Bob Ivey David S. Jacobson Christopher James Lees Meghan & Luis Lluberas Jim & Kathleen Lynch Dottie & Jim Martin Rob Roy McGregor Cynthia L. Caldwell & Richard I. McHenry Dee Dee McKay Carolyn & Sam McMahon Debbie Miller & Tim Black Susan D. Montgomery Laura Paschall & Brad Glaza Pamela Pearson & Charles Peach Dr. Reta R. Phifer Vincent Philips & Paul Pope Kathleen D. Prokay Lisa & Robert R. Rollins, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Mahesh Sardesai Glenn Sherrill, Jr. In Honor of Robin Branstrom Jane Perry Shoemaker Peggy & Pope Shuford Hazel & Murray Somerville Patricia & Morris Spearman Ken Spielfogel & Richard Withem Maxine & Robert Stein Dottie Stowe in loving memory of Dickson Stowe Kelly Zellars & James H. Trexler Jenny & Ken Tolson Mindy & Don Upton Drs. Iris Cheng & Daniel Uri Mary Claire & Dan Wall Deborra Wood & Russell Propst Barbara Yarbrough
Annual Fund Supporters (continued) PATRON CIRCLE $1,500 – $2,499 Anonymous Marcia Adams Sharon Baker & Peter Moore Merilyn & Craig Baldwin Katie & Morgan Beggs Georgia & Bill Belk Donald H. & Barbara K. Bernstein Sallie & Derick Close Jean E. Davis & Robert Metzger Dr. Kandi & Gary Deitemeyer Martin Ericson, Jr. Judith Greene Karen Gunther Maureen & Daniel Haggstrom Angela M. & Michael D. Helms Martha D. Jones Helen & Gene Katz Ginger Kemp Mary & Michael Lamach Lucinda Nisbet Lucas Dr. & Mrs. Randolph Mahnesmith Anna Marriott Rosemarie Marshall & Lee Wilkins Tammy & Steve Matula Louise & Gary McCrorie Cricket Weston & David Molinaro Janet & Peter Nixon Helen & Arvind Patil Catherine Philpott Greater Golf Express Dr. John & Susan Rae Brendan Reen Anne & Mark Riechmann Donald Schmidt Dr. Stephen P. Schultz & Donna Dutton Katy & Raleigh Shoemaker Rebecca & Eric Smith Marsha & Robert L. Stickler Jean M. Summerville Tillie S. Tice Henry Ward Grant Webb Pam West Bryan Wilhelm Deems Wilson
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$1,000 – $1,499 Anonymous Mariam Abdul Hamid & Ferd Davis Michele & Ross Annable JWD Atchison Dianne & Brian Bailey Elsie & William Barnhardt Ms. Helen Fowler & Mr. Lincoln A. Baxter Emerson Bell Katherine & John Beltz Shirley W. Benfield Samuel Blackmon Sara & Ethan Blumenthal Jodie & Erik Bowen In Memory of Kyden Justice Brown Jane & Larry Cain Amanda & Kevin Chheda Rebecca & D. Mark Cody Dorothy & Mike Connor Dr. & Mrs. Charles E. Cook Dr. Kilian Cooley Kathleen Goldammer-Copeland & Mark Copeland Ann F. Copeland Larry J. Dagenhart Anonymous Heather & Gray Dyer Judy & Bob Erb Heather & Thomas Finke Karen Geiger Jenn & Taylor Gherardi Carol & Joseph Gigler Joyce & Ed Hamilton Anne J. Henderson Juliet & Brian Hirsch Linda & Paul Ibsen Joan Irwin Marc Aspesi & Paulette Isoldi Lea & Stuart Johnson Priscilla & Michael Johnson Dr. Valerie Kinloch & Mr. Thomas A’Hearn Joan Kirschner Marilyn Kroll Holly & Christopher Maurer Arrington Mixon Joan Morgan Eleanor W. Neal Mr. & Mrs. E. O. Oakley Caroline Olzinski Patricia & James Petillo Dr. William G. Porter
Annual Fund Supporters (continued) $1,000 – $1,499 (continued) Joan Rasmussen & Morry Alter Sally & Russell Robinson Rita & Thomas Robinson Anonymous Elizabeth & Robert Rostan Sandra Shuster Birte & Roman Streitberger Scott Smith Alice & Al Sudduth Ann & Wellford Tabor Catherine Thompson Libby & Vint Tilson Tim Timson Sarah S. Tull Maureen Turner Emily & Jeff Vaughan Dr. & Mrs. Bill Chu & Jin Wang Rebecca Waters Linda & Craig Weisbruch Peter White Lauren Wooden Velva W. Woollen Sandy & John Yakob
$500 – $999 Anonymous (2) Lynda & Doug Abel Cathy & Bob Becker Beth & Carl Belk Dr. John L. Bennett & Mr. Eric T. Johnson Mary Ann & Timothy Beranek Jeffrey Boghosian Marilyn & Herb Bonkovsky James Broadstone Nelle & Ken Brown Aram Kim Bryan Mary Lou & Greg Cagle Jennifer & Daniel Callahan Nan & Brooks Carey Thomas E. Collins, Jr. Jack Cook In Loving Memory of Ruth Jernigan Dr. & Mrs. Mark Couture Gaither & Robert Deaton Dr. Roy E. DeMeo, Jr. & Ms. Linda A. Evanko Margaret & George Dewey Diane & Doug Doak Kate & Trae Fletcher Lucinda & Harvey Gantt Dr. John & Eileen Gardella Dr. & Mrs. Richard Gellar Stacy & Pete Gherardi Linda & Dan Gordon
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Cynthia Greenlee Gloria Gunst Johanne & Patrick Hawk Dr. & Mrs. Michael D. Heafner Stefan Heinzelmann Ms. Yvonne DeBeauville & Mr. Roger Hill John J. Kelly, Jr. Mary & Steven Kesselman Nancy H. Kiser George W. & Constance C. Knight Linda & Norman Kramer Maria Kurtz Jonathan Lamb Barbara & Jerome Levin Katherine & Mark Love Dr. & Mrs. William W. MacDonald Allison Malter Leigh & Bruce Marsh Paula & Francis Martin Wendy & Ed Matthews Jill Maxwell Constance & Kiran Mehta Amanda & Matthew Molbert Sally Staub Moore Jennifer & Michael Neurohr Mary Newsom Dr. & Mrs. Paul Nitsch Nancy Olah & Bill Pace Ynez Olshausen Gwen Peterson & Tom Hodge Janet & Rick Pfeiffer Moira Quinn Sabine & Haywood Rankin Susanne & Mark Rascio Family Emily & Brian Reinicker Joan & Albert Rodgers Margaret Rogers & John R. Willis Betty & Bill Seifert Michael Silverman Dr. & Mrs. Henry L. Smith II Scott Smith Julia J. Souther Anonymous Tara & Joseph Spil Mary & Bill Staton Kathryn Stewart, MD, MPH Susan & Jet Taylor Molly & Chris Tull Melanie & James Twyne Signature Web Design Karen & Charles Wolff Judith Wood
Planned Giving
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The Encore Society includes individuals who have made provisions for the CSO in their estate plans. We are honored to recognize their support: Anonymous (2) Geraldine I. Anderson† Michele & Ross Annable Richard & Ruth Ault Baldwin Family Trust Barnhardt Thomas Trust Lincoln A. Baxter & Helen M. Fowler 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† Joan & George Bruns† Jan & Bob Busch Dr. Helen G. Cappleman, Ph.D.† Jim Cochran† Robin Cochran Catherine & Wilton Connor Charles & Peggy Dickerson Martin Ericson, Jr. Linda & Bill Farthing David J.L. Fisk & Anne P. O’Byrne Peter & Ann† Guild William G. & Marguerite K. Huey Fund Dr. Nish Jamgotch, Jr.† Betty & Stanley Livingstone†
Lucille F. & Edwin L. Jones Endowment for the Arts Jim Martin Paula & Paul McIntosh Nellie McCrory† M. Marie Mitchell† Cricket Weston & David Molinaro Joan & Richard Morgan Don C. Niehus Eva Nove Richard J. Osborne Gwen Peterson & Tom Hodge Gilbert Pirovano† James Y. Preston† Mrs. Clayton (Dusty) Pritchett Ann & Fritz Rehkopf Elizabeth Waring Reinhard Nancy W. Rutledge Mike Rutledge Harriet Seabrook Mr. & Mrs. William Seifert Morris & Patricia Spearman Bob & Maxine Stein Dr. Ben C. Taylor III Mr. & Mrs. Hans Teich Cordelia G. & Dr. Chandler† Thompson Tim Timson Jenny & Ken Tolson Ms. Deborra Wood & Mr. Russell Propst † Deceased
Leave a lasting legacy of great music through your planned gift. For more information, please contact Shayne Doty at 704.714.5104.
Comprehensive Campaign
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Comprehensive Campaign We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Comprehensive Campaign. This list reflects gifts received through August 1, 2025.
$10,000,000+ Bank of America · The C.D. Spangler Foundation
$5,000,000 - $9,999,999 John S. & James L. Knight Foundation
$2,000,000 - $4,999,999 The Leon Levine Foundation · Jane & Hugh McColl
$1,000,000 - $1,999,999 Michele & Ross Annable · Atrium Health · Howard C. & Margaret G. Bissell Foundation Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. · EY · Contributions Associated with Falfurrias Capital Partners Lynn & Brian Good · Julie & Howard Levine · Susan & Loy McKeithen · Novant Health
$500,000 - $999,999 Anonymous · Arlene & Milton Berkman · Robin & Bill Branstrom · Deloitte Mary & Mike Lamach · Rich Osborne · Debbie & Pat Phillips · Pat Rodgers · M.A. Rogers Robert Haywood Morrison Foundation · Trane Technologies · Truist Financial Corporation
$250,000 - $499,999 Cathy Bessant · The Dickson Foundation · The Gambrell Foundation The Gorelick Family Foundation · Moore & Van Allen PLLC · Janet Preyer Nelson The Trexler Foundation · 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 (continued)
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$50,000 - $99,999 Amy & Robert Brinkley · Crescent Communities · The Fox Family · Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle Mariam & Robert Hayes Charitable Trust · Ulrike & Alex Miles · Ruth Shaw Chris & Jim Teat · Rita & Bill Vandiver · Lisa & Richard Worf
$10,000 - $49,999 Anonymous · Wedge & Debbie Abels · Mary Lou & Jim Babb · Tiffany & Jason Bernd Frank Bragg · Shirley & Mike Butterworth · Joye Blount & Jesse Knight, Jr. The Cato Corporation · Margarita & Nick Clements · Mary Delk Caroline & Ben Dellinger III · Lisa & Carlos Evans · David Fisk & Anne O’Byrne Averill, Johanna, & Lauren Harkey · Carol & Bill Lorenz · Leslie & Michael Marsicano Virginia & Chan Martin · DeDe & Alex McKinnon · Posey & Mark Mealy · Wanda & Steve Phifer · Ridgely & John Phillips · Dale & Larry Polsky Judy & Derek Raghavan · Shannon & Eric Reichard · Sara & Daniel Roselli · Lori & Eric Sklut Emily & Zach Smith · Melinda & David Snyder · Dr. John A. Thompson, Jr. & Dr. Lee Rocamora Jill & Kevin Walker · Jim Worrell
$5,000 - $9,999 Brian S. Cromwell · Toni Burke & Bob Gaines · Sarah & Frank Gentry · Carol & Joseph Gigler Lucinda Nisbet Lucas · Dee Dee & William Maxwell · Melissa & Dennis McCrory Cyndee Patterson · Betty & William Seifert · Peggy & Pope Shuford · Nancy E. Simpson Drs. Jennifer & Matthew Sullivan · Mary Claire & Dan Wall · Martha Ann & Craig Wardlaw
Corporate Partners We are grateful for the following outstanding corporate funders:
Park, Inc. Publix Super Markets Charities SouthState Bank
For more information, please contact Tara Spil at 704.714.5138.
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Government & Foundations
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We are grateful for the following outstanding foundation and government funders:
ANONYMOUS
The Trexler Foundation Dowd Foundation, Inc. The Dickson Foundation Cole Foundation The Charlotte Assembly The Mary Norris Preyer Fund The George W. & Ruth R. Baxter Foundation Barnhardt/Thomas Trust Minor Foundation, Inc Music Performance Trust Fund For more information, please contact Tara Spil at 704.714.5138.
Leadership
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025-26 OFFICERS Richard Krumdieck, Chair Ulrike Miles, Vice Chair Melinda Snyder, Vice Chair & Secretary Denise DeMaio, Treasurer David Fisk, President & CEO Kwamé Ryan, Music Director
2025-26 DIRECTORS Krisha Blanchard Joye D. Blount Mike Butterworth Nick Clements Sidney Fletcher Craig Froelich
Carrie Galloway Lucia Zapata Griffith Fran Hyde Byron Johns* Valerie Kinloch Stephen Makris Juliette Pryor Manley Roberts* Sara Garces Roselli Lindsay Schall Ylida Scott Cameron Sherrill Jennifer Sullivan Brienne Tinder* Andrea Mumm Trammell* Ken Walker *ex-officio
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Linda McFarland Farthing, Chair Paul Anderson Ruth & Richard Ault Rachel Gogal Badillo Arlene & Milton Berkman Jason & Tiffany Bernd Mary & Charles Bowman Frank Bragg Robin & Bill Branstrom Paige & Steve Burgess Dr. William Charles & Dr. Cynthia Nortey Derick & Sallie Close Robin Cochran Catherine & Wilton Connor Jeanie & T. Thomas Cottingham III Brian Cromwell Susan Cybulski Marcia & Jason Daily Alessandra & Pasquale De Martino Alvaro & Donna de Molina Peggy & Richard Dreher Lisa Hudson Evans Bill Farthing Karen Fox Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle Ralph S. Grier Laurie Guy Janet Haack Reginald B. Henderson, Esq. Mark & Whitney Jerrell Jeff Lee
Gov. James G. Martin Jane & Hugh McColl Stacie McGinn Susan & Loy McKeithen Alex & DeDe McKinnon Elizabeth & Jay Monge Mica Oberkfell Patrick J. O’Leary Richard Osborne Debbie & G. Patrick Phillips Derek & Judy Raghavan Paul Reichs Nancy & Charles Robson Patricia A. Rodgers M.A. Rogers Frank Schall Laura & Mike Schulte Carolyn Shaw Emily & Zach Smith Will Sparks Elizabeth Connor Stewart Bob & Marsha Stickler Kelly & Neal Taub Adam Taylor Chris & Jim Teat Kevin & Jill Walker Elizabeth & Steve Willen Braxton Winston Richard Worf Joan Zimmerman Albert Zue
Leadership (continued)
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ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF EXECUTIVE
HUMAN RESOURCES
David J. L. Fisk
Maribeth Baker
President & CEO
Human Resources Counselor
Samantha Hackett
Manager of Executive Administration & Board Relations
ARTISTIC OPERATIONS
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Christian Drake
Vice President of Finance & Administration
Scott Freck
Amy Hine
Erin Eady
Kensloe Norrington
Laura Lindsay
Chazin & Company, Financial Services
Claudia Schmitz
LEARNING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Vice President for Artistic Operations & General Manager Director of Orchestra Personnel Director of Orchestra Operations Director of Artistic Planning
Bart Dunn
Principal Music Librarian
Emily Schaub
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
Tara Spil
Director of Corporate & Institutional Giving
Tammy Matula
Director of Development Services
Josh Bottoms
Manager of Corporate & Institutional Giving
Jennifer Gherardi
Manager of Development Services & Events
Noel Kiss
Manager of Individual Giving & Events
HR Coordinator & Office Administrator Staff Accountant
Aram Kim Bryan
Vice President of Community Relations & Learning
Dylan Lloyd
Senior Manager of Youth Orchestras
Mark Rockwood
Senior Manager of Youth Education
Michaela Sciacca
Senior Manager of Youth Programs
Gavin Fulker
Education Programs Assistant
Bria Alexander
Community Engagement Assistant
MARKETING & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Frank Impelluso
Vice President of Marketing & Audience Development
Deirdre Roddin
Director of Institutional Marketing & Communications
Nicole Glaza
Senior Manager of Digital Marketing
Laura Thomas
Senior Manager of Marketing & Audience Development
Chad Calvert
Visual Communications Manager
Meghan Starr
Patron Experience Manager
Garrett Whiffen Ticketing Manager
Upcoming Concerts Oct 24 – 26 KNIGHT THEATER Soyeon Kate Lee, piano
GABRIEL KAHANE Judith AMY BEACH Piano Concerto LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 5
Home Alone IN CONCERT
Nov 28 & 29 BELK THEATER See the holiday classic on the big screen as the CSO performs John Williams’s delightful score live!
Holiday Pops A CAROLINA CHRISTMAS
Dec 12 – 14 KNIGHT THEATER Celebrate the holidays with a salute to the Carolinas’ rich musical heritage — bluegrass, gospel, and more!
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! charlottesymphony.org · 704.972.2000