SAMUEL BARBER Piano Concerto
October 9 & 10 BELK THEATER
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 Your Charlotte Symphony Experience Concert Program Artist Biographies 2026–27 Spotlight Artist 2026–27 Musician Roster About the CSO Musician Spotlight Program Notes Annual Fund Donors Comprehensive Campaign Corporate & Foundation Sponsors Board of Directors & Trustees Administration
3 4 5 6 8 10 12 13 14 18 24 26 28 29
join the musical dialogue What did you think of the performance?
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Welcome
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A Message from the President & CEO There’s a wonderful sense of anticipation at the start of a new season. The musicians are back on stage warming up, the hall is filled with familiar faces and new ones, and we have the chance to experience the extraordinary musicianship of our Orchestra together once again. We open our Bank of America Classical Series with Levi Taylor’s One Foot After The Other, the first of several opportunities to hear the work of this season’s Spotlight Artist. Orion Weiss joins us for Samuel Barber’s Piano Concerto, followed by RimskyKorsakov’s Scheherazade, a work that reminds us of the power of a great story told through music. We also welcome Music Director Kwamé Ryan back to the podium, following the recent announcement that his tenure with the Symphony has been extended through our centennial in 2032. I think we’ve all felt Kwamé’s incredible creative energy and the special connection he has forged with our audiences as well as the Orchestra, and I look forward to all that we’ll experience together in the years ahead.
Most of all, I’m glad to welcome you back. We have so much to share this season, from world-class guest artists and beloved repertoire to new music and new ways to experience the Symphony. 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
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 I F T H S E A S O N
Rimsky-Korsakov's
Scheherazade Friday, October 9, 2026, at 7:30 pm Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 7:30 pm
Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Kwamé Ryan, conductor Orion Weiss, piano Levi TAYLOR
(b. 1980)
Samuel BARBER
(1910–1981)
One Foot After The Other
[~5’]
Concerto for Piano & Orchestra, Op. 38 I. Allegro appassionato II. Canzone III. Allegro molto Orion Weiss, piano
[~26’]
§ 2026-27 spotlight artist
I N T E R M I S S I ON Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV
(1844–1908)
Scheherazade, Op. 35 [~42’] I. Largo e maestoso - Allegro non troppo The Sea and Sinbad’s Ship II. Lento - Allegro molto The Story of the Kalendar Prince III. Andantino quasi allegretto The Young Prince and the Young Princess IV. Allegro molto Festival at Baghdad. The Sea. The Ship Breaks against a Cliff Surmounted by a Bronze Horseman
CONCERT DURATION: Approx. 2 hours, including one 20-minute intermission.
Steinway Piano Selected from Steinway Piano Gallery-Charlotte – steinwaycarolina.com
Biographies
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Kwamé Ryan music director
Kwamé Ryan is a Grammy Award-winning conductor, currently in his third season as Music Director of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Born in Canada and educated in Trinidad and Tobago and the UK, Ryan formerly held the position of General Music Director of Freiburg Opera, Germany, from 1999 to 2003, and served as Musical and Artistic Director of the Orchestre National BordeauxAquitaine, France, from 2007 to 2013. As a guest conductor in Germany, he has conducted the Radio Orchestras of Stuttgart and Bavaria, the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Staatsoper Saarbrücken, and Staatsoper Stuttgart. While in France, he has worked at Opéra Bastille, Opéra National de Lyon, and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. Work in the US and the UK has taken him to the symphony orchestras of New York, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Houston, the Boston Lyric Opera, English National Opera, the London Philharmonia, and the BBC Proms. He is a regular guest with Washington National Opera and Dutch National Opera.
A recipient of international awards for outstanding work in the field of music education, Ryan has served as Director of Trinidad and Tobago’s Academy for the Performing Arts and Musical Director of the National Youth Orchestra of France, where he was made a Knight in the French State’s prestigious Order of Arts and Letters. Under his musical direction, La Monnaie’s 2021 production of Kris Defoort’s The Time of Our Singing was named World Premiere of the Year at the International Opera Awards, and Houston Grand Opera’s recording of Jake Heggie’s Intelligence was awarded the 2026 Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording. The 2026–27 season sees his debuts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Milwaukee Symphony as well as returns to Dutch National Opera and the Cincinnati Symphony.
photos © Christian Hanner
Biographies (continued)
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Orion Weiss
piano
One of the most sought-after soloists and chamber music collaborators today, Orion Weiss is a “brilliant pianist” (The New York Times) with “powerful technique and exceptional insight” (The Washington Post). He has dazzled audiences worldwide with his “head-spinning range of colors” (Chicago Tribune) and has performed with all of the major orchestras of North America and at all of the major venues and music festivals. In February 2025, Weiss released Arc III, the final album in his recital trilogy on First Hand Records. Recent performances include cycles of Beethoven’s complete violin sonatas with violinist James Ehnes; a return to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, led by Michael Tilson Thomas; his debut with the National Symphony Orchestra, led by Ken-David Masur; and performances in Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Seattle. Additional highlights include Weiss’s David Geffen Hall debut in New York with the American Symphony Orchestra, performances of the Goldberg Variations at the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival and Newport Classical, performances in Italy, London, and Norway, and a tour with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. His recording with Augustin Hadelich won Opus Klassik’s Best Chamber Music Recording of 2025.
Known for his affinity for chamber music, Weiss performs at venues and festivals around the United States with artists such as violinists James Ehnes, Augustin Hadelich, and William Hagen; pianists Michael Stephen Brown and Shai Wosner; and many string quartets, including the Ariel, Parker, and Pacifica Quartets. A native of Ohio, Weiss attended the Cleveland Institute of Music and made his Cleveland Orchestra debut performing Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in 1999. That same year, with less than 24 hours' notice, Weiss stepped in to replace André Watts for a performance of Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Weiss’s awards include the Classical Recording Foundation’s Young Artist of the Year, Gilmore Young Artist Award, an Avery Fisher Career Grant, and more. His teachers include Paul Schenly, Jerome Lowenthal, and Sergei Babayan. In 2004, he graduated from The Juilliard School, where he studied with Emanuel Ax.
Spotlight Artist
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Spotlight Artist (continued)
Each season, Music Director Kwamé Ryan and the Charlotte Symphony feature a Spotlight Artist, whose work is explored across multiple programs. In 2026–27, the Symphony welcomes Emmy-nominated composer Levi Taylor, whose music blends orchestral and electronic influences to tell compelling stories of identity, history, and the human experience. Taylor’s music will be featured in two programs, including a newlycommissioned World Premiere. Beyond the concert hall, Taylor will work with the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras and local students, sharing his creative process and inspiring the next generation.
Hear the Music One Foot After The Other Oct 9 & 10 FRI & SAT · 7:30 pm BELK THEATER
Written in the wake of personal loss, One Foot After The Other reflects on the determination required to move through life’s most difficult moments in pursuit of something better, yet unseen.
Good Trouble Jan 15 & 16 FRI & SAT · 7:30 pm BELK THEATER
Inspired by John Lewis’s call to make “good trouble,” this World Premiere — co-commissioned for America 250 by the CSO and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (UK) — explores Taylor’s story, musical heritage, and what it means to “fight the good fight.”
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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
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
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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 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.
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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
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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
Program Notes by Ken Meltzer
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Levi Taylor BORN:1980 2026-27 spotlight artist
One Foot After The Other (2025)
PREMIERE: October 25, 2025, with the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra (Pennsylvania) Approximate performance time is 5 minutes.
IN THE COMPOSER’S WORDS One Foot After The Other was first conceived through a cinematic lens before being expanded and reshaped for the concert hall. It is a meditation on endurance, will, and the sobering determination required to continue moving through grief and uncertainty when there is no clear sense of what lies ahead. I began writing the work during a profoundly difficult period in my life. My father had recently died from COVID-19, and I found myself trying to sustain an overextended work schedule while joining my family and community in navigating the aftermath of our loss. The pandemic also brought into painful focus the ways racial inequities can become more visible — and more devastating — in moments of collective crisis. Those experiences informed the music’s emotional world through moments of weariness, mourning, urgency, and ultimately an insistence to carry on forward no matter the odds.
The piece opens in an unsettled atmosphere, almost like a distant alarm emerging from the dark. A sense of foreboding gradually takes shape before the central melody, mournful and exposed, appears in the solo cello. The lower strings then begin to establish the work’s central rhythmic impulse of a weighted, persistent motif meant to evoke the physical and emotional act of placing one foot after the other. As that motif gathers momentum, the melody returns with greater urgency, joined by a wider instrumental voice. Just as much as the piece acknowledges the tiresome effort it takes to keep moving in times of hardship, it also passionately explores what becomes possible because of movement. Here the piece rises towards hope and courage, and even audacity where sometimes all you have to walk on is faith. The work concludes in a contemplative space with footsteps receding toward an unknowable distance. — LEVI TAYLOR
Program Notes (continued)
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Samuel Barber BORN: March 9, 1910 in West Chester, Pennsylvania DIED: January 23, 1981 in New York City
Concerto for Piano & Orchestra Opus 38 (1962)
PREMIERE: September 24, 1962, at Philharmonic Hall at Lincoln Center in New York Approximate performance time is 26 minutes.
BEHIND THE MUSIC
WHILE YOU LISTEN
Samuel Barber composed his Piano Concerto in response to a 1959 commission by G. Schirmer, Inc. celebrating the publishing firm’s centenary. From the beginning, Barber envisioned the Concerto as a vehicle for the talents of the brilliant young American pianist, John Browning. The premiere was scheduled to coincide with the 1962 opening of Philharmonic Hall at New York’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.
• The Concerto is in three movements. The first (Allegro appassionato) opens with a piano solo in the style of a recitative. The introduction and development of themes leads to a solo cadenza, and the fortissimo closing bars.
Barber completed the Concerto on September 9, 1962, just two weeks before the scheduled premiere. The brief remaining time and the Concerto’s demands upon the soloist placed intense pressure on John Browning. Nevertheless the first performance on September 24, with Browning and the Boston Symphony conducted by Erich Leinsdorf, was a triumph for all concerned. The piece was immediately hailed as one of the most important American concert works of recent memory. The Barber Piano Concerto won both the Pulitzer Prize (1963) and Music Critics’ Circle Award (1964).
• The slow-tempo second movement is a Canzone (Moderato), the Italian word for “song.” The principal melody is first played by the flute. • The finale (Allegro molto) generates tremendous energy and momentum that pervade to the Concerto’s thundering conclusion.
IN THE COMPOSER’S WORDS “To have an artist who can change the way Browning can with his musicianship and with his technical equipment is just wonderful.” — SAMUEL BARBER ON PIANIST JOHN BROWNING
Program Notes (continued)
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Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov BORN: March 18, 1844 in Tikhvin, Russia DIED: June 21, 1908 in Liubensk, Russia
Scheherazade Opus 36 (1888)
PREMIERE: November 3, 1888, in St. Petersburg, Russia Approximate performance time is 42 minutes.
BEHIND THE MUSIC The fantastic collection of tales known as The Arabian Nights, or One Thousand and One Nights, has captivated readers for centuries. The ancient stories, mostly of Arabic, Indian, or Persian origin, were first presented to European readers in an early 18th-century French translation by Antoine Galland. In the late 19th century, British explorer Sir Richard Burton created a popular English-language version. To this day, such tales as “The History of Aladdin, or the Wonderful Lamp,” “The History of Sinbad the Sailor,” and “The History of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,” continue to weave their magical spell. Russian composer Nikolai RimskyKorsakov created his Scheherazade, a symphonic suite after One Thousand and One Nights, in the summer of 1888. During that same period, Rimsky-Korsakov completed his brilliant Russian Easter Overture. In speaking of Scheherazade, as well as his Capriccio espagnole and Russian Easter Overture, the composer proudly acknowledged: “My orchestration
had achieved a considerable degree of virtuosity and bright sonority.” RimskyKorsakov’s deployment of orchestral forces — coupled with his unerring sense of dramatic contrast and impressive melodic gifts — have assured continued affection for Scheherazade by musicians and audiences alike. WHILE YOU LISTEN Throughout the work’s four movements, the solo violin represents Scheherazade, narrating her fantastic tales. I. Largo e maestoso - Allegro non troppo The Sea and Sinbad’s Ship II. Lento - Allegro molto The Story of the Kalendar Prince III. Andantino quasi allegretto The Young Prince and the Young Princess IV. Allegro molto Festival at Baghdad. The Sea. The Ship Breaks against a Cliff Surmounted by a Bronze Horseman
Program Notes (continued)
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IN THE COMPOSER’S WORDS In a preface to his score, RimskyKorsakov provided the following program for Scheherazade: "The Sultan Schahriar, convinced of the perfidy and faithlessness of women, vowed to execute each of his wives after the first night. But the Sultana Scheherazade saved her own life by interesting him in the tales she told him through 1,001 nights. Impelled by curiosity, the Sultan continually put off her execution, and at last entirely abandoned his sanguinary resolve. Many marvels did Scheherazade relate to him, citing the verses of poets and the words of songs, weaving tale into tale and story into story."
Illustration by CSO Marketing Intern Tori Haynes, UNC Charlotte College of Art and Architecture
Annual Fund Supporters
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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 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 Joye D. Blount & Jessie J. Knight Jr. 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 & 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
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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 Posey & Mark Mealy 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
Annual Fund Supporters (continued) $5,000 – $9,999 (continued) Elizabeth Connor Stewart Ann & Wellford Tabor 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
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Susan D. Montgomery Andrea & Kent Moore Loren & Keith Neus 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 Sally Robinson 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) $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
Annual Fund Supporters (continued) Emerson Bell Shirley W. Benfield 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
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Katelyn M. Morton Sue Lin Tan & Rama Narayanan 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 & 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 Linda Rosenfeld & Fred Krosner Elizabeth & Robert Rostan Audrey Schmidt Katy & Raleigh Shoemaker Sandra Shuster Dr. & 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 & 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
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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 23
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 24
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 25
$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 26
Government & Foundations
page 27
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 28
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 29
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
Community Engagement Coordinator
Gavin Fulker
Youth Education Coordinator
MARKETING & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Frank Impelluso
DEVELOPMENT Shayne Doty
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 & 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