CSO Strauss's Blue Danube - program 01-09-26

January 9 & 10 BELK 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 Your Charlotte Symphony Experience Concert Program Artist Biographies 2025–26 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 11 12 18 24 26 28 29

join the musical dialogue What did you think of the performance?

@cltsymphony #cltsymphony

Welcome

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A Message from the President & CEO As we welcome the new year and look with anticipation towards the rest of our 2025–26 season, I’m reminded that there is no single way to experience the Charlotte Symphony.

An orchestra is a shapeshifter, able to surprise, delight, and move us in ways both large and small — as comfortable performing Strauss’s sweeping “Blue Danube” as it is grooving with the Music of Motown, or presenting lighthearted, family-friendly performances like The Orchestra Games.

That versatility is made possible by the remarkable talent you see on stage — musicians who call Charlotte home and bring that spirit and dedication to everything they perform. Our first concerts in the new year put Concertmaster Calin Ovidiu Lupanu in the spotlight, showcasing his virtuosity in works by Chausson and Ravel.

Later this month, we welcome back our Music Director, Kwamé Ryan, who returns after a month-long engagement with the Metropolitan Opera to lead the CSO in Prokofiev and Schumann — a highlight of the season. His recent Grammy nomination and successful debut in New York are moments of shared pride for all of us here in Charlotte, and his leadership continues to shape an Orchestra that is expressive, curious, and inventive.

At its heart, the Orchestra is a starting point — where the music takes you is yours to discover. Thank you for joining us, and I hope you find your own musical adventure with the Charlotte Symphony this month.

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 O U R T H S E A S O N

Friday, January 9, 2026, at 7:30 pm Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 7:30 pm Belk Theater at Blumenthal Arts Center Michael Christie, conductor Calin Ovidiu Lupanu, violin JOHANN STRAUSS II

On the Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 314

[~10’]

ERNEST CHAUSSON

Poème for Violin and Orchestra, Op.25

[~16’]

(1825-1899)

(1855-1899)

FRANZ LISZT (1811-1886)

Calin Ovidiu Lupanu, violin Mephisto Waltz No. 1, “Der Tanz in der Dorfschenke” [~12’] (The Dance in the Village Inn) I N T E R M I S S I ON

MAURICE RAVEL (1875-1937)

RICHARD STRAUSS

(1864-1949)

Tzigane, Concert Rhapsody for Violin & Orchestra

[~10’]

Calin Ovidiu Lupanu, violin Suite from Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59

CONCERT DURATION: approx. 2 hours, including one 20-minute intermission.

[~22’]

Biographies

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Michael Christie guest conductor A Grammy® award-winning and innovative conductor, Michael Christie is at home in both the symphonic and opera worlds.

As Artistic and Music Director of the New West Symphony, he is focused on making the audience experience entertaining, enlightening, and enriching.

He was recently appointed the Ruth Blaustein Rosenberg Artistic Director of Ensembles at the Peabody Conservatory.

In this role he will lead the programming and direction of the Conservatory’s instrumental and vocal ensembles beginning in fall 2026. He will make his Metropolitan Opera debut leading performances of Mason Bates’s The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay in February 2026.

Christie won a Grammy Award for the world premiere recording of Mason Bates’s The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs with The Santa Fe Opera. He conducted the world premiere of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. He also led the San Francisco Opera’s production of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, plus productions at the Calgary Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and Atlanta Opera.

Spanning 25+ years, Christie’s career has included serving as Music Director of the Phoenix Symphony, Brooklyn Philharmonic, and Colorado Music Festival, and Chief Conductor of the Queensland Orchestra, as well as guest

appearances leading orchestras around the world. At Minnesota Opera, he led 24 productions as its first-ever Music Director. He is Music Director Emeritus of the Colorado Music Festival.

Michael Christie came to international attention in 1995 when he was awarded a special prize for “Outstanding Potential” at the First International Sibelius Conductors’ Competition in Helsinki.

Following the competition, he was invited to become an apprentice with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra where he subsequently worked with Daniel Barenboim as well as the Berlin State Opera. Christie holds a bachelor’s degree in trumpet from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. He lives in the Twin Cities with his wife, Alexis, a physician, and their two children.

Biographies (continued)

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Calin Ovidiu Lupanu violin

Born in Timisoara, Romania, violinist Calin Ovidiu Lupanu is the Concertmaster of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Lupanu completed his undergraduate studies at the Music Academy in Bucharest, where he served as Concertmaster of the conservatory’s Chamber Orchestra.

Upon graduation, he was appointed Violin Professor at the Music Academy.

While in Bucharest, Lupanu joined the newly formed Lipatti String Quartet as first violin, continuing in that capacity for ten years. In 1997, the ensemble was named Quartet-in-Residence at Northern Illinois University, working with the renowned Vermeer Quartet. While there, Lupanu completed his master’s degree and earned a Performance Certificate. The quartet also participated in master classes with members of many of the world’s leading chamber ensembles and toured extensively in the USA, Germany, Great Britain, France, and Romania.

Lupanu’s awards as a soloist include the First Prizes of the International Violin Competition in Stresa, Italy, and the National Violin Competition in Suceava, Romania. Prior to winning the national audition at the Charlotte Symphony, Lupanu served as Associate Concertmaster of the Green Bay Symphony Orchestra, Concertmaster of the Evansville Philharmonic, Principal of the Alabama Symphony, and Concertmaster of the West Virginia Symphony. In addition to his season-long responsibilities in

Charlotte, Lupanu maintains a busy summer schedule, participating in festivals including Bach and Beyond, Aspen, and the Colorado Music Festival, where he has been a member since 1998 and served as Concertmaster from 2004 until 2022, becoming the longest serving Concertmaster in the festival’s history.

An active chamber musician, Lupanu has collaborated with Angela Cheng, Jon Nakamatsu, Christopher Taylor, Orion Weiss, Andres Cardenes, Lynn Harrell, Desmond Hoebig, Jose Feghali, Olga Kern, Joshua Roman, Phillip Bush, and has appeared as a soloist with the Evansville Philharmonic, Alabama Symphony, Green Bay Symphony, Charlotte Symphony, and the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra.

A dedicated teacher, Lupanu maintains an active teaching studio in Charlotte and has served as Lecturer in Strings at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro.

In 2016, Calin Lupanu and his wife, Monica Boboc, started Chamber Music for All, a series committed to providing highquality chamber music performances and educational opportunities, accessible to both younger audiences and experienced listeners. Chamber Music for All performs throughout the Charlotte region.

Mr. Lupanu plays a violin made by Pierre Silvestre in Lyon, France in 1857.

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 Laura Herrera† Tatiana Karpova Ellyn Stuart

VIOLAS

Benjamin Geller, Principal

The Zoe Bunten Merrillt Principal Viola Chair

Pin-Hao Liao

Assistant Principal

Ellen Ferdon Wenlong Huang Pedro Mendez Viara Stefanova Ning Zhao

CELLOS

Jon Lewis, Principal

The Kate Whitner McKay Principal Cello Chair

Allison Drenkow Assistant Principal

Marlene Ballena Jeremy Lamb Sarah Markle Nicco Mazziotto David Olson

DOUBLE BASSES

Jason McNeel, Acting Principal Judson Baines, Assistant Principal Jeffrey Ferdon Eric Thompson†

HARP

Andrea Mumm Trammell Principal The Dr. Billy Graham Chair

FLUTES

Victor Wang, Principal

The Blumenthal Foundation Chair

Amy Orsinger Whitehead Erinn Frechette

PICCOLO

Erinn Frechette

This roster lists the full-time members of the Charlotte Symphony. The number and seating of musicians on stage varies depending on the piece being performed. ° Non-revolving position °° Alternates between first and second violins † Acting member of the Charlotte Symphony ‡ Funded by The Symphony Guild of Charlotte, Inc. * On leave

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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

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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Nicco Mazziotto CELLO CSO Member since September 2025 HOMETOWN: Long Island, NY

Fun Facts • Nicco has been studying cello since the age of fourteen • He has performed at top festivals like Tanglewood and Music Academy of the West • Outside of music, Nicco enjoys playing chess, watching movies, keeping up with the NBA, and staying active

Program Notes by Ken Meltzer

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Johann Strauss II BORN: October 25, 1825 in Vienna, Austria DIED:

June 3, 1899 in Vienna, Austria

On the Beautiful Blue Danube

Waltzes, Opus 314 (1867)

PREMIERE: February 15, 1867 in Vienna Approximate performance time is 10 minutes.

BEHIND THE MUSIC Johann Strauss II composed his immortal On the Beautiful Blue Danube for the 1867 Carnival season. The work received its premiere in a February concert by the Vienna Men’s Choral Society.

That performance of The Blue Danube included a text by the Society’s official poet, Joseph Weyl, who attempted to make light of the Austrians’ defeat by the Prussians the previous year: “Viennese, be glad! Oho, why so?” The words no doubt undermined the ability to appreciate Strauss’s music, and the audience offered only a lukewarm response.

STRAUSS, BRAHMS, AND THE BLUE DANUBE

In response to a request by Strauss’s stepdaughter, Alice, to autograph her fan, Johannes Brahms sketched the opening bars of The Blue Danube and wrote below them: “Unfortunately, not

by Johannes Brahms.”

The Blue Danube was reintroduced a few months later in Paris, this time shorn of its problematic verse. The reaction was enthusiastic, and The Blue Danube quickly became one of Strauss’s most beloved compositions.

Strauss and Brahms

Program Notes (continued)

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Ernest Chausson BORN: January 20, 1855 in Paris, France DIED:

June 10, 1899 in Limay, France

Poème, for Violin and Orchestra Opus 25 (1896)

PREMIERE: December 27, 1896 at the Conservatoire in Nancy, France Approximate performance time is 16 minutes.

BEHIND THE MUSIC

WHILE YOU LISTEN

Chausson received the inspiration for his Poème from an episode in The Song of Triumphant Love (1881), a short story by the Russian author Ivan Turgenev. The tale is set in 16th-century Ferrara. Two childhood friends, the artist Fabio and musician Muzzio, fall in love with Valeria.

When Valeria’s mother chooses Fabio as her daughter’s husband, Muzzio sets off on a journey throughout the East.

Chausson composed the Poème for the great Belgian violinist, Eugène Ysaÿe, who performed the work’s premiere and was renowned for his passionate and artistic playing. Listen as Concertmaster Calin Ovidiu Lupanu captures those same qualities of expression and intensity in Chausson’s Poème.

Five years later, Muzzio returns to Ferrara and visits Valeria and Fabio at their home.

Playing on an exotic violin, Muzzio offers a series of melodies. The final one, which Muzzio first heard on the island of Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka), is “the song of happy, triumphant love.” Such fire, such triumphant bliss glowed and burned in this melody that Fabio and Valeria felt wrung to the heart, and tears came into their eyes.

Eugène Ysaÿe

Program Notes by Ken Meltzer

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Franz Liszt BORN: October 22, 1811 in Raiding, Hungary DIED:

July 31, 1886 in Bayreuth, Germany

Mephisto Waltz No. 1 for Orchestra

“The Dance in the Village Inn” (1861) Approximate performance time is 12 minutes.

BEHIND THE MUSIC

WHILE YOU LISTEN

Franz Liszt provided the following written scenario for his Mephisto Waltz No. 1, subtitled “Der Tanz in der Dorfschenke” (The Dance in the Village Inn), and inspired by poet Nikolaus Lenau’s Faust:

The bacchanal, Mephisto’s violin, and the nightingale’s song are all musically portrayed in Liszt’s brilliant score.

A marriage revel is in progress at the village inn. The night is clamorous with music and dancing and drunken laughter. Mephisto and Faust come upon the scene, and Faust is persuaded to join in the fun. The village fiddler, wearied and foxed with wine, plays indifferently; Mephisto snatches the violin from him and plays with such seductiveness that Faust, already under the spell of an unnaturally recovered youth, seizes upon an overblown village maiden, dances with her wildly, madly, yet enticingly, and in a few minutes has danced her out of the inn and into the woods. The music gradually becomes fainter, the nightingale sings his amorous song, and the rest is silence.

THE COMPOSER SPEAKS

“Music embodies feeling without forcing it to contend and combine with thought, as it is forced in most arts and especially in the art of words.” — Franz Liszt

Liszt at the Piano by Josef Danhauser

Program Notes (continued)

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Maurice Ravel BORN: March 7, 1875 in Ciboure, France DIED:

December 28, 1937 in Paris, France

Tzigane, Concert Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra (1924)

PREMIERE: April 26, 1924 at Aeolian Hall in London Approximate performance time is 10 minutes.

BEHIND THE MUSIC

WHILE YOU LISTEN

Maurice Ravel wrote his showpiece, Tzigane, Concert Rhapsody for Violin and Orchestra, for Jelly d’Arányi, grandniece of the legendary Austro-Hungarian violinist Joseph Joachim. After playing a concert in the spring of 1922, d’Arányi bewitched Ravel for several hours with numerous gypsy melodies. This experience provided Ravel with the initial inspiration for Tzigane (the French word for “Gypsy”).

• Tzigane is a single-movement work in two principal sections. The first is an extended, slow-tempo violin solo.

Ravel completed Tzigane only two days before the work’s scheduled premiere.

Despite the almost impossibly brief preparation time for a work violinist Hélène Jourdan-Morhange called “that violinists’ minefield,” d’Arányi gave the first performance in London as scheduled, on April 26, 1924.

• A mysterious passage for the soloist, harp, cymbals, and muted horns and strings leads to the second principal section, and the soloist’s introduction of a plaintive dance melody.

• The spirit of the dance continues throughout the remainder of the work, as Tzigane rushes headlong to its breathless conclusion.

Jelly d’Arányi

Program Notes (continued)

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Richard Strauss BORN: June 11, 1864 in Munich, Germany DIED: September 8, 1949 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany

Suite from Der Rosenkavalier Opus 59 (1911)

PREMIERE: January 26, 1911 at the Königliches Opernhaus in Dresden Approximate performance time is 22 minutes.

BEHIND THE MUSIC

WHILE YOU LISTEN

Richard Strauss’s opera Der Rosenkavalier takes place in Vienna during the reign of the Empress Maria Theresa. The Feldmarschallin, a woman of 32, is carrying on an affair with the 17-yearold Count Octavian Rofrano. The Marschallin’s boorish cousin, Baron Ochs von Lerchenau, pays a surprise visit to seek her aid in his impending marriage to Sophie, the young daughter of the bourgeois Herr von Faninal. The Baron enlists Octavian to deliver a silver rose to Sophie. When Octavian arrives, he and Sophie immediately fall in love. Octavian vows to defy Ochs and slightly wounds the Baron in a duel. In the final act, Ochs is tricked into abandoning his designs on Sophie. The Marschallin realizes her time with Octavian has reached its conclusion.

She graciously yields her lover to Sophie.

The sublime “Presentation of the Rose” from the opera’s second act features a magical combination of piccolo, flutes, harp, celesta, and solo violins, evoking the silver flower.

The orchestral Suite performed at this concert, possibly arranged by then-New York Philharmonic Music Director, Artur Rodziński, with the approval of Strauss, features excerpts from the opera score.

Strauss conducting, c. 1917

Program Notes (continued)

Hogarth’s The Countess’s Morning Levee (ca. 1744), which inspired the opera’s opening scene

Ernst Edler von Schuch conducting Der Rosenkavalier (1912), by Robert Sterl

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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 December 20, 2025.

BENEFACTOR CIRCLE $100,000+ Anonymous

Jacqueline B. Mars

Douglas Young

$50,000 – $99,999 The Fox Family

Jane & Hugh McColl*

$25,000 – $49,999 Joan & Mick Ankrom Ruth & Richard Ault Dr. Milton & Arlene Berkman Philanthropic Fund Judith & Mark Brodsky Catherine & Wilton Connor* Margarita & Nick Clements Roberta H. Cochran Jean & Dick Cornwell Susan Cybulski Linda & Bill Farthing Ralph S. Grier Maria & John Huson

Ginger Kelly Sally Gregory & Richard Krumdieck Betty P. & Jeffrey J. Lee Patrick J. O’Leary Sandra Levine Richard J. Osborne* Ann Rehkopf Pat Rodgers Carolyn Shaw Susan & John Shimp Andrea & Sean Smith Tara & Ken Walker

$15,000 – $24,999 Joye D. Blount & Jessie J. Knight Jr. Denise & Peter DeMaio Robin & Christoph Feddersen Laurie & Barry Guy Fran & Greg Hyde Tanya & Steve Makris DeDe & Alex McKinnon

Ulrike & Alex Miles Mica Post Oberkfell & Keith Oberkfell Debbie & Pat Phillips* Juliette & Walter Pryor Cameron & Stuart Sherrill Melinda & David Snyder

* The CSO recognizes donors of exceptional generosity whose cumulative giving exceeds $1 million with the designation of Music Director Society.

For more information, please contact Mary Nell Johnson at 704.714.5137

Annual Fund Supporters (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 Drs. Amy & Sidney Fletcher Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle Dr. Robert A. Gaines & Toni S. Burke Caren & Charles Gale Andrea & Todd Griffith Susan & Chris Kearney Robert H. Lee Leslie & Michael Marsicano Susan & Loy McKeithen* Elizabeth & Jay Monge Robert Norville Kathy & Paul Reichs Kelli & Michael Richardson Rosalind S. Richardson Sara Garcés Roselli & Dan Roselli Lindsay & Frank Schall Glenn Sherrill, Jr. in honor of Robin Branstrom Sherry & Thomas Skains Drs. Jennifer Sullivan & Matthew Sullivan Ann & Michael Tarwater Kelly & Neal Taub Jill & Kevin Walker Michael Waterford John Drew Witherington Lisa & Richard Worf

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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 & Phil Delk Mary Anne Dickson Dorne & Steve Eastwood Anne O’Byrne & David J.L. Fisk Joan & Parker Foley Carol & Ron Follmer Carrie & Jay Galloway Sarah & Frank Gentry Billy L. Gerhart, in memory of Judith Gerhart Lucia Zapata Griffith & Michael Griffith Janet M. Haack Reginald B. Henderson, Esq. Vivian & Robert Lamb Anna & Laszlo Littmann Lina & Enrique Lopez-Ibanez Stacie McGinn Susanne & Bill McGuire Paula & Paul McIntosh Courtney Reichs Mixon Emily & Nima Pirzadeh Judy & Derek Raghavan Anne Robinson Nancy & Charlie Robson Susie & Rick Schnall Laura A. & Michael J. Schulte Ylida & Bert Scott Mr. & Mrs. Harley F. Shuford, Jr. Nancy E. Simpson Erin & William Sparks Elizabeth Connor Stewart Chris & Jim Teat Nancy & Dick Thigpen Brienne Tinder Judith & Gary Toman Rocky & Curtis Trenkelbach Daniel Troy in Loving Memory of Kathleen Troy

Annual Fund Supporters (continued) $5,000 – $9,999 (continued) Molly & Chris Tull Susan & Paul Vadnais In Memory of Tess Verbesey Elizabeth & Stephan Willen Glenda Colman & Floyd Wisner Joan H. Zimmerman Abby & Albert Zue

$3,500 – $4,999 Dawn Beatty-Batten & Philipp J. Bischoff Jan & Bob Busch Posey & Mark Mealy Dick Metzler Holly & Jason Norvell Linda & Tony Pace Suan & Bob Salvin Teresa & Stuart Singer Emily & Zach Smith Dr. Mark R. Swanson Deborah J. Cox & Bob Szymkiewicz Karen & Edgar Whitener

$2,500 – $3,499 Harriet B. Barnhardt Georgia & Bill Belk Tiffany & Jason Bernd James Biddlecome in loving memory of Bernadette Zirkuli Biddlecome Lee & Alan Blumenthal Dr. & Mrs. O. Robert Boehm Frances & Herbert Browne Maggie Callen The Jack H. & Ruth C. Campbell Foundation Dr. William H. Carson Pauline & Bill Chinnis Brent Clevenger Amy & Alfred Dawson Cheryl DeMaio Peggy & Charles Dickerson Elizabeth Betty Eaton Lucy Quintilliano & Leonard Fumi Kara & Timothy Gallagher Melisa & Frank Galasso Katherine G. Hall Jennifer & Logan Henderson Megan & Brendan Hoffman

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Christy & Ben Hume Leigh & Watts Humphrey Peggy Hynes Shirley & Bob Ivey David S. Jacobson Christopher James Lees Meghan & Luis Lluberas Jim & Kathleen Lynch Dottie & Jim Martin Cynthia L. Caldwell & Richard I. McHenry Dee Dee McKay Carolyn & Sam McMahon Debbie Miller & Tim Black Susan D. Montgomery Janet & Peter Nixon Laura & Tom Parrott Laura Paschall & Brad Glaza Pamela Pearson & Charles Peach Dr. Reta R. Phifer Vincent Philips & Paul Pope Kathleen D. Prokay Lisa & Robert R. Rollins, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Mahesh Sardesai Jane Perry Shoemaker Peggy & Pope Shuford Patricia & Morris Spearman Ken Spielfogel & Richard Withem Maxine & Robert Stein Dottie Stowe in loving memory of Dickson Stowe Kelly Zellars & James H. Trexler Jenny & Ken Tolson Drs. Iris Cheng & Daniel Uri Sandy & Greg Vlahos Deborra Wood & Russell Propst Barbara Yarbrough

Annual Fund Supporters (continued) PATRON CIRCLE $1,500 – $2,499 Anonymous Sharon Baker & Peter Moore Merilyn & Craig Baldwin Katie & Morgan Beggs Barrie & Mark Benson Donald H. & Barbara K. Bernstein Sallie & Derick Close Dr. & Mrs. Mark Couture Jean E. Davis & Robert Metzger Dr. Kandi & Gary Deitemeyer Martin Ericson, Jr. Karen Gunther Angela M. & Michael D. Helms Joan Irwin Martha D. Jones Helen & Gene Katz Ginger Kemp Mary & Michael Lamach Lucinda Nisbet Lucas Dr. & Mrs. Randolph Mahnesmith Anna Marriott Tammy & Steve Matula Louise & Gary McCrorie Cricket Weston & David Molinaro Greater Golf Express Dr. John & Susan Rae Brendan Reen Michelle Richards Anne & Mark Riechmann Donald Schmidt Dr. Stephen P. Schultz & Donna Dutton Katy & Raleigh Shoemaker Rebecca & Eric Smith Marsha & Robert L. Stickler Jean M. Summerville Tillie S. Tice Henry Ward Grant Webb Pam West Bryan Wilhelm Deems Wilson

$1,000 – $1,499 Anonymous (3) Mariam Abdul Hamid & Ferd Davis Michele & Ross Annable Larry Anderson

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JWD Atchison Dianne & Brian Bailey Elsie & William Barnhardt Ms. Helen Fowler & Mr. Lincoln A. Baxter Emerson Bell Shirley W. Benfield Samuel Blackmon Sara & Ethan Blumenthal Jodie & Erik Bowen In Memory of Kyden Justice Brown Jane & Larry Cain Amanda & Kevin Chheda Rebecca & D. Mark Cody Ann Thomas Colley Dorothy & Mike Connor Dr. & Mrs. Charles E. Cook Dr. Kilian Cooley Kathleen Goldammer-Copeland & Mark Copeland Ann F. Copeland Larry J. Dagenhart Heather & Gray Dyer Judy & Bob Erb Heather & Thomas Finke Kate & Trae Fletcher Karen Geiger Jenn & Taylor Gherardi Carol & Joseph Gigler Audean & Berkley Godehn William & Patricia Gorelick Family Foundation Judith Greene Joyce & Ed Hamilton Anne J. Henderson Juliet & Brian Hirsch Linda & Paul Ibsen Jennie & Don Johnson Lea & Stuart Johnson Priscilla & Michael Johnson Dr. Valerie Kinloch & Mr. Thomas A’Hearn Joan Kirschner Marilyn Kroll Holly & Christopher Maurer Anna & John McCoy Arrington Mixon Joan Morgan Sue Lin Tan & Rama Narayanan Eleanor W. Neal Mr. & Mrs. E. O. Oakley Caroline Olzinski Patricia & James Petillo Catherine Philpott Dr. William G. Porter Susanne & Mark Rascio Family

Annual Fund Supporters (continued) Joan Rasmussen & Morry Alter Jennifer & Manley Roberts Rita & Thomas Robinson Elizabeth & Robert Rostan Anjan Shah Sandra Shuster Birte & Roman Streitberger Scott Smith Tamara & Cassiel Smith Alice & Al Sudduth Ann & Wellford Tabor Annette & Eric Telljohann Catherine Thompson Libby & Vint Tilson Tim Timson Sarah S. Tull Maureen Turner Emily & Jeff Vaughan Dr. & Mrs. Bill Chu & Jin Wang Rebecca Waters Linda & Craig Weisbruch Peter White Jennie & Ry Winston Lauren Wooden Velva W. Woollen Sandy & John Yakob

$500 – $999 Anonymous (2) Lynda & Doug Abel Daphne A. Banks Cathy & Bob Becker Natasha A. Bechtler Dr. John L. Bennett & Mr. Eric T. Johnson Mary Ann & Timothy Beranek Patricia Bialecki Andrea & Alexander Bierce Jeffrey Boghosian Marilyn & Herb Bonkovsky James Broadstone Nelle & Ken Brown Aram Kim Bryan Mary Lou & Greg Cagle Jennifer & Daniel Callahan Nan & Brooks Carey Janelle & Todd Collins Thomas E. Collins, Jr. Jack Cook In Loving Memory of Ruth Jernigan Gaither & Robert Deaton Dr. Roy E. DeMeo, Jr. & Ms. Linda A. Evanko Margaret & George Dewey Diane & Doug Doak C. Thomas Fennimore & Gail H. Fennimore Lucinda & Harvey Gantt Dr. John & Eileen Gardella Dr. & Mrs. Richard Gellar

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Stacy & Pete Gherardi Cyndy & Larry Goodgame Linda & Dan Gordon Cynthia Greenlee Gloria Gunst Johanne & Patrick Hawk Dr. & Mrs. Michael D. Heafner Maria Felisa San Andres & Stefan Heinzelmann Ms. Yvonne DeBeauville & Mr. Roger Hill Susan Keeble John J. Kelly, Jr. Mary & Steven Kesselman Nancy H. Kiser Michael Kitchen & Associates, LLC George W. & Constance C. Knight Linda & Norman Kramer Maria Kurtz Jonathan Lamb Barbara & Jerome Levin John J. Locke Katherine & Mark Love Dr. & Mrs. William W. MacDonald Allison Malter Rosemarie Marshall & Lee Wilkins Paula Goolkasian & Francis Martin Wendy & Ed Matthews Jill Maxwell Rob Roy McGregor Constance & Kiran Mehta Amanda & Matthew Molbert Sally Staub Moore Jennifer & Michael Neurohr Mary Newsom Dr. & Mrs. Paul Nitsch Nancy Olah & Bill Pace Ynez Olshausen Gwen Peterson & Tom Hodge Janet & Rick Pfeiffer Moira Quinn Sabine & Haywood Rankin Emily & Brian Reinicker Joan & Albert Rodgers Margaret Rogers & John R. Willis Betty & Bill Seifert Michael Silverman Dr. & Mrs. Henry L. Smith II Scott Smith Julia J. Souther Tara & Joseph Spil Jennifer & Philip Stafford Mary & Bill Staton Kathryn Stewart, MD, MPH Susan & Jet Taylor Molly & Chris Tull Melanie & James Twyne Signature Web Design Lyman Welton Karen & Charles Wolff Judith Wood

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† Rosemary Blanchard† Twig & Barbara Branch Saul Brenner Mike & Joan Brown† Mrs. Joan & George Bruns† Jan & Bob Busch Dr. Helen G. Cappleman, Ph.D.† Jim Cochran† & Robin Cochran Catherine & Wilton Connor Charles & Peggy Dickerson Martin Ericson, Jr. Linda & Bill Farthing David J.L. Fisk & Anne P. O’Byrne Sylvia T. Forsythe† Dorris H. Goodyear† Peter & Ann† Guild William G. & Marguerite K. Huey Fund Dr. Nish Jamgotch, Jr.† Betty & Stanley Livingstone†

Lucille F. & Edwin L. Jones Endowment for the Arts Polly & Don Kellam† Jim Martin Paula & Paul McIntosh Nellie McCrory† M. Marie Mitchell† Cricket Weston & David Molinaro Joan & Richard Morgan Francis A. Mueller† Don C. Niehus Eva Nove Richard J. Osborne Gwen Peterson & Tom Hodge Gilbert Pirovano† James Y. Preston† Mrs. Clayton (Dusty) Pritchett Ann & Fritz† Rehkopf Elizabeth Waring Reinhard Nancy W. Rutledge Mike Rutledge Harriet Seabrook Mr. & Mrs. William Seifert Morris & Patricia Spearman Bob & Maxine Stein Dr. Ben C. Taylor III Mr. & Mrs. Hans Teich† Cordelia G. & Dr. Chandler† Thompson Tim Timson Jenny & Ken Tolson Ms. Deborra Wood & Mr. Russell Propst

† 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 Averill, Johanna, & Lauren Harkey · Carol & Bill Lorenz · Leslie & Michael Marsicano Virginia & Chan Martin · DeDe & Alex McKinnon · Posey & Mark Mealy · Wanda & Steve Phifer · Ridgely & John Phillips · Dale & Larry Polsky Judy & Derek Raghavan · Shannon & Eric Reichard · Sara & Daniel Roselli · Lori & Eric Sklut Emily & Zach Smith · Melinda & David Snyder · Dr. John A. Thompson, Jr. & Dr. Lee Rocamora Jill & Kevin Walker · Jim Worrell

$5,000 - $9,999 Brian S. Cromwell · Toni Burke & Bob Gaines · Sarah & Frank Gentry · Carol & Joseph Gigler Lucinda Nisbet Lucas · Dee Dee & William Maxwell · Melissa & Dennis McCrory Cyndee Patterson · Betty & William Seifert · Peggy & Pope Shuford · Nancy E. Simpson Drs. Jennifer & Matthew Sullivan · Mary Claire & Dan Wall · Martha Ann & Craig Wardlaw

Corporate Partners We are grateful for the following outstanding corporate funders:

For more information, please contact Tara Spil at 704.714.5138.

page 26

Government & Foundations

page 27

We are grateful for the following outstanding foundation and government funders:

Anonymous Robert Haywood Morrison Foundation

Dowd Foundation, Inc. The Trexler Foundation

The Dickson Foundation Cole Foundation

Maurer Family Foundation Triad Foundation Barnhardt/Thomas Trust The George W. & Ruth R. Baxter Foundation The Blumenthal Foundation The Charlotte Assembly Minor Foundation, Inc Music Performance Trust Fund The Mary Norris Preyer Fund For more information, please contact Tara Spil at 704.714.5138.

Leadership

page 28

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 Matthew Spanjers Jennifer Sullivan Brienne Tinder* Andrea Mumm Trammell* Ken Walker *ex-officio

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Linda McFarland Farthing, Chair Francisco & Jeannette Alvarado Paul Anderson Ruth & Richard Ault Rachel Gogal Badillo Arlene & Milton Berkman Mary & Charles Bowman Frank Bragg Robin & Bill Branstrom Paige & Steve Burgess Dr. William Charles & Dr. Cynthia Nortey Derick & Sallie Close Robin Cochran Catherine & Wilton Connor Jeanie & T. Thomas Cottingham III Brian Cromwell Susan Cybulski Marcia & Jason Daily Alessandra & Pasquale De Martino Alvaro & Donna de Molina Peggy & Richard Dreher Lisa Hudson Evans ​​​​​​​Bill Farthing Karen Fox Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle Ralph S. Grier Laurie Guy Janet Haack Reginald B. Henderson, Esq. Mark & Whitney Jerrell Jeff Lee Dee & 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 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)

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

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 Marsh

Assistant Music Librarian

Ana Faithe Allen

Operations Coordinator

John Jarrell

Stage Manager

Byron Johns

Senior Stage Technician

Ross Jarrell

Stage Techician

DEVELOPMENT Shayne Doty

Vice President of Development

Richard Riedl

Associate Vice President of Development

Mary Nell Johnson

Senior Director of Individual Giving

Tara Spil

Director of Corporate & Institutional Giving

Tammy Matula

Director of Development Services

Josh Bottoms

Manager of Corporate & Institutional Giving

Jennifer Gherardi

Manager of Development Services & Events

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 Cole

Patron Experience Manager

Garrett Whiffen Ticketing Manager

Upcoming Concerts The Music of Motown Jan 23 & 24 KNIGHT THEATER Groove to the irresistible rhythms of Motown with hits by Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and more.

ONE-HOUR FAMILY CONCERT

The Orchestra Games Jan 24 KNIGHT THEATER Get into the Olympic spirit early as the Orchestra competes in musical events of their own.

Prokofiev & Schumann Jan 30 – Feb 1 KNIGHT THEATER Prokofiev’s most thrilling piano concerto comes alive with soloist Ran Dank.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! charlottesymphony.org · 704.972.2000