June
June
June 22
June
Welcome!
For 42 years, Summer Pops has been a cherished Charlotte tradition — and one of the Charlotte Symphony’s favorite ways to share music with you. There’s something uniquely joyful about gathering under the open sky at Symphony Park, surrounded by friends, family, and neighbors, as our musicians fill the summer air with unforgettable music.
Thanks to the generous support of Novant Health, this beloved series allows us to kick off the season in style — outdoors, with the full orchestra, in one of our city’s beautiful green spaces. And it’s just the beginning of where we’ll be this summer. Through CSO Roadshow and performances in parks across the region, we’re committed to bringing music to more people, in more neighborhoods, reaching audiences where they live, gather, and connect.
I invite you to visit charlottesymphony.org to see what’s coming up this summer and to get a first look at the exciting season we have planned for the fall.
It’s your support that makes all of this possible. As we close out our season, please consider making a gift to the Charlotte Symphony Annual Fund before June 30 to help sustain our work — onstage and in the community. You can give easily by visiting our website and clicking the donate button.
Thank you for spending your summer evening with us! We’re so glad you’re here.
David Fisk President & CEO
Official Weather Partner of Summer Pops
prelude performace
)
hosted by Phil Vavra (WDAV 89.9 fm
Josh Daniel
Classical’s Greatest Hits
Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 8:15 pm
Symphony Park at SouthPark
Christopher James Lees , conductor
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67
I. Allegro con brio
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF
Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
JEAN SIBELIUS
Finlandia, Op. 26, No. 7
PIOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY
Suite from Swan Lake, Op. 20a
I. Scène
II. Valse
V. Czárdás (Hungarian Dance)
ANTONÍN DVOŘÁK
Symphony No. 8 in G major, Op.88
IV. Allegro ma non troppo
DUKE ELLINGTON (arr. Hermann)
Duke Ellington Fantasy
featuring members of the Charlotte Youth Symphony
hosted by
John Carter (WBTV)
Tim Scott, Jr.
Best of Broadway
Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 8:15 pm
Symphony Park at SouthPark
Christopher James Lees , conductor
Susie Pepper, vocalist
MARVIN HAMLISCH (arr. Lowden)
A Chorus Line
JERRY BOCK (arr. Hearshen)
Symphonic Dances from Fiddler on the Roof
ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER (arr. Custer)
Selections from The Phantom of the Opera
JOHN HAROLD KANDER (arr. McKibbins)
“All That Jazz” fom Chicago
CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG (arr. Krogstad)
“I Dreamed A Dream” from Les Misérables
STEPHEN SCHWARTZ (arr. Ricketts)
Highlights from Wicked
BENJ PASEK
“Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN (arr. Bennett)
The Sound of Music, Selections for Orchestra
MEREDITH WILLSON (arr. Ricketts)
“Seventy-Six Trombones” from The Music Man
hosted by Arturo Uzcátegui
prelude performace
d.a.l.i.a.
Latin Sounds
Sunday, June 22, 2025 at 8:15 pm
Symphony Park at SouthPark
Christopher James Lees , conductor
ARTURO MÁRQUEZ
Conga del fuego nuevo
ALBERTO GINASTERA
Four Dances from Estancia: Malambo
MAURICE RAVEL
Excerpt from Boléro
ASTOR PIAZZOLLA (arr. Marturet)
Adiós Nonino
GEORGES BIZET (arr. Hoffman)
Music from Carmen, Suites No. 1 & 2
Prélude
Aragonaise
Habanera
Danse Bohème
Les Toréadors
ZEQUINHA DE ABREU (arr. Colnot)
Tico-Tico no Fubá
ARTURO MÁRQUEZ
Danzón No. 2
hosted by
prelude performace
Bluegrass Allstars
Fireworks performed by PYRO SHOWS
Lisa Villegas (WBTV)
Charlotte
Celebrate America
Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 8:15 pm
Symphony Park at SouthPark
Christopher James Lees , conductor
JOHN STAFFORD SMITH (arr. Damrosch)
“The Star-Spangled Banner”
VARIOUS (arr. Gary Fry)
U.S. Armed Forces Medley
D.W. REEVES (arr. Anderson)
Second Regimental Connecticut National Guard March
JOHN WILLIAMS (arr. Custer)
Summon the Heroes
TERRY MIZESKO
“Appalachian Lament” from Highland Suite
LEONARD BERNSTEIN (arr. Peress)
Overture to West Side Story
JAMES P. JOHNSON (arr. Rimelis & Hersh)
Charleston
FLORENCE PRICE (orch. Jones)
Adoration
JOHN PHILIP SOUSA
“Powhatan’s Daughter March”
“Federal March”
“The Stars and Stripes Forever” (arr. Brion & Schissel)
Christopher James Lees resident conductor
Emerging American conductor Christopher James Lees brings passionate and nuanced orchestral performances to the stage, a fierce commitment to contemporary music, and a natural charisma to audiences all around the world.
Since 2018, Mr. Lees has served as Resident Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and Principal Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra. In addition to the more than 70 annual concert appearances with the CSO, he has annually stepped in to conduct Subscription Classical performances, including two Gala concerts with legendary artists and Grammy Award-winners Branford Marsalis and Rhiannon Giddens, respectively.
An active guest conductor, Mr. 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, Mr. 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, Mr. 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, Mr. Lees was named Music Director of the Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra in 2023.
After two summers of study with Robert Spano at the Aspen Music Festival, Mr. Lees was named winner of both the 2011 James Conlon Conducting Prize and the 2012 Aspen Conducting Prizes, respectively. In 2013, Mr. Lees returned for a third summer as assistant conductor for the Aspen Music Festival and School.
An active pianist, and equally comfortable in the opera pit, Mr. Lees has served as Music Director or Assistant Conductor for a wide array of operas: Verdi’s Aida (Atlanta Symphony), Britten’s Peter Grimes, and John Harbison's The Great Gatsby (Aspen Opera Theatre Center), Louis Andriessen's De Materie and Philip Glass' the CIVIL warS (Los Angeles Philharmonic), Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Mark Adamo's Little Women (University of Michigan Opera Theatre), and Nino Rota’s Il Capello di paglia di Firenze (AJ Fletcher Opera Institute).
A recipient of a Career Assistance Grant from the Solti Foundation US, Mr. Lees was also chosen for showcase on the Bruno Walter Memorial Foundation National Conductor Preview, hosted by the League of American Orchestras and Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
A dedicated advocate for music of our time, Mr. 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. An equally passionate advocate for music education, Mr. Lees has brought inspirational energy to student orchestras across the country, leading ensembles from the Colburn School, the Shepherd School at Rice University, and at the New England and Oberlin Conservatories.
A native of Washington, D.C., Mr. Lees holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan, and has studied conducting with both Larry Rachleff and Robert Spano, as well as having participated in masterclasses with Lorin Maazel, Michael Tilson Thomas, Gustav Meier, and Jorma Panula.
When not performing, Mr. Lees can be found riding roller coasters with his nine-year-old son, reading through the stack of books by his nightstand, or training for his next World Majors marathon.
Susie Pepper
vocalist - Best of Broadway
Susie is a seasoned professional singer with over 20 years of experience captivating audiences across a wide range of venues. As the lead vocalist of the band Mixology from 2008 to 2024, Susie had the opportunity to perform in diverse settings, creating unforgettable musical moments. In 2009, she was crowned Miss Maine and went on to compete at The Miss America Pageant in 2010, where she earned multiple vocal talent awards.
Throughout her career, Susie has enjoyed performing with a variety of musical groups, with a special fondness for being part of the Classic Rock Orchestra — a truly unique and exhilarating show. She has also collaborated with renowned symphony orchestras, including the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Jackson Symphony Orchestra, and South Carolina’s Rock Hill Symphony, among others. Some of her most memorable performances include the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s Magic of Christmas concerts in 2014, 2017, and 2023, as well as singing the iconic song “Let It Go” 32 times with various orchestras.
In addition to her extensive musical engagements, Susie made an appearance on FOX’s hit show I Can See Your Voice (Season 3, Episode 8) alongside her twin sister, Ali. Check it out on HULU! Susie and Ali also formed their own band, based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Singing with her twin is a dream come true and provides material for their hit podcast, Diaries of a Wedding Singer, available on all major platforms.
Originally from Maine, Susie relocated to the sunny south in 2021, where she continues her musical career while homeschooling her four kids, DIYing everything in sight, driving her husband crazy, and, of course, sweating through the heat. Aliandsusieband.com · Instagram
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 130,000 music lovers.
The 2024-25 season marks a transformative era under the dynamic leadership of newly appointed Music Director Kwamé Ryan. With 65 full-time musicians, the Symphony performs throughout the community in a variety of venues, from the Belk and Knight theaters to parks, breweries, community centers, schools, senior care centers, and places of worship. With its new mobile stage, CSO Roadshow, the Symphony extends its reach directly into neighborhoods, bringing live music to communities across the region.
Engaging with more than 10,000 students each year, the Charlotte Symphony nurtures the next generation of musicians and music lovers through its four diverse youth orchestras, in-school education programs, instrument coaching, and Project Harmony — which offers free after-school lessons in music and life skills to over 200 students in under-resourced areas.
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 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 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
Christopher James Lees
Resident Conductor
Christopher Warren-Green Conductor Laureate
2024 · 2025 MUSICIAN ROSTER
FIRST VIOLINS
Calin Ovidiu Lupanu, Concertmaster
The Catherine & Wilton Connor Chair
Joseph Meyer,* Associate Concertmaster
Kari Giles, Acting Associate Concertmaster
Dustin Wilkes-Kim,
Acting Assistant Concertmaster
Susan Blumberg°°
Jane Hart Brendle
Cynthia Burton
Ayako Gamo
David Horak†
Lenora Leggatt
Jenny Topilow
Angela Watson†
Hanna Zhdan
SECOND VIOLINS
Oliver Kot, Principal
The Wolfgang Roth Chair
Kathleen Jarrell, Assistant Principal
The Pepsi-Cola Foundation of Charlotte Chair
Carlos Tarazona°
Monica Boboc
Martha Geissler
Sakira Harley
Tatiana Karpova
Ellyn Stuart
VIOLAS
Benjamin Geller, Principal
The Zoe Bunten Merrill Principal Viola Chair
Kirsten Swanson†
Acting Assistant Principal
Matthew Darsey†
Ellen Ferdon
Wenlong Huang
Viara Stefanova
Ning Zhao
CELLOS
Jon Lewis, Principal
The Kate Whitner McKay Principal Cello Chair
Allison Drenkow, Assistant Principal
Marlene Ballena
Jeremy Lamb
Norbert Lewandowski†
Sarah Markle
Oksana McCarthy†
DOUBLE BASSES
Jason McNeel, Acting Principal
Judson Baines, Assistant Principal
Justin Cheesman†
Jeffrey Ferdon
° 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
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.
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
OBOES
Timothy Swanson, Principal
The Leo B. Driehuys Chair‡
Erica Cice
Jamison Hillian†
Terry Maskin*
ENGLISH HORN
Erica Cice
CLARINETS
Taylor Marino, Principal
The Gary H. & Carolyn M. Bechtel Chair
Samuel Sparrow
Allan Rosenfeld
E ♭ CLARINET
Samuel Sparrow
BASS CLARINET
Allan Rosenfeld
BASSOONS
AJ Neubert, Principal
Joshua Hood
Nicholas Ritter
CONTRABASSOON
Nicholas Ritter
HORNS
Byron Johns, Principal
The Mr. & Mrs. William H. Van Every Chair
Andrew Fierova
Bradley Burford
The Robert E. Rydel, Jr. Third Horn Chair
Richard Goldfaden
Paige Quillen
TRUMPETS
Alex Wilborn, Principal
The Betty J. Livingstone Chair
Jonathan Kaplan*
Peter Stammer†
Gabriel Slesinger, 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
TIMPANI
Jacob Lipham, Principal
The Robert Haywood Morrison Chair
PERCUSSION
Brice Burton, Principal
The CSO is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.
Charlotte Youth Symphony
Ian Passmore, interim conductor
FIRST VIOLINS
Evelyn Tjahjadi
Erin Hadiwidjaja
Nathan Butler
Aliya Ling
Chloe Dai
SECOND VIOLINS
Susan Carroll
Joyce Wang
Noel Fang
Amisha Bharti
Elina Tackson
Will Peterson
VIOLAS
Caroline Palmer
Darsh Goeska
Kieran Lee
CELLOS
Lars Kaijser-Bots
Shwetanshu Chakraborthy
DOUBLE BASSES
Evan Thompson
Agastya Kumar
FLUTES
Yusuf Davis
Natsuko Peterman
Aubry Wilhelm
Sadie Mitchell
CLARINETS
Indira Ha
Hanna Choi
Stella Taub
BASSOONS
Randy Mayo Rodriguez
Akosua Mensah
Joshua Metzl
HORN
Carter McConnell
TRUMPETS
Dylan Wroth
Levi Cook
TROMBONES
Leon Baiye
Bram Comer
Daniel Paulauskas
PERCUSSION
Mark Li
HARP
Ella Higham
The Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras experience provides extraordinary music education in pursuit of musical excellence. The programs aim to inspire in our students a strong sense of character, discipline, commitment, and community.
The ensembles are inclusive, diverse, and accessible to all students, regardless of financial resources. High-quality ensemble training is led by Charlotte Symphony Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees, Youth Camerata conductor Ian Passmore, Youth Philharmonic Co-Conductors Katie Ebert and Eric Thompson, Youth Ensemble Conductor Eric Thompson, and professional Charlotte Symphony musicians, who provide a nurturing environment through which young musicians create lasting bonds in music and friendship.
We offer regular performance opportunities throughout the city, including the Belk and Knight Theaters; plus, access to the Charlotte Symphony’s renowned Music Director, Kwamé Ryan, and international visiting artists, such as Joshua Bell.
We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Annual Fund. This list reflects gifts received between July 1, 2023 through June 1, 2025.
BENEFACTOR CIRCLE
$100,000+
Anonymous Mrs. Jacqueline B. Mars
$50,000 – $99,999
The Fox Family
Jane & Hugh McColl* Douglas Young
$25,000 – $49,999
Anonymous
Joan & Mick Ankrom
Ruth & Richard Ault
Dr. Milton & Arlene Berkman Philanthropic Fund
Judith & Mark Brodsky
Margarita & Nick Clements
Roberta H. Cochran
Catherine & Wilton Connor*
Jean & Dick Cornwell
Susan Cybulski
Linda & Bill Farthing
Ralph S. Grier
Maria & John Huson
Ginger Kelly
Richard Krumdieck & Sally Gregory
Patrick J. O’Leary
Richard J. Osborne*
Debbie & Pat Phillips*
Kathy & Paul Reichs
Pat Rodgers
Carolyn Shaw
Andrea & Sean Smith
Melinda & David Snyder
Ken & Tara Walker
$15,000 – $24,999
Anonymous (2)
Joye D. Blount & Jessie J. Knight Jr.
Nicola & Emanuel Clark
Denise & Peter DeMaio
Robin & Christoph Feddersen
Fran & Greg Hyde
Sandra Levine
Tanya & Steve Makris
DeDe & Alex McKinnon
Ulrike & Alex Miles
Keith Oberkfell & Mica Post Oberkfell
Juliette & Walter Pryor
Judy & Derek Raghavan
Lindsay & Frank Schall
Kelly & Neal Taub
$10,000 – $14,999
Anonymous (2)
Katharine & Frank Bragg
Mr. & Mrs. R. Alfred Brand III
Lynne & Colby Cathey
Jeanie & Tom Cottingham
Donna & Alvaro de Molina
Peggy & Richard Dreher
Lisa & Carlos Evans
Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle
Janet M. Haack
Betty P. & Jeffrey J. Lee
In Loving Memory of Lopez-Ibanez from Lina & Enrique Lopez-Ibanez
Leslie & Michael Marsicano
Elizabeth & Jay Monge
Robert Norville
Kelli & Michael Richardson
Rosalind S. Richardson
Sara Garcés Roselli & Dan Roselli
Sherry & Thomas Skains
Drs. Jennifer Sullivan & Matthew Sullivan
Ann & Michael Tarwater
Jill & Kevin Walker
Michael Waterford
Andromeda & John Williams
Lisa & Richard Worf
* The CSO recognizes donors of exceptional generosity whose cumulative giving exceeds $1 million with the designation of Music Director Society.
VIRTUOSO CIRCLE
$5,000 – $9,999
Wedge & Debbie Abels
Howard P. Adams & Carol B. McPhee
Jeannette & Francisco Alvarado
Paul & Kristen Anderson
The Charlotte Assembly Tiffany & Jason Bernd
Mr. James Biddlecome, In Loving Memory of Bernadette Zirkuli Biddlecome
Si & Michael Blake
Krisha & Andy Blanchard
Mary & Charles Bowman
Barbara & Twig Branch
Robin & William Branstrom
Shirley & Michael Butterworth
Dr. William J. Charles & Dr. Cynthia Nortey
Glenda Colman & Floyd Wisner
Morgan & Brian Cromwell
Elizabeth & Christopher Daly in Memory of Betty Haggerty
Mary Anne Dickson
David J.L. Fisk & Anne O’Byrne
William & Patricia Gorelick
Family Foundation
Sidney & Amy Fletcher
Joan & Parker Foley
Carol & Ron Follmer
Dr. Robert A. Gaines & Toni Burke
Caren & Charles Gale
Sarah & Frank Gentry
Laura & Marshall Gilchrist
Laurie & Barry Guy
Leigh & Watts Humphrey
The Jenny Lillian Semans Koortbojian Trust in honor of Sally Trent Harris
Vivian & Robert Lamb
Anna & Lazlo Littmann
Susanne & Bill McGuire
Paula & Paul McIntosh
Susan & Loy McKeithen*
Carolyn & Sam McMahon
Chuck Miller & Marcy Thailer
Vincent Phillips & Paul Pope
Kim & Torsten Pilz
Emily & Nima Pirzadeh
Ann & Fritz Rehkopf
Laura & Michael Schulte
Ylida & Bert Scott
Mr. & Mrs. Harley F. Shuford, Jr.
Emily & Zack Smith
Erin & William Sparks
Chris & Jim Teat
Brienne Tinder & Thomas Lervik
Judith & Gary Toman
Mr. Herbert Verbesey In Memory of Tess Verbesey
Joan H. Zimmerman
Abby & Albert Zue
$3,500 – $4,999
Anonymous
Phillip J. Bischoff & Dawn Beatty-Batten
Andrea & Alexander Bierce
Si and Michael Blake
Jan & Bob Busch
Mary & Phil Delk
Pat English & Clay Furches
Reginald B. Henderson, Esq.
Dick Metzler
Holly & Jason Norvell
Linda & Tony Pace
Dr. Mark R. Swanson
Susan & Paul Vadnais
Karen & Edgar Whitener
$2,500 – $3,499
Anonymous
Harriet B. Barnhardt
Bill & Georgia Belk
Lee & Alan Blumenthal
Dr. & Mrs. O. Robert Boehm
Frances & Herbert Browne
The Jack H. & Ruth C. Campbell Foundation
Dr. William H. Carson
Brent Clevenger
Ann Thomas Colley
Dorothy & Mike Connor
Deborah J. Cox & Bob Szymkiewicz
Amy & Alfred Dawson
Peter De Arcangelis
Cheryl DeMaio
Peggy & Charles Dickerson
Elizabeth Betty Eaton
Melisa & Frank Galasso
Kara & Timothy Gallagher
Billy L. Gerhart in memory of Judith Gerhart
Heather & Kevin Gottehrer
Andrea & Todd Griffith
Katherine G. Hall
Ivan Hinrichs
Megan & Brendan Hoffman
Christy & Ben Hume
Peggy & Jim Hynes
Shirley & Bob Ivey
David S. Jacobson
Martha & Bruce Karsh
Dr. & Mrs. Christ A. Koconis
Meghan & Luis Lluberas
James Lynch
Dottie & Jim Martin
Rob Roy McGregor
Richard I. McHenry & Cynthia L. Caldwell
Dee Dee McKay
Posey & Mark Mealy
Debbie Miller & Tim Black
$2,500 – $3,499 (continued)
Susan D. Montgomery
Pamela Pearson & Charles Peach
Dr. Reta R. Phifer
Kathleen D. Prokay
Lucy Quintilliano & Leonard Fumi
Lisa & Robert R. Rollins, Jr.
Mahesh Sardesai
Suzy & Robert Schulman
Glenn Sherrill, Jr. In Honor of Robin Branstrom
Jane Perry Shoemaker
Peggy & Pope Shuford
Nancy E. Simpson
Hazel & Murray Somerville
Patricia & Morris Spearman
Ken Spielfogel & Richard Withem
Aleca & Joseph Stamey
Maxine & Robert Stein
Dottie Stowe in Loving Memory of Dickson Stowe
Dr. John A. Thompson, Jr. & Dr. Lee Rocamora
Jenny & Ken Tolson
Mindy & Don Upton
Mary Claire & Dan Wall
Deborra Wood & Russell Propst
PATRON CIRCLE
$1,500 – $2,499
Anonymous
Marcia Adams
Sharon Baker & Peter Moore
Merilyn & Craig Baldwin
Katie & Morgan Beggs
Drs. Iris Cheng & Daniel Uri
Rebecca & D. Mark Cody
Jean E. Davis & Robert A. Metzger
Dr. Kandi & Gary Deitemeyer
Martin Ericson, Jr.
Karen Geiger
Jenn & Taylor Gherardi
Carol & Joseph Gigler
Brad Glaza & Laura Paschall
Judith Greene
Karen Gunther
Angela M. & Michael D. Helms
Maureen & Daniel Haggstrom
Martha D. Jones
Helen & Gene Katz
Ginger Kemp
Michael Lamach
Dr. & Mrs. Randolph Mahnesmith
Anna Marriott
Rosemarie Marshall & Lee Wilkins
Tammy & Steve Matula
Louise & Gary McCrorie
Sally Staub Moore
Janet & Peter Nixon
Caroline Olzinski
Helen & Arvind Patil
Jeanine & Naeem Qasim
Dr. John & Susan Rae
Anne & Mark Riechmann
Brendan Reen
Audrey & Donald Schmidt
Dr. Stephen P. Schultz & Donna Dutton
Anjan Shah
Katy & Raleigh Shoemaker
Rebecca & Eric Smith
Patricia & Morris Spearman
Jean Summerville
Tillie S. Tice
James H. Trexler & Kelly Zellars
Vera Watson
Grant Webb
Linda & Craig Weisbruch
Pam West
Cricket Weston & David Molinaro
Bryan Wilhelm
Elizabeth & Stephan Willen
Deems Wilson
Barbara Yarbrough
$1,000 – $1,499
Anonymous (5)
Amanda Albrecht - The Albrecht Family Fund
Michele & Ross Annable
Marc Aspesi & Paulette Isoldi
JWD Atchison
Dianne & Brian Bailey
Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln A. Baxter
Katherine & John Beltz
Shirley W. Benfield
Donald H. & Barbara K. Bernstein
Family Foundation
Sam Blackmon
Ethan Blumenthal & Sara Kidd
Marilyn & Herb Bonkovsky
Jodie & Erik Bowen
Khary Brown
In Memory of Kyden Justice Brown
Jane & Larry Cain
Amanda & Kevin Chheda
Dr. & Mrs. Bill Chu & Jin Wang
John Colton
Dorothy & Mike Connor
Dr. Kilian Cooley
Ann F. Copeland
Kathleen Goldammer-Copeland & Mark Copeland
Dr. & Mrs. Mark Couture
Larry J. Dagenhart
Annual Fund Supporters
Gwin
Judy
Dr.
Sabine
Anonymous (5)
Judith Wood
Sandy
Broadstone
Nelle & Ken Brown
Aram & Scott Bryan
Angie & Howard Bush
Mary Lou & Greg Cagle
Barbara F. Caine
Catherine P. Carstarphen
Dr. W. Gerald Cochran & Mr. Timothy D. Gudger
Thomas E. Collins, Jr.
Dr. & Mrs. Charles E. Cook
Jack Cook
Margie & Alpo Crane
Ellen M. Crowley
Todd Croy
Libby & David Currier
Dr. Roy E. DeMeo, Jr. & Ms. Linda A. Evanko
Margaret & George Dewey
Diane & Doug Doak
Kris & Thomas Duffy
Heather & Gray Dyer
Kate & Trae Fletcher
Dr. John & Eileen Gardella
Dr. & Mrs. Richard Gellar
Jean & Stephen Geller
Stacy & Pete Gherardi
Walter H. Goodwin, Esq.
Linda & Dan Gordon
Cynthia Greenlee
Gloria Gunst
Dr. & Mrs. Michael D. Heafner
Stefan Heinzelmann
Ms. Yvonne DeBeauville & Mr. Roger Hill
Mary & Steven Kesselman
Nancy H. Kiser
Moira Klein
Dorothy & Theodore Kramer
Linda & Norman Kramer
Jonathan Lamb
Barbara & Jerome Levin
Megan Levine John J. Locke
Katherine & Mark Love
Dr. & Mrs. William W. MacDonald
Allison Malter
Leigh & Bruce Marsh
Paula & Francis Martin
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†
Richard & Ruth Ault
Baldwin Family Trust Barnhardt Thomas Trust
Lincoln A. Baxter & Helen M. Fowler
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 Bruns†
Jan & Bob Busch
Dr. Helen G. Cappleman, Ph.D.† Jim Cochran† Robin Cochran
Catherine & Wilton Connor
Tom Covington
Charles & Peggy Dickerson
Mr. Martin Ericson, Jr.
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 & Edwin Jones
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
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. Thompson
Tim Timson
Jenny & Ken Tolson
Linda & Craig Weisbruch
Ms. Deborra Wood & Mr. Russell Propst
Corporate Partners
Government & Foundations
We are grateful for the following outstanding foundation and government funders:
The Trexler Foundation
Dowd Foundation, Inc.
The Dickson Foundation
Cole Foundation
The Charlotte Assembly
The Jack H. & Ruth C. Campbell Foundation
The Mary Norris Preyer Fund
The George W. & Ruth R. Baxter Foundation Barnhardt/Thomas Trust
Music Performance Trust Fund
For more information, please contact Tara Spil at 704.714.5138.
Comprehensive Campaign
We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Comprehensive Campaign. This list reflects gifts received through June 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
Loy & Susan McKeithen · Novant Health
$500,000 - $999,99 9
Anonymous Arlene & Milton Berkman Robin & Bill Branstrom ·
Deloitte Mary & Mike Lamach · Rich Osborne · Debbie & Pat Phillips
M.A. & Jim † Rogers · Robert Haywood Morrison Foundation
Trane Technologies · Truist Financial Corporation
$250,000 - $499,999
Cathy Bessant · The Dickson Foundation · The Gambrell Foundation
William & Patricia Gorelick Family Foundation · Moore & Van Allen PLLC
Janet Preyer Nelson · The Trexler Foundation
Betsy Fleming & Ed Weisiger
Comprehensive Campaign
$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
Dr. Richard Krumdieck & Mrs. Sally Gregory · Elizabeth & Jay Monge
Patricia & Thruston Morton · Steelfab, Inc. · Andromeda & John Williams
$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 · Carlos & Lisa Evans
David Fisk & Anne O’Byrne · Averill, Johanna & Lauren Harkey
Bill & Carol Lorenz · Leslie & Michael Marsicano
Virginia & Chan Martin · Dede & Alex McKinnon
Posey & Mark Mealy · Dale & Larry Polsky Wanda & Steve Phifer · 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
$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 · James R. Worrell, Sr.
2024-2025 OFFICERS
Richard Krumdieck, Chair
Ulrike Miles, Vice Chair
Melinda Snyder, Vice Chair
Linda McFarland Farthing, Immediate Past Chair
Kevin Walker, Treasurer
Denise DeMaio, Secretary
David Fisk, President & CEO
Kwamé Ryan, Music Director
2024-2025 DIRECTORS
Mick Ankrom
Joye D. Blount
Krisha Blanchard
Mike Butterworth
Nick Clements
Mary Delk*
Sidney Fletcher
Carrie Galloway
Lucia Zapata Griffith
Fran Hyde
Byron Johns*
Valerie Kinloch
Stephen Makris
Alex McKinnon
Juliette Pryor
Sara Garces Roselli
Lindsay Schall
Ylida Scott
Cameron Sherrill
Jennifer Sullivan
Brienne Tinder*
Andrea Mumm Trammell*
Ken Walker
*ex-officio
2024-2025 TRUSTEES
Richard Osborne, Chair
Paul Anderson
Ruth & Richard Ault
Arlene & Milton Berkman
Jason & Tiffany Bernd
Mary & Charles Bowman
Frank Bragg
Robin & Bill Branstrom
Dr. William Charles & Dr. Cynthia Nortey
Derick & Sallie Close
Robin Cochran
Catherine & Wilton Connor
Jeanie & T. Thomas Cottingham III
Brian Cromwell
Susan Cybulski
Alessandra & Pasquale De Martino
Alvaro & Donna de Molina
Peggy & Richard Dreher
Lisa Hudson Evans
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
Elizabeth & Jay Monge
Mica Oberkfell
Patrick J. O’Leary
Debbie & G. Patrick Phillips
Paul Reichs
Nancy & Charles Robson
Patricia A. Rodgers
M.A. Rogers
Frank Schall
Laura & Mike Schulte
Carolyn Shaw
Emily & Zach Smith
Will Sparks
Bob & Marsha Stickler
Chris & Jim Teat
Kelly & Neal Taub
Adam Taylor
Elizabeth & Steve Willen
Braxton Winston
Richard Worf
Joan Zimmerman
Albert Zue
EXECUTIVE
David J. L. Fisk, President & CEO
Samantha Hackett, Manager of Executive Administration & Board Relations
ARTISTIC OPERATIONS
Scott Freck, Vice President for Artistic Operations & General Manager
Carrie Graham, Senior Director of Artistic Planning
Tim Pappas, Director of Operations
Bart Dunn, Principal Music Librarian
Emily Schaub, Assistant Music Librarian
Erin Eady, Senior Manager of Orchestra Personnel
Ana Faithe Allen, Operations Coordinator
John Jarrell, Stage Manager
DEVELOPMENT
Shayne Doty, Vice President of Development
Libby Currier, Director of Individual Giving
Tara Spil, Director of Corporate & Institutional Relations
Tammy Matula, Senior Manager of Development Operations
Jennifer Gherardi, Development Manager - Campaign & Special Events
Meghan Woolbright, Annual Fund Manager
Noel Kiss, Advancement Associate
Josh Bottoms, Institutional Giving Coordinator
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Christian Drake, Vice President of Finance & Administration
Amy Hine, HR Coordinator & Office Administrator
Kensloe Norrington, Staff Accountant
Chazin & Company, Financial Services
HUMAN RESOURCES
Maribeth Baker, Human Resources Counselor
LEARNING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Aram Kim Bryan, Vice President of Learning & Community Engagement
Dylan Lloyd, Senior Manager of Youth Orchestras
Mark Rockwood, Education & Community Programs Manager
Michaela Sciacca, Project Harmony Manager
Gavin Fulker, Education & Community Programs Assistant
Lily Moore, Youth Orchestras Assistant
Bria Alexander, Learning & 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
