CSO Summer Pops 2026 - program

PRESENTED BY

2026

DIGITAL PROGR AM BOOK

June 7 June 14 June 21 June 28

American Classics Best of Broadway Hollywood Hits Celebrate America

SYMPHONY PARK @ SOUTHPARK

Contents

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What’s Inside A Message from the President & CEO

3

American Classics Concert Program

5

Best of Broadway Concert Program

7

Hollywood Hits Concert Program

9

Celebrate America Concert Program

11

Artist Biographies

12

Youth Symphony Roster

14

2025–26 Musician Roster

16

About the CSO

18

Annual Fund Donors

20

Comprehensive Campaign

26

Corporate & Foundation Sponsors

28

Board of Directors & Trustees

30

Administration

31

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

@cltsymphony #cltsymphony

Welcome

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A Message from the President & CEO For more than four decades, Summer Pops has been one of Charlotte’s most welcoming summer traditions — and one of the Charlotte Symphony’s most joyful ways to share music with you. Across four concerts this season, we’re once again gathering under the open sky at Symphony Park, where the full Orchestra brings summer evenings to life.

and this beloved public space is once again available for live music.

This year’s programming highlights the richness and variety of American music as we look ahead to America’s 250th anniversary. From American classics to Broadway and Hollywood, we’re celebrating the creativity, spirit, and diversity that have shaped the nation’s musical landscape over the past 250 years.

We are deeply grateful to Novant Health for its generous support as Presenting Sponsor, helping make this beloved series possible.

These concerts are, at their heart, about people coming together — neighbors, friends, and families sharing an evening outdoors with live music in one of Charlotte’s treasured gathering places. This season is also especially meaningful as it marks our final Summer Pops at Symphony Park before its closure for renovation and renewal. We are honored that the Park is named for our long-time association, and we look forward with great anticipation to returning, when the upgrade is complete,

Summer Pops is just one part of our musicmaking across the region this month. We invite you to visit charlottesymphony.org to explore what’s still to come this summer, including our July 4th concert at Truist Field, and to look ahead at what’s in store next season.

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

American Classics HOSTED BY

Shevaun Bryan (WBTV) PRELUDE PERFORMACE

Emanuel Wynter

Concert Program

PRESENTED BY

American Classics Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 8:15 pm Symphony Park at SouthPark Christopher James Lees, conductor AARON COPLAND An Outdoor Overture VALERIE COLEMAN Umoja: Anthem of Unity for Orchestra SCOTT JOPLIN (arr. Hersh) Solace: A Mexican Serenade GEORGE WHITEFIELD CHADWICK Symphonic Sketches: Jubilee AARON COPLAND Variations on a Shaker Melody from Appalachian Spring OMAR THOMAS Of Our New Day Begun LEONARD BERNSTEIN (arr. Mason) Selections from West Side Story

featuring members of the

Charlotte Youth Symphony

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Best of Broadway HOSTED BY

Phil Vavra (WDAV 89.9 fm) PRELUDE PERFORMACE

Dawn Anthony

Concert Program

PRESENTED BY

Best of Broadway Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 8:15 pm Symphony Park at SouthPark Christopher James Lees, conductor · Susie Pepper, vocalist GEORGE GERSHWIN (arr. McBride) Girl Crazy: Overture RICHARD RODGERS (arr. Custer) “The Carousel Waltz” from Carousel RICHARD RODGERS (arr. Bennett) Oklahoma, Selection for Orchestra RICHARD RODGERS “Bewitched” from Pal Joey FREDERICK LOEWE (arr. Green) "I Could Have Danced All Night" from My Fair Lady STEPHEN FLAHERTY (arr. Kessler) Selections from Ragtime JOHN KANDER (arr. Ricketts) Chicago WARREN CASEY (arr. Custer) Selections from Grease BENJ PASEK “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman RICHARD RODGERS (arr. Green) "Edelweiss" from The Sound of Music IRVING BERLIN (arr. Healey) A Tribute to Irving Berlin

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Hollywood Hits HOSTED BY

Keenan Harmon (WDAV 89.9 fm) PRELUDE PERFORMACE

Courtney Lynn & Quinn

Concert Program

PRESENTED BY

Hollywood Hits Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 8:15 pm Symphony Park at SouthPark Christopher James Lees, conductor ALAN SILVESTRI Back to the Future: Suite for Orchestra ERICH WOLFGANG KORNGOLD (arr. Brubaker) The Sea Hawk: Suite for Orchestra JOHN KANDER (arr. Wendel) Theme from New York, New York HENRY MANCINI (arr. Moss) "Moon River" from Breakfast at Tiffany's KENNETH ALFORD (arr. McAlister) "Colonel Bogey March" from The Bridge on the River Kwai JOHN WILLIAMS "The Imperial March" from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back JAMES HORNER (arr. Lowden) “Somewhere Out There” from An American Tail RICHARD STRAUSS (arr. Goodmusic) Also sprach Zarathustra: “Sunrise” from 2001: A Space Odyssey JAMES HORNER (arr. Moss) Music from Apollo 13 JOHN WILLIAMS "Harry's Wondrous World" from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

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Celebrate America HOSTED BY

Lisa Villegas (WBTV) PRELUDE PERFORMACE

North State Grass

FIREWORKS PERFORMED BY

PYRO SHOWS

Concert Program

PRESENTED BY

Celebrate America Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 8:15 pm Symphony Park at SouthPark Christopher James Lees, conductor JOHN STAFFORD SMITH (arr. Damrosch) “The Star-Spangled Banner” JAMES STEPHENSON Fanfare for Democracy VARIOUS (arr. Gary Fry) U.S. Armed Forces Medley STELLA SUNG Rockwell Reflections: Peace Corps DUKE ELLINGTON (arr. Custer) Duke Ellington! A Medley for Orchestra JAMES P. JOHNSON Drums - A Symphonic Poem CLARICE ASSAD Bonecos de Olinda JOHN WILLIAMS Superman March BRITTANY J. GREEN Testify!

JOHN PHILIP SOUSA “Liberty Bell March” (arr. McAlister) “The Stars and Stripes Forever” (arr. Brion & Schissel)

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Biographies

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Christopher James Lees conductor Emerging American conductor Christopher James Lees brings passionate and nuanced orchestral performances to the stage, a fierce commitment to contemporary music, and a natural charisma to audiences all around the world.

Lees has served as Resident Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra since 2018 and was Principal Conductor of the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra through 2024. In addition to the more than 70 concert appearances with the CSO per season, he has annually stepped in to conduct Subscription Classical performances, including two Gala concerts with legendary artists and Grammy Awardwinners Branford Marsalis and Rhiannon Giddens, respectively.

An active guest conductor, Lees has conducted or returned for performances with the New York, Los Angeles, and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestras, as well as the Houston, Detroit, New World, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Kansas City, Fort Worth, North Carolina, Portland, Flint, Toledo, and Winston Salem symphonies.

Additional engagements have taken him to the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Orchestra de Chambre de Paris, Aspen Philharmonic Orchestra, Cabrillo Festival Orchestra, and the Music in the Mountains Festival and Festival Internacional de Inverno de Campos do Jordão in Brazil.

Only the second American to be named a Gustavo Dudamel Conducting Fellow with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Lees made his debut with the orchestra in April 2013 and returned for concerts in February 2015.

With the New York Philharmonic, St. Louis and Atlanta symphonies, among others, Lees has served as an assistant conductor for the world’s leading conductors, including Gustavo Dudamel, Paavo Järvi, Herbert Blomstedt, Leonard Slatkin, David Robertson, Robert Spano, Marin Alsop, Pablo Heras-Casado, Stéphane Denève, Susanna Mälkki, and Nicholas McGegan.

Additionally, Lees was named Music Director of the Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra in 2023.

A dedicated advocate for music of our time, Lees has premiered more than 150 works by a diverse range of composers, and collaborated closely with Pulitzer Prize winners John Adams, William Bolcom, John Corigliano, Jennifer Higdon, Joseph Schwantner, Steven Stucky, Caroline Shaw, Roger Reynolds, and Julia Wolfe.

When not performing, Lees can be found riding roller coasters with his ten-year-old son, reading through the stack of books by his nightstand, or training for his next World Majors marathon.

Biographies (continued)

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Susie Pepper

vocalist, Best of Broadway Susie Pepper 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, Pepper 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.

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.

Throughout her career, Pepper has enjoyed performing with a variety of musical groups, with a special fondness for the Classic Rock Orchestra — a truly unique and exhilarating show.

Aliandsusieband.com

She has also collaborated with renowned symphony orchestras, including the Portland Symphony Orchestra, Jackson Symphony Orchestra, Charlotte 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, Pepper 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,

Originally from Maine, Pepper 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.

Instagram: @susiestaubs

Youth Symphony Roster

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MEMBERS OF THE

Charlotte Youth Symphony VIOLIN ONE

Ethan Brainard Noel Fang Jordan Polk Emunah Wang Liana Zhang

VIOLIN TWO Amisha Bharti Chloe Dai Siaya Larsen Elina Tackson

VIOLA

Harshita Sharma

CELLO

Virginia Bouknight Gaddiel Brewer Brian Garcia Mejia Lars Kaijser Bots Nolan Pratt Ishan Sundaram

BASS

TRUMPET

FLUTE

TROMBONE

Nate Dyer Polina Flint Gwen Johnson Sadie Mitchell Trey Parrish

[CLARINET

Hanna Choi Nicholas Smith

BASSOON

Randy Mayo-Rodriguez Sadie McClellen

HORN

Alexander Davis

Levi Cook Eric Ward

Salem Moore

TUBA

Nolan Rice

PERCUSSION Alex House Wiley Lomac Luke Smith

TIMPANI

Addison Miles

HARP

Ella Higham

About the CSYO

The Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestras provide extraordinary music education to all. The programs aim to inspire in our students a strong sense of character, discipline, commitment, and community.

Our ensembles are inclusive, diverse, and accessible to all students, regardless of financial resources. We provide high-quality ensemble training led by conductors Ian Passmore, Katie Ebert, and Eric Thompson as well as dedicated Charlotte Symphony musicians, all who

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provide a nurturing environment through which young musicians create lasting bonds in music and friendship.

We offer regular performance opportunities throughout the city, including at the Belk and Knight Theaters; plus guidance from the Charlotte Symphony’s renowned Music Director, Kwamé Ryan, and internationallyacclaimed visiting artists such as Gil Shaham and Anthony McGill.

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

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

Back to the Future IN CONCERT October 2 & 3, 2026 · BELK THEATER

Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas IN CONCERT November 27 & 28, 2026 · OVENS AUDITORIUM

Top Gun: Maverick IN CONCERT March 5 & 6, 2027 · BELK THEATER

Disney’s The Lion King IN CONCERT April 23 & 24, 2027 · BELK THEATER

Unforgettable cinematic experiences bring fulllength blockbuster films to life on the big screen as the Orchestra performs the scores live.

Packages of 4 on Friday evenings or Saturday matinees are available now!

Subscribers enjoy priority access to the best seats at the best price, flexible exchanges, and 10% off additional tickets throughout the season.

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 April 30, 2026.

BENEFACTOR CIRCLE $100,000+ Anonymous

Jacqueline B. Mars

Douglas Young

$50,000 – $99,999 Dr. Milton & Arlene Berkman Philanthropic Fund

The Fox Family Jane & Hugh McColl*

$25,000 – $49,999 Joan & Mick Ankrom 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

Betty P. & Jeffrey J. Lee Ulrike & Alex Miles 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 Tara & Ken Walker

$15,000 – $24,999 Joye D. Blount & Jessie J. Knight Jr. Catherine & Wilton Connor* Denise & Peter DeMaio Robin & Christoph Feddersen Laurie & Barry Guy Lina & Enrique Lopez-Ibanez

Tanya & Steve Makris DeDe & Alex McKinnon Juliette & Walter Pryor Melinda & David Snyder Annie & Matthew Spanjers Drs. Jennifer Sullivan & Matthew Sullivan

* 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 Laura & Mike Grace Andrea & Todd Griffith Susan & Chris Kearney Robert H. Lee Leslie & Michael Marsicano Susan & Loy McKeithen* Elizabeth & Jay Monge Robert Norville Judy & Derek Raghavan 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 Parker & Stephen Shuford Sabina & Wilfrid Schlumberge Sherry & Thomas Skains Leigh-Ann & Martin Sprock Ann & Michael Tarwater Jill & Kevin Walker Michael Waterford John Drew Witherington Lisa & Richard Worf Joan H. Zimmerman

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VIRTUOSO CIRCLE $5,000 – $9,999 Debbie & Wedge Abels Carol B. McPhee & Howard P. Adams The Charlotte Assembly Amanda & Zack Bacon Dawn Beatty-Batten & Philipp J. Bischoff Si & Michael Blake Krisha & Andy Blanchard Mary & Charles Bowman Barbara & Twig Branch Robin & Bill Branstrom Shirley & Mike Butterworth Paige & Steve Burgess Dr. William J. Charles & Dr. Cynthia Nortey Pauline & Bill Chinnis Morgan & Brian Cromwell Chris & Elizabeth Daly in Memory of Betty Haggerty 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 Judith & Martyn Greene Lucia Zapata Griffith & Michael Griffith Janet M. Haack Reginald B. Henderson, Esq. Nina & James Jackson Vivian & Robert Lamb Katy Ross & Joseph Lees Anna & Laszlo Littmann Stacie McGinn Susanne & Bill McGuire Paula & Paul McIntosh Chuck Miller & Marcy Thailer Courtney Reichs Mixon Emily & Nima Pirzadeh Anne Robinson Nancy & Charlie Robson Susie & Rick Schnall Laura A. & Michael J. Schulte Ylida & Bert Scott Mr. & Mrs. Harley F. Shuford, Jr. Erin & William Sparks Elizabeth Connor Stewart Kelly & Neal Taub

Annual Fund Supporters (continued) $5,000 – $9,999 (continued) Chris & Jim Teat Nancy & Dick Thigpen Brienne Tinder Judith & Gary Toman Rocky & Curtis Trenkelbach Daniel Troy, in Loving Memory of Kathleen Troy Molly & Chris Tull In Memory of Tess Verbesey Elizabeth & Stephan Willen Aimee & Chris Williams Glenda Colman & Floyd Wisner Abby & Albert Zue

$3,500 – $4,999 Jan & Bob Busch Karen Gunther Megan & Brendan Hoffman Christy & Ben Hume Posey & Mark Mealy Dick Metzler Holly & Jason Norvell Linda & Tony Pace Suan & Bob Salvin Jane Perry Shoemaker Teresa & Stuart Singer Emily & Zach Smith Dr. Mark R. Swanson Deborah J. Cox & Bob Szymkiewicz Susan & Paul Vadnais Karen & Edgar Whitener

$2,500 – $3,499 Harriet B. Barnhardt Georgia & Bill Belk Tiffany & Jason Bernd Lee & Alan Blumenthal Dr. & Mrs. O. Robert Boehm Frances & Herbert Browne Maggie Callen The Jack H. & Ruth C. Campbell Foundation Dr. William H. Carson Drs. Iris Cheng & Daniel Uri Brent Clevenger Amy & Alfred Dawson Cheryl DeMaio Peggy & Charles Dickerson Michael & Polly Dyer Elizabeth Betty Eaton Lucy Quintilliano & Leonard Fumi Melisa & Frank Galasso Kara & Timothy Gallagher Katherine G. Hall Beverly & Jim Hance Jennifer & Logan Henderson Mathew Holladay Leigh & Watts Humphrey

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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 Daniel Peterson Dr. Reta R. Phifer Vincent Philips & Paul Pope Kathleen D. Prokay Michelle Richards Lisa & Robert R. Rollins, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Mahesh Sardesai Peggy & Pope Shuford Nancy E. Simpson Patricia & Morris Spearman Ken Spielfogel & Richard Withem Maxine & Robert Stein Dottie Stowe, in Loving Memory of Dickson Stowe Jean M. Summerville Jenny & Ken Tolson Sandy & Greg Vlahos Deborra Wood & Russell Propst Barbara Yarbrough

PATRON CIRCLE $1,500 – $2,499 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. Angela M. & Michael D. Helms Anne J. Henderson 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

Annual Fund Supporters (continued) Louise & Gary McCrorie Cricket Weston & David Molinaro Joan Morgan Freddie & Kay Porter, Greater Golf Express Dr. John & Susan Rae Brendan Reen Anne & Mark Riechmann Rita & Thomas Robinson Donald Schmidt Dr. Stephen P. Schultz & Donna Dutton Katy & Raleigh Shoemaker Rebecca & Eric Smith Linda & Morris Spil Marsha & Robert L. Stickler Gretchen & Jean-Claude Thill Tillie S. Tice Henry Ward Vera Watson Grant Webb Pam West Bryan Wilhelm Deems Wilson Kelly Zellars & James H. Trexler

$1,000 – $1,499 Anonymous Mariam Abdul Hamid & Ferd Davis Amanda Albrecht Michele & Ross Annable Larry Anderson 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 Marilyn & Herb Bonkovsky Jodie & Erik Bowen In Memory of Kyden Justice Brown Joyce Cadesca Jane & Larry Cain Jennifer & Daniel Callahan 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 Caroline & Jed Dyson Judy & Bob Erb Heather & Thomas Finke Kate & Trae Fletcher Dr. John & Eileen Gardella Karen Geiger Jenn & Taylor Gherardi

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Carol & Joseph Gigler Audean & Berkley Godehn Joyce & Ed Hamilton Juliet & Brian Hirsch Linda & Paul Ibsen A’Keela Johnson Jennie & Don Johnson Lea & Stuart Johnson Priscilla & Michael Johnson Vickie & Eugene Johnson Dr. Valerie Kinloch & Mr. Thomas A'Hearn Joan Kirschner Marilyn Kroll Leigh & Bruce Marsh Paula Goolkasian & Francis Martin Holly & Christopher Maurer Jill Maxwell Anna & John McCoy Arrington Mixon Katelyn M. Morton Sue Lin Tan & Rama Narayanan Eleanor W. Neal Juanita & Lonnie Newsom Mr. & Mrs. E. O. Oakley Caroline Olzinski Patricia & James Petillo Catherine Philpott Dr. William G. Porter Susanne & Mark Rascio Family Joan Rasmussen & Morry Alter Cynthia & Joseph Riedl Jennifer & Manley Roberts Sally Robinson Linda Rosenfeld & Fred Krosner Elizabeth & Robert Rostan Anjan Shah Sandra Shuster Birte & Roman Streitberger Rebecca Smith Scott Smith Tamara & Cassiel Smith Susan Spaugh Jennifer & Philip Stafford Alice & Al Sudduth Ann & Wellford Tabor Annette & Eric Telljohann Catherine Thompson Libby & Vint Tilson Tim Timson Sarah S. Tull Maureen Turner Emily & Jeff Vaughan Victoria & Mark Walker Dr. & Mrs. Bill Chu & Jin Wang Rebecca Waters Linda & Craig Weisbruch Jennie & Ry Winston Lauren Wooden Judith Wood Velva W. Woollen Sue Worrel, in Honor of Rich Osborne Alanna & Richard Worrell Sandy & John Yakob

Annual Fund Supporters (continued) $500 – $999 Anonymous (2) Lynda & Doug Abel Daphne A. Banks Sharon Bartlett Natasha A. Bechtler Cathy & Bob Becker Dr. John L. Bennett & Mr. Eric T. Johnson Mary Ann & Timothy Beranek Patricia Bialecki Mrs. Christine Bieri Black Notes Project & The Sol Kitchen Jeffrey Boghosian James Broadstone Nelle & Ken Brown Aram Kim Bryan Mary Lou & Greg Cagle Nan & Brooks Carey Janelle & Todd Collins Thomas E. Collins, Jr. Jack Cook Dedee & Irv Cygler In Loving Memory of Ruth Jernigan Gaither & Robert Deaton Dr. Roy E. DeMeo, Jr. & Ms. Linda A. Evanko Diane & Doug Doak Dr. Kathleen A. Doman Kris & Thomas Duffy C. Thomas Fennimore & Gail H. Fennimore Lucinda & Harvey Gantt Dr. John & Eileen Gardella Dr. & Mrs. Richard Gellar The Gherardi Family 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 Constance C. & George W. Knight Linda & Norman Kramer Maria Kurtz Jonathan Lamb Barbara & Jerome Levin Dr. Elissa & Joshua Levine John J. Locke Katherine & Mark Love Dr. & Mrs. William W. MacDonald Allison Malter Rosemarie Marshall & Lee Wilkins Wendy & Ed Matthews Jill Maxwell Lindsay & Stanton McCullough Rob Roy McGregor Constance & Kiran Mehta Amanda & Matthew Molbert

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Sally Staub Moore Mary Beth & Bill Morgan Kimbrel & Tripp Morris Fran & Gary Morrison Jennifer & Michael Neurohr Mary Newsom Dr. & Mrs. Paul Nitsch Nancy Olah & Bill Pace Ynez Olshausen Janet & Rick Pfeiffer Lisa & Tom Phillips Barbara M. Pooley Sabine & Haywood Rankin Emily & Brian Reinicker Joan & Albert Rodgers Margaret Rogers & John R. Willis Betty & Bill Seifert Michael Silverman Carol Smith Dr. & Mrs. Henry L. Smith II Scott Smith Julia J. Souther Tara & Joseph Spil Mary & Bill Staton Kathryn Stewart, MD, MPH Susan & Jet Taylor Melanie & James Twyne Aishwarya & Krishna Varanasi Kathleen & Henry Ward Debi Wayne Signature Web Design Lyman Welton Peter White Karen & Charles Wolff 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

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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 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† Nadine W. Fox† Dorris H. Goodyear† Peter & Ann† Guild William G. & Marguerite K. Huey Fund Dr. Nish Jamgotch, Jr.† Lucille F. & Edwin L. Jones Endowment for the Arts Betty & Stanley Livingstone† Polly and Don Kellam†

Jim Martin Daphine Doster Mastroianni† Nellie Rose McCrory† Paula & Paul McIntosh 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 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 26

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 27

$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 28

Government & Foundations

page 29

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 30

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 Susan Shimp 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 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 Adam Taylor Chris & Jim Teat Kevin & Jill Walker Elizabeth & Steve Willen Braxton Winston Richard Worf Joan Zimmerman Albert Zue

Leadership (continued)

page 31

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

Heather Potter

LEARNING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Vice President for Artistic Operations & General Manager Director of Orchestra Personnel Director of Orchestra Operations Interim Artistic Planning Manager

Bart Dunn

Principal Music Librarian

Ana Faithe Allen

Operations Coordinator

John Jarrell

Stage Manager

Byron Johns

Senior Stage Technician

Ross Jarrell

Stage Technician

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

James Popper

Manager of Individual Giving

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

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

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