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.
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.
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,
and this beloved public space is once again available for live music.
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.
We are deeply grateful to Novant Health for its generous support as Presenting Sponsor, helping make this beloved series possible.
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
PRELUDE PERFORMACE
Shevaun Bryan (WBTV)
Emanuel Wynter
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
Best of Broadway
HOSTED BY Phil Vavra (WDAV 89.9 fm)
PRELUDE PERFORMACE
Dawn Anthony
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
Hollywood Hits
HOSTED BY
Keenan Harmon
(WDAV 89.9 fm)
PRELUDE PERFORMACE
Courtney Lynn & Quinn
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
Celebrate America
HOSTED BY
Lisa Villegas (WBTV)
PRELUDE PERFORMACE North State Grass
FIREWORKS PERFORMED BY PYRO SHOWS
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)
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.
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.
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. 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,
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, 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.
Aliandsusieband.com Instagram: @susiestaubs
Youth Symphony Roster
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
Nate Dyer
Polina Flint
FLUTE
Gwen Johnson
Sadie Mitchell
Trey Parrish
[CLARINET
Hanna Choi
Nicholas Smith
BASSOON
Randy Mayo-Rodriguez
Sadie McClellen
HORN
Alexander Davis
TRUMPET
Levi Cook
Eric Ward
TROMBONE
Salem Moore
TUBA
Nolan Rice
PERCUSSION
Alex House
Wiley Lomac
Luke Smith
TIMPANI
Addison Miles
HARP
Ella Higham
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
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
OBOES
Timothy Swanson, Principal
The Leo B. Driehuys Chair‡
Erica Cice
Jamison Hillian†
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
The CSO is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.
HORNS
Byron Johns, Principal
The Mr. & Mrs. William H. Van Every Chair
Andrew Fierova
Christopher Caudill†
The Robert E. Rydel, Jr. Third Horn Chair (acting)
Richard Goldfaden
Paige Quillen
TRUMPETS
Alex Wilborn, Principal
The Betty J. Livingstone Chair
Jesdelson Vasquez†
Gianluca Farina†
Acting Associate Principal
The Marcus T. Hickman Chair
Gabriel Slesinger*
TROMBONES
John Bartlett, Principal
Thomas Burge
BASS TROMBONE
Scott Hartman, Principal
TUBA
Colin Benton, Principal
The Governor James G. Martin Chair
TIMPANI
Denis Petrunin, Acting Principal†
The Robert Haywood Morrison Chair
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
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
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
$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
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
$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
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
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
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
$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
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
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
For more information, please contact Shayne Doty at 704.714.5104.
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
$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.
We are grateful for the following outstanding foundation and government funders:
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.
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
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
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
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
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
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
Erin Eady
Director of Orchestra Personnel
Laura Lindsay
Director of Orchestra Operations
Heather Potter
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
HUMAN RESOURCES
Maribeth Baker
Human Resources Counselor
FINANCE
& ADMINISTRATION
Christian Drake
Chief Financial Officer
Amy Hine
HR Coordinator & Office Administrator
Kensloe Norrington
Staff Accountant
Chazin & Company, Financial Services
LEARNING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
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
MA RKETING & 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
The Music of Tina Turner
October 16 & 17, 2026 · KNIGHT THEATER
Holiday Pops
December 18 & 19, 2026 · KNIGHT THEATER
The Heart of the Blues
January 22 & 23, 2027 · KNIGHT THEATER
The Music of Journey
February 19 & 20, 2027 · KNIGHT THEATER
Enjoy your favorite popular music from celebrated stars and beloved icons, brought to life by dazzling guest artists and lushly enhanced by your Charlotte Symphony.
Packages of 4 on Friday or Saturday evenings 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.