CSO The Composer Is Dead - program 11-16-24

November 16 Knight Theater

DIGITAL PROGRAM BOOK

Contents

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What’s Inside...

A Message from the President & CEO 3 Your CSO Experience 4 Concert Program 5 Program Notes 6 Artist Biographies 8 2024/25 Musician Roster 12 Musician Spotlight 14 About the CSO 15 Annual Fund Donors 16 Corporate & Foundation Sponsors 22 Comprehensive Campaign 25 Board of Directors & Trustees 26 Administration 28

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

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Welcome Note

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Welcome Back to the Symphony!

The Charlotte Symphony has truly entered a transformative new era as we officially welcome Kwamé Ryan as our Music Director this month! In his inaugural performances, Maestro Ryan leads the Orchestra in Pēteris Vasks’ Musica Dolorosa and Brahms’ A German Requiem, with the Charlotte Master Chorale, ushering in a fresh, bold vision for our future.

This season has already been emblematic of that new vision. We’ve brought incredible, diverse talent to our stages, including the renowned Sphinx Virtuosi at our Annual Gala, and we’re reaching new audiences across Charlotte with our mobile stage, the CSO Roadshow, and our immersive programming. We’re forging new partnerships, such as our performance in the Festival of India which opened the season, broadening our reach and bringing live music to communities across the city.

And here in November alone, you’ll find the Symphony performing across genres, complementing our core repertoire — from Beethoven X Beyoncé to a lively evening at NoDa Brewing Co, to a whimsical murder mystery family concert, and a program showcasing the incredible young musicians of our youth orchestras. It’s a dynamic time for the Charlotte Symphony, and we’re thrilled to have you with us to experience it all.

Thank you for joining us. Enjoy the concert!

David Fisk President & CEO

Your Charlotte Symphony Experience Whether you’re attending your first Symphony performance, or you’re a longtime subscriber, we’d like to extend to you a warm and inclusive welcome! Below is some helpful information to ensure you make the most of your Charlotte Symphony experience.

What should I wear?

The Charlotte Symphony has no specific dress code. We encourage you to be comfortable and come as yourself in a style of your choice.

When do I applaud?

Audiences applaud to welcome the concertmaster, conductor, and featured artists onstage. Some works may have several sections, or movements, separated by a brief silent pause. It is tradition to hold applause until the last movement. If you are unsure, wait for the conductor to face the audience. But if you feel truly inspired, do not be afraid to applaud!

Can I take photos?

Certainly! We welcome and encourage you to capture and share photos before and after the concert, as well as during intermission. Feel free to use your cell phone for photography without flash during the performance, but please refrain from video or audio recording.

Concert Program T H E N I N E T Y- T H I R D S E A S O N

Christopher James Lees, conductor Grey Seal Puppets

Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11:00 am Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts

GIOACHINO ROSSINI (1792-1868) William Tell Overture: Allegro vivace (Galop) CHARLES GOUNOD (1818-1893) Funeral March of a Marionette GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL (1685-1759) “La Réjouissance” from Royal Fireworks Music GEORGES BIZET (1838-1875) Carmen Suite No. 1: “Les Toréadors” NATHANIEL STOOKEY (b. 1970) The Composer is Dead based on the book by Lemony Snicket CONCERT DURATION: Approximately 1 hour, with no intermission.

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Program Notes

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Illustrations by Carson Ellis from The Composer Is Dead © HarperCollins.

Composer’s Note: I hope I’m not giving away too much by saying that The Composer Is Dead ends with a funeral march... Classical composers have always had a preoccupation with death, partly because we are human, like you, partly because we grapple with the mysteries of the universe, partly because death sells records and always has... Someday you’ll be able to tell your grandchildren that you appreciated a living composer before that living composer became, like all composers, dead.

— Nathaniel Stookey

Librettist’s Note: I have been asked if I might say a word or two about the text of The Composer Is Dead, and the one or two words are “Boo hoo.” The story — which, as far as I know, is absolutely true — is so heartbreakingly glum that I cannot imagine that you will be able to listen to it without dabbing at your tears with a nearby handkerchief.

— Lemony Snicket

COMING SOON...

November 29 & 30 Ovens Auditorium

box office:

704.972.2000 · charlottesymphony.org

Conductor Bio

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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.

Conductor Bio (continued)

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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 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.

Guest Artist Bio

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MEET

Founded in 1976, Grey Seal Puppets is well-known nationwide. The company performs over 250 shows a year from New York to Hawaii, from Canada to Mexico. Their repertoire consists of familiar fairy tales (The Emperor’s New Clothes), classic folk tales (Tangle of Tales), and original stories (Bathtub Pirates). Grey Seal travels to theaters such as the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, the Detroit Museum of Art, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In addition to live performing, Grey Seal also performs regularly on television, with clients such as The Reimler Agency (Bojangles), WTVI-Channel 42 (local PBS affiliate), the Muppets, Silver Burdett Gin, and the International Mission Board. Grey Seal Puppets also custom-designs and fabricates mascot characters for sports teams and corporations such as Blimpie Subs & Salads, New Orleans Hornets, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

The company has garnered a number of awards including a “Citation of Excellence” for their adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm and their original story Bathtub Pirates. They were awarded the North Carolina Theatre Conference’s Award for Leadership in Theatre Arts, as well as the Puppeteers of America President’s Award for Outstanding Accomplishment in the Art of Puppetry. Their television work has also been honored with several awards in the industrial and broadcast categories including a prestigious Beacon Award and the ITVA Silver Reel of Excellence.

Guest Artist Bio (continued)

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Drew Allison is the founder of Grey Seal Puppets. He is

involved in all phases of production. For the past thirty years, Drew has performed regularly on television and stage including such venues as The Center for Puppetry Arts, The Smithsonian Institution, The Detroit Institute of Art, The Tampa Theatre, and The Philadelphia Museum of Art. In 1994 Drew was awarded The President’s Award by The Puppeteers of America for outstanding achievement in the art of puppetry. He has received three prestigious UNIMA Citations of Excellence for Grey Seal Puppets’ productions of A Show of Virtues (2007), Bathtub Pirates (1997), and Animal Farm (1986). Drew Allison co-authored The Foam Book: An Easy Guide to Building Polyfoam Puppets and is featured in The Foam Book DVD. He was awarded a Jim Henson Foundation Grant in 2020. Also in 2020, Drew’s one-act play entitled “Good Night Mrs. Johnson” won first place in a Smithsonian Institute-sponsored Playwright Contest.

Musicians

Christopher James Lees Resident Conductor

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Christopher Warren-Green Conductor Laureate

2024 · 2025 MUSICIAN ROSTER FIRST VIOLINS Calin Ovidiu Lupanu, Concertmaster

VIOLAS Benjamin Geller, Principal

The Catherine & Wilton Connor Chair

The Zoe Bunten Merrillt Principal Viola Chair

Joseph Meyer,* Associate Concertmaster Kari Giles, Acting Associate Concertmaster Dustin Wilkes-Kim,

Kirsten Swanson†

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

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.

Acting Assistant Principal

Matthew Darsey† Ellen Ferdon Wenlong Huang Viara Stefanova Ning Zhao CELLOS Jonathan Lewis, Principal

The Kate Whitner McKay Principal Cello Chair

Allison Drenkow, Assistant Principal Alan Black, Principal Emeritus Marlene Ballena Jeremy Lamb Amy Sunyoung Lee Sarah Markle 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

Musicians (continued) HARP Andrea Mumm Trammell, Principal The Dr. Billy Graham Chair

FLUTES Victor Wang, Principal

The Blumenthal Foundation Chair

Amy Orsinger Whitehead Erinn Frechette

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BASSOONS AJ Neubert, Principal Joshua Hood Nicholas Ritter CONTRABASSOON Nicholas Ritter HORNS Byron Johns, Principal

PICCOLO Erinn Frechette

The Mr. & Mrs. William H. Van Every Chair

OBOES Timothy Swanson, Principal

The Robert E. Rydel, Jr. Third Horn Chair

Andrew Fierova Bradley Burford

The Leo B. Driehuys Chair‡

Richard Goldfaden Paige Quillen

Erica Cice Jamison Hillian† Terry Maskin*

TRUMPETS Alex Wilborn, Principal

ENGLISH HORN Erica Cice

Jonathan Kaplan* Peter Stammer† Gabriel Slesinger, Associate Principal

CLARINETS Taylor Marino, Principal

The Gary H. & Carolyn M. Bechtel Chair

Samuel Sparrow Allan Rosenfeld E ♭ CLARINET Samuel Sparrow BASS CLARINET Allan Rosenfeld

The CSO is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.

The Betty J. Livingstone Chair

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

Musician Spotlight

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Musician Spotlight

Timothy Swanson Principal Oboe

Member of the CSO since September 2024

HOMETOWN: Clear Lake, Iowa

Fun Facts • If I weren’t a musician, I would pursue a career in science.

• If I could meet any composer, it would be Béla Bartók because I’m interested in how he handles the intersection between classical and popular music.

• Outside of work, I enjoy biking and cooking.

About the CSO

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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

Annual Fund Supporters

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We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Annual Fund.

This list reflects gifts received between July 1, 2023 through October 1, 2024.

BENEFACTOR CIRCLE $100,000+ Jacqueline B. Mars

$50,000 – $99,999 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 Roberta H. Cochran Catherine & Wilton Connor* Jean & Dick Cornwell Susan Cybulski J. Porter & Victoria Durham Linda & Bill Farthing

Karen Fox Maria & John Huson Richard Krumdieck & Sally Gregory Patricia & Thrus Morton Patrick J. O’Leary Richard J. Osborne Debbie & Pat Phillips Kathy & Paul Reichs Pat Rodgers Carolyn Shaw Andrea & Sean Smith Melinda & David Snyder

$15,000 – $24,999 Anonymous (2) Nicola & Emanuel Clark Denise & Peter DeMaio Ralph S. Grier Betty P. & Jeffrey J. Lee Sandra Levine Tanya & Steve Makris

DeDe & Alex McKinnon Ulrike & Alex Miles Keith Oberkfell & Mica Post Oberkfell Judy & Derek Raghavan Sienne & Adam Taylor Ken & Tara Walker

$10,000 – $14,999 Anonymous (2) Jeannette & Francisco Alvarado Joye D. Blount & Jessie J. Knight Jr. Katharine & Frank Bragg Mr. & Mrs. R. Alfred Brand III Lynne & Colby Cathey Margarita & Nick Clements Jeanie & Tom Cottingham Donna & Alvaro de Molina Lisa & Carlos Evans Robin & Christoph Feddersen Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle Janet M. Haack

Ginger Kelly Elizabeth & Jay Monge Robert Norville Kelli & Michael Richardson Rosalind S. Richardson Sherry & Thomas Skains Drs. Jennifer Sullivan & Matthew Sullivan Ann & Michael Tarwater Kelly & Neal Taub Jill & Kevin Walker 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.

Annual Fund Supporters (continued) VIRTUOSO CIRCLE $5,000 – $9,999 Wedge & Debbie Abels Howard P. Adams & Carol B. McPhee Paul & Kristen Anderson Tiffany & Jason Bernd Mr. James Biddlecome In Loving Memory of Bernadette Zirkuli Biddlecome Mary & Charles Bowman Barbara & Twig Branch Robin & William Branstrom Shirley & Michael Butterworth The Jack H. & Ruth C. Campbell Foundation Glenda Colman & Floyd Wisner Morgan & Brian Cromwell Mary Anne Dickson Peggy & Richard Dreher David J.L. Fisk & Anne O’Byrne William & Patricia Gorelick Family Foundation Sidney & Amy Fletcher Joan & Parker Foley Carol & Ron Follmer Patty & Alex Funderburg Dr. Robert A. Gaines & Toni Burke Caren & Charles Gale Sarah & Frank Gentry Laura & Marshall Gilchrist Laurie & Barry Guy Leigh & Watts Humphrey Page & Ed Kizer The Jenny Lillian Semans Koortbojian Trust in honor of Sally Trent Harris Vivian & Robert Lamb Anna & Lazlo Littmann Leslie & Michael Marsicano 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 Sara Garcés Roselli & Dan Roselli Laura & Michael Schulte Ylida & Bert Scott Mr. & Mrs. Harley F. Shuford, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Pope A. Shuford Emily & Zack Smith Chris & Jim Teat Brienne Tinder & Thomas Lervik Judith & Gary Toman

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Mr. Herbert Verbesey In Memory of Tess Verbesey Michael Waterford Joan H. Zimmerman Abby & Albert Zue

$3,500 – $4,999 Anonymous Andrea & Alexander Bierce Si and Michael Blake Jan & Bob Busch Mary & Phil Delk Pat English & Clay Furches Dick Metzler Joan Morgan Linda & Tony Pace Karen & Edgar Whitener

$2,500 – $3,499 Anonymous Harriet B. Barnhardt Bill & Georgia Belk Lee & Alan Blumenthal Dr. and Mrs. O. Robert Boehm Brent Clevenger Ann Thomas Colley Dorothy & Mike Connor Melissa Cornwell Deborah J. Cox & Bob Szymkiewicz Elizabeth & Christopher Daly in Memory of Betty Haggerty Amy & Alfred Dawson Peter De Arcangelis Peggy & Charles Dickerson Elizabeth Betty Eaton Kara & Timothy Gallagher Billy L. Gerhart in memory of Judith Gerhart Heather & Kevin Gottehrer Andrea & Todd Griffith Katherine G. Hall Ivan Hinrichs Christy & Ben Hume Fran & Greg Hyde Peggy & Jim Hynes Shirley & Bob Ivey Nina & James Jackson 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

Annual Fund Supporters (continued) $2,500 – $3,499 (continued) Dee Dee McKay Posey & Mark Mealy Debbie Miller & Tim Black Eleanor W. Neal Holly & Jason Norvell Pamela Pearson & Charles Peach Dr. Reta R. Phifer Marshelette & Milton Prime Kathleen D. Prokay Beth & Drew Quartapella Lisa and Robert R. Rollins, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Mahesh Sardesai Suzy & Robert Schulman Glenn Sherrill, Jr. In Honor of Robin Branstrom Nancy E. Simpson Hazel & Murray Somerville Patricia & Morris Spearman Aleca & Joseph Stamey Dottie Stowe in Loving Memory of Dickson Stowe Dr. Mark R. Swanson Dr. John A. Thompson, Jr. & Dr. Lee Rocamora Jenny & Ken Tolson Mindy & Don Upton Susan & Paul Vadnais Mary Claire & Dan Wall

PATRON CIRCLE $1,500 – $2,499 Anonymous Marcia Adams Barbara & Dan Austell Sharon Baker & Peter Moore Merilyn & Craig Baldwin Phillip J. Bischoff & Dawn Beatty-Batten Drs. Iris Cheng & Daniel Uri Rebecca & D. Mark Cody Dorothy & Mike Connor Dr. Kandi & Gary Deitemeyer Martin Ericson, Jr. Jenn & Taylor Gherardi Carol & Joseph Gigler Judith Greene Angela M. & Michael D. Helms Maureen & Daniel Haggstrom Martha D. Jones Helen & Gene Katz Ginger Kemp Dr. & Mrs. Randolph Mahnesmith Anna Marriott

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Rosemarie Marshall & Lee Wilkins Janet & Peter Nixon Caroline Olzinski Helen & Arvind Patil Jeanine & Naeem Qasim Dr. John & Susan Rae Anne & Mark Riechmann Audrey & Donald Schmidt Dr. Stephen P. Schultz & Donna Dutton Jane Perry Shoemaker Rebecca & Eric Smith Ken Spielfogel & Richard Withem Maxine & Robert Stein Patricia & Morris Spearman Tillie S. Tice James H. Trexler & Kelly Zellars Vera Watson Grant Webb Linda & Craig Weisbruch Pam West Cricket Weston & David Molinaro Elizabeth & Stephan Willen Deems Wilson Deborra Wood & Russell Propst Barbara Yarbrough

$1,000 – $1,499 Anonymous(5) Michele & Ross Annable Dianne & Brian Bailey Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln A. Baxter Katie & Morgan Beggs Katherine & John Beltz Shirley W. Benfield Donald H. & Barbara K. Bernstein Family Foundation Ethan Blumenthal & Sara Kidd Cristina & James Bolling Marilyn & Herb Bonkovsky Khary Brown In Memory of Kyden Justice Brown Jane & Larry Cain Dr. & Mrs. Bill Chu & Jin Wang Rebecca & D. Mark Cody John Colton Dr. Kilian Cooley Ann F. Copeland Kathleen Goldammer-Copeland & Mark Copeland Dr. & Mrs. Mark Couture Larry J. Dagenhart Gwin Dalton Cheryl DeMaio Judy & Bob Erb Heather & Thomas Finke Melisa & Frank Galasso

Annual Fund Supporters (continued) Carol & Joseph Gigler Mariam Abdul Hamid & Ferd Davis Joyce and Ed Hamilton Johanne & Patrick Hawk Anne J. Henderson Jennifer & Logan Henderson Juliet & Brian Hirsch Barbara Holt Linda & Paul Ibsen Joan Irwin Joan Kirschner Marilyn Kroll Michael Lewandowski Lucinda Nisbet Lucas Holly & Christopher Maurer Anna & John McCoy Nydia McCrohan Arrington Mixon Susan D. Montgomery Sally Staub Moore Janet Preyer Nelson Mr. & Mrs. E. O. Oakley Debbie & Michael O’Hara Nancy Olah & Bill Pace Gwen Peterson & Tom Hodge Wilma & John Pinter Elizabeth & Rodney Pitts Dr. William G. Porter Lucy Quintilliano & Leonard Fumi Dr. & Mrs. R. Pinkney Rankin, Jr. Sabine & Haywood Rankin Joan Rasmussen & Morry Alter Brendan Reen Rita & Thomas Robinson Sally & Russell Robinson Margaret Rogers & John R. Willis William R. Rollins Elizabeth Rostan Betty & Bill Seifert Marjorie Serralles-Russell & Terrence Russell Cindy & Larry Stern Marsha & Robert L. Stickler Alice & Al Sudduth Ann & Wellford Tabor Catherine Thompson Libby & Vint Tilson Sarah S. Tull Linda & Craig Weisbruch Peter White Bryan Wilhelm Noni Williams John Drew Witherington Judith Wood

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$500 – $999 Anonymous(4) Lee & Michael Abbott Lynda & Doug Abel Larry Anderson JWD Atchison Natascha A. Bechtler Cathy & Bob Becker Emerson Bell Dr. John L. Bennett & Mr. Eric T. Johnson Nancy & Sam Bernstein Nicholas Bonevac James Broadstone Aram & Scott Bryan Angie & Howard Bush Mary Lou & Greg Cagle Barbara F. Caine Catherine P. Carstarphen Amanda & Kevin Chheda 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 and David Currier Diane & Doug Doak Kris & Thomas Duffy Dr. John & Eileen Gardella Jean & Stephen Geller Walter H. Goodwin, Esq. Linda & Dan Gordon Cynthia Greenlee Dr. & Mrs. Michael D. Heafner Stefan Heinzelmann Priscilla & Michael Johnson Mary & Steven Kesselman Nancy H. Kiser Dorothy & Theodore Kramer Scott Kupersmit 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 Wendy & Ed Matthews Tammy and Steve Matula Jill Maxwell Constance & Kiran Mehta

Annual Fund Supporters (continued) $500 – $999 (continued) Valerie & Thomas McKernan Anne & Brad Mitchell Amanda & Matthew Molbert Kimberly Moore-Wright Fran & Gary Morrison Carla & Robert Murray Cookie & Jerry Parnell Janet & Rick Pfeiffer Catherine Philpott Hilda & Victor Pineiro Barbara M. Pooley Moira Quinn Sabine & Haywood Rankin Shaiza Rizavi Katy & Raleigh Shoemaker Sandra Shuster Michael Silverman Stephanie & Jonathan Simon

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Carol Smith Dr. & Mrs. Henry L. Smith II Scott Smith Kathryn Stewart, MD, MPH Tim Timson Maureen Turner Sarah & Tim Turner Cordelia G. Thompson In Memory of Dr. Chandler Thompson Melanie & James Twyne Rebecca Valenstein Andrea & Scott Vallandingham Emily & Jeff Vaughan Mandy Vollrath & Luke Shaver Michelle & Tom Weidman Zelda White Sandy & John Yakob

For more information on how to make a gift to the CSO Annual Fund, please contact Libby Currier, Director of Individual Giving, at 704.714.5137 or lcurrier@charlottesymphony.org.

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† 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 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.

Sponsors

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

For more information, please contact Mandy Vollrath at mvollrath@charlottesymphony.org

Sponsors (continued)

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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 Jack H. and Ruth C. Campbell Foundation The Mary Norris Preyer Fund The George W. & Ruth R. Baxter Foundation Barnhardt/Thomas Trust Blumenthal Foundation

For more information, please contact Mandy Vollrath at mvollrath@charlottesymphony.org

2024 · 2025 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS Subscribe today for the best seats, the best prices, and great benefits!

Brahms' A German Requiem

November 22 & 23, 2024 Belk Theater

Rachmaninoff ’s Piano Concerto No. 2 March 7 & 8, 2025 Belk Theater

Debussy’s La Mer

April 25 & 26, 2025 Belk Theater ...AND MORE!

Cody Fry Christmas December 5-7, 2024 Knight Theater

Disco Fever

January 17 & 18, 2025 Knight Theater

Havana Nights

February 21 & 22, 2025 Knight Theater ...AND MORE! LEMONY SNICKET’S The Composer is Dead

November 16, 2024 Knight Theater

Holiday Pops! FAMILY MATINEE December 7, 2024 Knight Theater

CLASSICAL KIDS LIVE: Gershwin's Magic Key

January 18, 2025 Knight Theater ...AND MORE!

The Muppet Christmas Carol IN CONCERT November 29 & 30, 2024 Ovens Auditorium

How to Train Your Dragon IN CONCERT March 14 & 15, 2025 Belk Theater

Pirates of the Caribbean IN CONCERT June 6 & 7, 2025 Belk Theater ...AND MORE!

view the full season at charlottesymphony.org

Comprehensive Campaign

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We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Comprehensive Campaign. This list reflects gifts received through August 20, 2024.

$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

Jane & Hugh McColl · The Leon Levine Foundation

$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 - $999,999

Anonymous · Arlene & Milton Berkman · Robin & Bill Branstrom Mary & Mike Lamach · Rich Osborne · Debbie & Pat Phillips Robert Haywood Morrison Foundation · Truist Financial Corporation

$250,000 - $499,999

Cathy Bessant · The Gambrell Foundation · Julie & Howard Levine Moore & Van Allen PLLC · Janet Preyer Nelson

$100,000 - $249,000

Jeannette & Francisco Alvarado · Ruth & Richard Ault · NCFI/Barnhardt Foundation Wilton & Catherine Connor · Joan & Mick Ankrom · Robin Cochran Denise & Peter DeMaio · The Dowd Foundation · Linda & Bill Farthing Dr. Richard Krumdieck & Mrs. Sally Gregory · Elizabeth & Jay Monge Steelfab, Inc. · Andromeda & John Williams

$50,000 - $99,999

Crescent Communities · Karen Fox · Ulrike & Alex Miles Chris & Jim Teat · 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 · David Fisk & Anne O’Byrne · Michael Marsicano Dede & Alex McKinnon · Posey & Mark Mealy · Larry & Dale Polsky Steve & Wanda Phifer · Judy & Derek Raghavan · Eric & Shannon Reichard Sara & Daniel Roselli · 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 · Melissa & Dennis McCrory Cyndee Patterson · William & Betty Seifert · Peggy & Pope Shuford Nancy E. Simpson · Drs. Jennifer & Matthew Sullivan

Board of Directors 2024-2025 OFFICERS Richard Krumdieck, Chair Ulrike Miles, Vice Chair Melinda Snyder, Vice Chair Linda McFarland Farthing, Immediate Past Chair Kevin Walker, Treasurer David Fisk, President & CEO Kwamé Ryan, Music Director

2024-2025 DIRECTORS Mick Ankrom Joye D. Blount Mike Butterworth Nick Clements Mary Delk* Denise DeMaio Sidney Fletcher Kevin Gottehrer Lucia Zapata Griffith Byron Johns* Valerie Kinloch

Stephen Makris Alex McKinnon Sara Garces Roselli Ylida Scott Jennifer Sullivan Brienne Tinder* Andrea Mumm Trammell* Ken Walker *ex-officio

page 26

Board of Trustees

page 27

2024-2025 TRUSTEES Richard Osborne, Chair Paul Anderson Ruth & Richard Ault Arlene & Milton Berkman Jason & Tiffany Bernd Andrea & Alexander Bierce Mary & Charles Bowman Frank Bragg Robin & Bill Branstrom Dr. William Charles & Dr. Cynthia Nortey Derick & Sallie Close Robin Cochran 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 Todd Gorelick Ralph S. Grier Laurie Guy Janet Haack

Reginald B. Henderson, Esq. Mark & Whitney Jerrell Jeff Lee Gov. James G. Martin Jane & Hugh McColl Susan & Loy McKeithen George McLendon Elizabeth & Jay Monge Mica Oberkfell Patrick J. O’Leary Debbie & G. Patrick Phillips Paul Reichs Nancy & Charles Robson Patricia A. Rodgers M.A. Rogers Lindsay & Frank Schall Laura & Mike Schulte Carolyn Shaw Emily & Zach Smith Bob & Marsha Stickler Kelly & Neal Taub Adam Taylor Braxton Winston Richard Worf Joan Zimmerman Albert Zue

Administration

page 28

EXECUTIVE David J. L. Fisk, President & CEO Samantha Hackett, Executive Administrator 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 Nixon Bustos, Senior Music Librarian Emily Schaub, Assistant Music Librarian Erin Eady, Senior Manager of Orchestra Personnel Claire Beiter, Artistic Operations Manager John Jarrell, Stage Manager DEVELOPMENT Shayne Doty, Vice President of Development Mandy Vollrath, Director of Corporate & Institutional Relations Libby Currier, Director of Individual Giving Tammy Matula, Senior Manager of Development Operations Jennifer Gherardi, Development Manager - Campaign & Special Events Megan Woolbright, Annual Fund Manager Noel Kiss, Advancement Associate Josh Bottoms, Institutional Giving Coordinator FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Christian Drake, Vice President of Finance & Administration Chazin & Company, Financial Services Amy Hine, HR Coordinator & Office Administrator Channing Williams, Accounting Associate HUMAN RESOURCES Maribeth Baker, Human Resources Counselor

Administration (continued)

page 29

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

128 S. Tryon Street, Suite 350 Charlotte, NC 28202 tickets:

704.972.2000 office: 704.972.2003

charlottesymphony.org

COMING SOON...

December 7 11:00 am · Knight Theater

Join us for Charlotte’s most cherished holiday tradition as we bring beloved seasonal classics to life. With dazzling arrangements, heartwarming melodies, and special surprises by Santa and friends, this joyful celebration is sure to delight audiences of all ages!

Christopher James Lees, conductor Charlotte Master Chorale

SPECIAL ONE-HOUR FAMILY CONCERT!

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! box office: 704.972.2000

charlottesymphony.org