CSO Disco Fever - program 01-17-25

Christopher James Lees, conductor Maiya Sykes & MacKenzie, vocalists

January 17 & 18 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 Artist Biographies 6 2024/25 Musician Roster 10 Musician Spotlight 12 About the CSO 13 Annual Fund Donors 14 Corporate & Foundation Sponsors 20 Comprehensive Campaign 23 Board of Directors & Trustees 24 Administration 26

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

@cltsymphony #cltsymphony

Welcome Note

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Happy New Year!

As we step confidently into 2025, we are energized by the many incredible events and opportunities that lie ahead at the Charlotte Symphony. From immersive performances to milestone celebrations, and the exciting culmination of the Symphony’s $50M comprehensive campaign that will play a pivotal role in shaping our future, 2025 promises to be a year of growth and inspiration.

One of the most anticipated events this February 28 and March 1 is Become Ocean, a 360-degree immersive audio experience at Blumenthal Arts’s new venue, Blume Studios. With its spatial audio and immersive lighting, you’ll be surrounded by John Luther Adams’s captivating soundscape, inspired by the waters of the Pacific Northwest. It promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience.

Looking ahead, Music Director Kwamé Ryan returns March 7 & 8 to lead Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with pianist Louis Schwizgebel. Later in the month, we’re delighted to welcome back former Music Director Christoph Perick to conduct orchestral highlights from Wagner’s most beloved operas on March 21 & 22.

As always, thank you for your continued support of the Charlotte Symphony. We can’t wait to share these extraordinary moments with you.

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

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

Friday, January 17, 2025, at 7:30 pm Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 7:30 pm Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts

Christopher James Lees, conductor Maiya Sykes, lead vocals MacKenzie, lead vocals Jannelle Means, backing vocals Devonne Fowlkes, backing vocals Jermaine Purifory, backing vocals Lindsey Miller, guitar Danny O’Lannerghty, bass Brian Czach, drums

SELECTIONS TO BE ANNOUNCED FROM THE STAGE. CONCERT DURATION: Approximately 2 hours, with one 20-minute intermission.

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 John Harbison’s The Great Gatsby (Aspen Opera Theatre Center), Louis Andriessen’s De Materie and Philip Glass’ the CIVIL warS (Los Angeles Philharmonic), Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Mark Adamo’s Little Women (University of Michigan Opera Theatre), and Nino Rota’s Il Capello di paglia di Firenze (AJ Fletcher Opera Institute).

A recipient of a Career Assistance Grant from the Solti Foundation US, Mr. Lees was also chosen for showcase on the Bruno Walter Memorial Foundation National Conductor Preview, hosted by the League of American Orchestras and Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

A dedicated advocate for music of our time, Mr. Lees has premiered more than 150 works by a diverse range of composers, and collaborated closely with Pulitzer Prize winners John Adams, William Bolcom, John Corigliano, Jennifer Higdon, Joseph Schwantner, Steven Stucky, Caroline Shaw, Roger Reynolds, and Julia Wolfe. An equally passionate advocate for music education, Mr. Lees has brought inspirational energy to student orchestras across the country, leading ensembles from the Colburn School, the Shepherd School at Rice University, and at the New England and Oberlin Conservatories.

A native of Washington, D.C., Mr. Lees holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan, and has studied conducting with both Larry Rachleff and Robert Spano, as well as having participated in masterclasses with Lorin Maazel, Michael Tilson Thomas, Gustav Meier, and Jorma Panula.

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

Guest Artist Bios

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Maiya Sykes vocalist Maiya Sykes is a classically trained vocalist, producer, vocal arranger and entrepreneur. She studied independently with Nina Simone and Betty Carter. After graduating from Yale University, she went on to further her musical education at The Musicians’ Institute.

Sykes has provided back-up vocals for for The Black Eyed Peas, Macy Gray, Fantasia, Joss Stone, Michael Bublé, Leona Lewis, and Rita Ora. She was a featured backup singer for Macy Gray in her live show for more than five years. She recently provided backgrounds and was featured in the Academy Award-winning film La La Land.

As a recording artist, Sykes released a dance single with DJ Manny Lehman, “Body Rock,” recorded under the pseudonym Oceana, which reached number 1 on the Billboard Dance Charts in 2009.

Shortly after her four-chair-turning debut on season 7 of The Voice, Sykes began working with YouTube sensation Postmodern Jukebox.

Her featured videos with Postmodern Jukebox have received over 3 million views and have been mentioned in Time Magazine and the Huffington Post.

Currently, Sykes has been busy as the lead singer of The Endangered.

The band’s second release, produced by legendary producer Steven Miller (Dave Matthews Band, Chaka Khan), was released in early March 2012 to critical acclaim.

Guest Artist Bios (continued)

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MacKenzie vocalist MacKenzie, a powerhouse singer-songwriter from Northern Virginia, is renowned for his dynamic vocal range, magnetic stage presence, and captivating performances. Deeply influenced by musical legends James Brown, Prince, and Freddie Mercury, MacKenzie channels their energy and artistry into his own unique sound, blending funk, soul, and rock with a contemporary edge.

As the lead vocalist for the trailblazing funk collective Ghost-Note, he has toured internationally, mesmerizing audiences with his commanding voice and showmanship. MacKenzie’s talents earned him a GRAMMY® nomination for his collaboration with the acclaimed Cory Henry, further showcasing his versatility as an artist. He also serves as the lead vocalist for the band formerly known as New Power Generation, adding to his impressive resume and cementing his status as one of the most compelling vocalists in the industry today.

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 Jon Lewis, Principal

The Kate Whitner McKay Principal Cello Chair

Allison Drenkow, Assistant Principal Alan Black, Principal Emeritus Marlene Ballena Jeremy Lamb Sarah Markle Oksana McCarthy† DOUBLE BASSES Jason McNeel, Acting Principal Judson Baines, Assistant Principal Justin Cheesman† Jeffrey Ferdon

° Non-revolving position °° Alternates between first and second violins † Acting member of the Charlotte Symphony ‡ Funded by The Symphony Guild of Charlotte, Inc. * On leave

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 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

Jonathan Kaplan* Peter Stammer† Gabriel Slesinger, Associate Principal The Marcus T. Hickman Chair

TROMBONES John Bartlett, Principal Thomas Burge BASS TROMBONE Scott Hartman, Principal TUBA Colin Benton, Principal

The Governor James G. Martin Chair

TIMPANI Jacob Lipham, Principal

The Robert Haywood Morrison Chair

PERCUSSION Brice Burton, Principal

Musician Spotlight

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Musician Spotlight

Cynthia Burton Violin Member of the CSO since Sept. 2023 · Received tenure Nov. 2024 HOMETOWN: Banner Elk, North Carolina

Fun Facts • Cynthia nearly went to school for engineering, but chose music instead.

• A native of Western NC, she enjoys hiking and exploring new trails wherever she travels.

• If she could meet any composer, it would be Haydn, to see if his personality matches the humor in his music.

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 December 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 Ginger Kelly 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 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 Betty P. & Jeffrey J. Lee

In Loving Memory of Lopez-Ibanez from Lina & Enrique Lopez-Ibanez 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 Lindsay & Frank Schall 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 Si & Michael Blake Lee & Alan Blumenthal Dr. & Mrs. O. Robert Boehm Frances & Herbert Browne Dr. William H. Carson 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 Cheryl DeMaio 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

Annual Fund Supporters (continued) $2,500 – $3,499 (continued) Rob Roy McGregor Richard I. McHenry & Cynthia L. Caldwell 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 Deborra Wood & Russell Propst

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 Jean E. Davis & Robert A. Metzger Dr. Kandi & Gary Deitemeyer Elizabeth Betty Eaton Martin Ericson, Jr. Jenn & Taylor Gherardi Carol & Joseph Gigler Judith Greene Angela M. & Michael D. Helms Maureen & Daniel Haggstrom Megan & Brendan Hoffman Martha D. Jones Helen & Gene Katz

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Ginger Kemp Dr. & Mrs. Randolph Mahnesmith Anna Marriott 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 Patricia & Morris Spearman Ken Spielfogel & Richard Withem Maxine & Robert Stein Jean Summerville 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 Barbara Yarbrough

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

Annual Fund Supporters (continued) Carol & Joseph Gigler Karen Gunther 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 Patricia & James Petillo Catherine Philpott 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 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 Rebecca Waters Linda & Craig Weisbruch Peter White Bryan Wilhelm Noni Williams John Drew Witherington Judith Wood

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$500 – $999 Anonymous (5) Lee & Michael Abbott Larry Anderson JWD Atchison Natascha A. Bechtler Cathy & Bob Becker Katie & Morgan Beggs 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 & David Currier Margaret & George Dewey Diane & Doug Doak Kris & Thomas Duffy Heather & Gray Dyer Kate & Trae Fletcher Dr. John & Eileen Gardella Jean & Stephen Geller Stacy & Pete Gherardi 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

Annual Fund Supporters (continued) $500 – $999 (continued) Constance & Kiran Mehta Valerie & Thomas McKernan Anne & Brad Mitchell Amanda & Matthew Molbert Kimberly Moore-Wright Fran & Gary Morrison Carla & Robert Murray Mary Newsom Ms. Ynez Olshausen Cookie & Jerry Parnell Janet & Rick Pfeiffer Catherine Philpott Hilda & Victor Pineiro Barbara M. Pooley Moira Quinn Sabine & Haywood Rankin Susanne & Mark Rascio and Family Emily & Brian Reinicker Shaiza Rizavi Margaret Rogers & John R. Willis

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Katy & Raleigh Shoemaker Sandra Shuster Michael Silverman Stephanie & Jonathan Simon Carol Smith Dr. & Mrs. Henry L. Smith II Scott Smith Julia J. Souther 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.

Your gift brings music to our community.

Our mission is to uplift, entertain and educate the diverse communities in Charlotte and beyond through exceptional musical experiences.

Thank you for making this possible.

DONATE TODAY

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:

Greater Golf Express GreerWalker CPAs & Advisors New Systems Ethic NoDa Brewing Co. Park, Inc. Publix Super Markets Charities SouthState Bank 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 Charlotte Assembly The Jack H. & Ruth C. Campbell Foundation The Mary Norris Preyer Fund The George W. & Ruth R. Baxter Foundation Barnhardt/Thomas Trust For more information, please contact Mandy Vollrath at mvollrath@charlottesymphony.org

COMING SOON...

VALENTINE'S WEEKEND!

February 14 & 15 Belk Theater

Ruth Reinhardt, conductor Olga Kern, piano

SUK Fairy Tale R. SCHUMANN Piano Concerto ELGAR Engima Variations

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! box office: 704.972.2000

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 January 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

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 · M.A. Rogers Robert Haywood Morrison Foundation · Trane Technologies · Truist Financial Corporation

$250,000 - $499,999

Cathy Bessant · The Dickson Foundation · The Gambrell Foundation Moore & Van Allen PLLC · Janet Preyer Nelson

$100,000 - $249,000

Jeannette & Francisco Alvarado · Joan & Mick Ankrom · Ruth & Richard Ault NCFI/Barnhardt Foundation · Wilton & Catherine Connor · 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 · Carlos & Lisa Evans · David Fisk & Anne O’Byrne Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle · Michael Marsicano · Chan & Virginia Martin · Dede & Alex McKinnon · Posey & Mark Mealy · Larry & Dale Polsky Steve & Wanda Phifer · Judy & Derek Raghavan · Eric & Shannon Reichard Sara & Daniel Roselli · Emily & Zach Smith · Melinda & David Snyder Dr. John A. Thompson, Jr. & Dr. Lee Rocamora · Jill & Kevin Walker

$5,000 - $9,999

Brian S. Cromwell · Toni Burke & Bob Gaines · Sarah & Frank Gentry Carol & Joseph Gigler · Lucinda Nisbet Lucas · Dee Dee & William Maxwell Melissa & Dennis McCrory · Cyndee Patterson · William & Betty Seifert Peggy & Pope Shuford · Nancy E. Simpson · Drs. Jennifer & Matthew Sullivan Martha Ann & Craig Wardlaw

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 Denise DeMaio, Secretary David Fisk, President & CEO Kwamé Ryan, Music Director

2024-2025 DIRECTORS Mick Ankrom Joye D. Blount Krisha Blanchard Mike Butterworth Nick Clements Mary Delk* Sidney Fletcher Lucia Zapata Griffith Byron Johns* Valerie Kinloch Stephen Makris

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

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Board of Trustees

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2024-2025 TRUSTEES Richard Osborne, Chair Paul Anderson Ruth & Richard Ault Arlene & Milton Berkman Jason & Tiffany Bernd Mary & Charles Bowman Frank Bragg Robin & Bill Branstrom Dr. William Charles & Dr. Cynthia Nortey Derick & Sallie Close Robin Cochran Catherine & Wilton Connor Jeanie & T. Thomas Cottingham III Brian Cromwell Susan Cybulski Alessandra & Pasquale De Martino Alvaro & Donna de Molina Peggy & Richard Dreher Lisa Hudson Evans Karen Fox Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle Ralph S. Grier Laurie Guy Janet Haack

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

Administration

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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 Meghan 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)

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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...

john luther adams

become ocean feb 28 & mar 1

an immersive soundscape Dive into the world of John Luther Adams’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Become Ocean as the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra transforms Blume Studios into an immersive soundscape, featuring dynamic light projections and a 360° spatial audio experience.

Don’t miss it — buy your tickets now! box office:

704.972.2000 · charlottesymphony.org