Welcome to Your CSO!

As the warmth of spring returns to Charlotte, I am reminded of the natural beauty and renewal this season brings. Just as flowers bloom in a symphony of colors, our Charlotte Symphony is experiencing a similar surge of vitality this month as many of our most exciting initiatives come to fruition.

April kicks off with a special joint performance with Johnson C. Smith University, a continuation of our valued partnership. Together we’ll present a musical tribute to resilience and empowerment, featuring Carlos Simon’s Portrait of a Queen , narrated by Dr. Shawn-Allyce White.

In the same week, we welcome back our Music Director Designate, Kwamé Ryan, who will lead the Orchestra in an inspiring program of works by Wang Jie, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky. I hope you’ll join us for Maestro Ryan’s inaugural season as Music Director. You can explore details of the recently announced 2024–25 season on page 14 or at charlottesymphony.org

It also brings me great joy to welcome back Conductor Laureate Christopher Warren-Green as he leads the Orchestra and Charlotte Master Chorale in a program inspired by the sea.

And to close the month, we’re excited to launch CSO Roadshow — the Charlotte Symphony’s new mobile stage! In its first appearance on April 28, CSO musicians will perform alongside UltimaNota for the Latin American Coalition’s Música con amigos festival.

Thank you for being part of our community. Enjoy the concert!

David Fisk, President & CEO

ANNOUNCING THE CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY’S NEXT MUSIC DIRECTOR

We are thrilled to announce that Kwamé Ryan, hailed as a “dynamic conductor” by The Baltimore Sun, will assume the role of your Charlotte Symphony’s 12th Music Director, beginning in 2024–25, ushering in a new era for the Orchestra’s 93rd season.

“On my very first visit to Charlotte, I felt instantly connected with the dynamic energy of the city and then profoundly inspired by the wonderful musicians of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra … I very much look forward to discovering how this exciting new partnership can enrich the orchestra’s legacy and the cultural fabric of Charlotte.”

– Music Director Designate Kwamé Ryan

Born in Canada and raised on the Caribbean island of Trinidad, Kwamé Ryan discovered his passion for conducting at the age of nine. He studied Musicology at Cambridge University and trained in conducting under the guidance of renowned composer/conductor Peter Eötvös. An active guest conductor, Ryan has led orchestras across the United States, UK, and Germany. In the fall of 2023, Ryan conducted the world premiere of Jake Heggie’s Intelligence at Houston Grand Opera, and in 2024, he makes his debut with Opera Theatre of St. Louis and the New York Philharmonic.

When not on the podium, Ryan dedicates his time to educational and community engagement initiatives. He has previously served as Musical Director of the National Youth Orchestra of France and as Director of the Academy for the Performing Arts at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, Ryan is the host of “8 Minute Idea,” a podcast in which he offers insights, tools, and life hacks.

“As a dynamic leader who understands the full potential of the relationship between an orchestra and its community, Kwamé will undoubtedly deepen the Charlotte Symphony’s service to Charlotte and the region, and, with his passion for music education, bring extraordinary, powerful music-making to a wider audience of all ages.”

– President & CEO David Fisk

Ryan’s selection was unanimous by the Music Director Search Committee, comprised of Charlotte Symphony musicians, staff, and members of the Board of Directors.

“From the outset, there was an incredible chemistry between Kwamé Ryan and the musicians which created an atmosphere of collaboration and inspiration. Kwamé’s dynamic performances, as well as his ability to connect with audiences in a meaningful way, truly distinguished him. We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional conductor to Charlotte!”

– Bassist Jeffrey Ferdon and Principal Violist Ben Geller, who served on the Music Director Search Committee