CSO Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue - program 03-01-24

DIGITAL PROGRAM BOOK

THE 1OO TH ANNIVERSARY

March 1 & 2 7:30 pm | Belk Theater

Thomas Wilkins conductor

Michelle Cann piano

WHAT’S INSIDE...

join the musical dialogue

Welcome to Your CSO!

Welcome to March at the Charlotte Symphony!

This is an exciting time for us, filled with concerts that cater to every musical taste. We’re starting off with a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, featuring the talented pianist Michelle Cann, who will also perform Florence Price’s spirited Piano Concerto in One Movement, all under the baton of conductor Thomas Wilkins.

Next, our own Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees will lead the orchestra in two programs: Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert, and an eclectic program of new and well-known works in our debut at Town Brewing Company, part of the On Tap series.

And as March draws to a close, we welcome JoAnn Falletta to the podium, leading the CSO through works by Wagner, Perry, and Richard Strauss. Principal Trumpet Alex Wilborn will also take center stage, performing Böhme’s virtuosic Trumpet Concerto. And mark your calendars for April 5 – 6 when our new Music Director Designate Kwamé Ryan returns to conduct works by Tchaikovsky and Brahms.

In addition to these performances, our musicians are engaging with more than 10,000 4th and 5 th graders in January and March through our “One Musical Family Concerts.” This is just one of the ways we’re providing access to music for everyone through free and low-cost education and community engagement initiatives this season. We’re so grateful to all who support the Symphony and make these events possible.

We’re also nearly ready to unveil our 2024/25 season, which will be filled with the music you love as we celebrate the past and herald the future with the arrival of Kwamé Ryan in his first season as Music Director. Current subscribers can renew their subscriptions early, at this year’s prices, and receive an exclusive gift through March 29! Keep an eye out in early April when we’ll announce the full programming for next season.

Thank you for being with us, and 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

Kwamé Ryan will return to Charlotte this spring to conduct the Orchestra in two performances of Wang Jie’s Symphonic Overture “America, the Beautiful,” Brahms’s Symphony No. 1, and Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, April 5–6.

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.

Friday, March 1, 2024, at 7:30 pm

Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 7:30 pm Belk Theater at Blumenthal Arts

Thomas Wilkins, conductor Michelle Cann, piano

GEORGE GERSHWIN (1898–1937)

An American in Paris [approx. 16 minutes]

FLORENCE PRICE (1887–1953)

[approx. 19 minutes]

Piano Concerto in One Movement Michelle Cann, piano

INTERMISSION

GEORGE GERSHWIN (1898–1937)

Rhapsody in Blue Michelle Cann, piano

MAURICE RAVEL (1875–1937)

Suite No. 2 from Daphnis et Chloé

I. Lever du jour

II. Pantomime

III. Danse générale

[approx. 15 minutes]

[approx. 18 minutes]

concert duration: approximately 90 minutes. There will be one 20-minute intermission. This concert is made possible in part by Maria & John Huson

Thomas Wilkins guest conductor

Devoted to promoting a life-long enthusiasm for music, Thomas Wilkins brings energy and commitment to audiences of all ages. He is hailed as a master at communicating and connecting with audiences. Mr. Wilkins is Principal Conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra; the Boston Symphony’s Artistic Advisor, Education and Community Engagement; Principal Guest Conductor of the Virginia Symphony; and holds Indiana University’s Henry A. Upper Chair of Orchestral Conducting established by the late Barbara and David Jacobs as a part of that University’s “Matching the Promise Campaign.” He completed his long and successful tenure as Music Director of the Omaha Symphony Orchestra at the close of the 2020/2021 season. Other past positions have included resident conductor of the Detroit Symphony and Florida Orchestra (Tampa Bay), and associate conductor of the Richmond (VA) Symphony. He also has served on the music faculties of North Park University (Chicago), the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, and Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

Following his highly successful first season with the Boston Symphony, the Boston Globe named him among the “Best People and Ideas of 2011.” In 2014, Wilkins received the prestigious “Outstanding Artist” award at the Nebraska Governor’s Arts Awards for his significant contribution to music in the state while in 2018 Thomas Wilkins received the Leonard Bernstein Lifetime Achievement Award for the Elevation of Music in Society conferred by Boston’s Longy School of Music. In 2019 the Virginia Symphony bestowed Thomas Wilkins with their annual Dreamer Award. And in 2022 the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards presented him with their Lifetime Achievement Award for Music, the Boston Conservatory awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Arts, and he was the recipient of the League of American Orchestras’ Gold Baton Award.

During his conducting career, he has led orchestras throughout the United States, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Cincinnati Symphony, and the National Symphony. Additionally, he has guest conducted the Philadelphia and Cleveland Orchestras, the Symphonies of Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Baltimore, San Diego, Seattle, Louisiana, North Carolina and Utah, and the Buffalo and Rochester Philharmonics, as well as at the Grant Park Music Festival in Chicago to name a few.

His commitment to community has been demonstrated by his participation on several boards of directors, including the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Charles Drew Health Center (Omaha), the Center Against Spouse Abuse in Tampa Bay, and the Museum of Fine Arts as well as the Academy Preparatory Center both in St. Petersburg, FL. Currently he serves as chairman of the board for the Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund and as national ambassador for the non-profit World Pediatric Project headquartered in Richmond, VA, which provides children throughout Central America and the Caribbean with critical surgical and diagnostic care.

A native of Norfolk, VA, Thomas Wilkins is a graduate of the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. He and his wife, Sheri-Lee, are the proud parents of twin daughters, Erica and Nicole.

Michelle Cann piano

Lauded as “exquisite” by The Philadelphia Inquirer and “a pianist of sterling artistry” by Gramophone, Michelle Cann has become one of the most sought-after pianists of her generation. She made her debut with The Philadelphia Orchestra in 2021 and has recently performed concertos with The Cleveland Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Orquestra Sinfônica Municipal de São Paulo, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the symphony orchestras of Atlanta, Baltimore, and Cincinnati.

Highlights of Cann’s 2023-24 season include appearances with the Charlotte, Hawaii, Indianapolis, Québec, Sarasota, and Winnipeg symphony orchestras, and recitals in New York City, Portland, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, and Denver. She also has teaching and performance residencies at the University of Indiana South Bend and Meany Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Washington.

Recognized as a leading interpreter of the piano music of Florence Price, Cann performed the New York City premiere of Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement with The Dream Unfinished Orchestra in July 2016 and the Philadelphia premiere with The Philadelphia Orchestra and Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin in February 2021. Her recording of the concerto with the New York Youth Symphony won a Grammy Award in 2023 for Best Orchestral Performance. Her acclaimed debut solo album Revival, featuring music by Price and Margaret Bonds, was released in May 2023 on the Curtis Studio label. She has also recorded two Price piano quintets with the Catalyst Quartet.

Cann was the recipient of the 2022 Sphinx Medal of Excellence, the highest honor bestowed by the Sphinx Organization. She also received the Cleveland Institute of Music’s 2022 Alumni Achievement Award and the 2022 Andrew Wolf Chamber Music Award.

A celebrated chamber musician, Cann has collaborated with leading artists including the Catalyst, Dover, and Juilliard

string quartets, violinists Timothy and Nikki Chooi, and cellist Thomas Mesa. She has appeared as co-host and collaborative pianist with NPR’s From The Top, collaborating with actor/ conductor Damon Gupton, violinist Leila Josefowicz, and violinist and MacArthur Fellow Vijay Gupta. Cann’s numerous media appearances include PBS Great Performances’ Now Hear This hosted by Scott Yoo and Living the Classical Life with host Zsolt Bognár.

Embracing a dual role as performer and pedagogue, Cann is frequently invited to teach master classes, give lecturedemonstrations, and lead teaching residencies. Recent residencies include the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival and the National Conference of the Music Teachers National Association. She has recorded lessons for tonebase, the popular piano lesson platform. She has also served on the juries of the Cleveland International Piano Competition, the Kauffman Music Center International Youth Piano Competition, and the piano competition of the Music Academy of the West.

A staunch believer in community-building through music, Cann has served as the director of two children’s choruses in the El Sistema-inspired program Play On Philly and was part of the inaugural class of ArtistYear fellows at the Curtis Institute of Music. Through ArtistYear, she worked with community partners City Year, Teach for America, and AmeriCorps to provide arts education and access to underserved communities in Philadelphia.

Cann holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in piano performance from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where she studied with Paul Schenly and Dr. Daniel Shapiro, and an Artist’s Diploma from the Curtis Institute of Music, where she studied with Robert McDonald. She joined the Curtis piano faculty in 2020 as the inaugural Eleanor Sokoloff Chair in Piano Studies. She joined the piano faculty of the Manhattan School of Music in 2023.

UNITY CONCERT: EARTH

Saturday, March 9 4:00 pm

First United Methodist Church Charlotte (Uptown)

FEATURING JAKE RUNESTAD’S EMMY® AWARD-WINNING EARTH SYMPHONY

Charlotte Master Chorale is proud to present the North Carolina premiere ofEarth Symphony,the groundbreaking choral symphony from composer Jake Runestad and librettist Todd Boss. Featuring student singers from East Mecklenburg, South Mecklenburg, Stuart Cramer, and Sun Valley high schools�and a 43-piece orchestra�this concert is sure to move and inspire!

Buy Tickets

TICKETS: $30 GENERAL ADMISSION STUDENTS: $10 WITH ID charlottemasterchorale.org/earthpremiere

PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH TREES CHARLOTTE

Charlotte Master Chorale is supported, in part, by the Infusion Fund and its generous donors.

YOUR CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY

Kwamé Ryan, Music Director Designate

Christopher James Lees, Resident Conductor

Christopher Warren-Green, Conductor Laureate

FIRST VIOLINS

Calin Ovidiu Lupanu, Concertmaster

The Catherine & Wilton Connor Chair

Joseph Meyer, Associate Concertmaster

Kari Giles, Assistant Concertmaster

Susan Blumberg°°

Jane Hart Brendle

Cynthia Burton

Ayako Gamo

David Horak †

Lenora Leggatt

Jenny Topilow

Dustin Wilkes-Kim

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

VIOLAS

Benjamin Geller, Principal

The Zoe Bunten Merrill Principal Viola Chair

Kirsten Swanson, Acting Asst. Principal †

Ellen Ferdon

Cynthia Frank

Wenlong Huang

Viara Stefanova

Ning Zhao

CELLOS

Jonathan Lewis, Principal

The Kate Whitner McKay Principal Cello Chair

Allison Drenkow, Acting Asst. Principal

Alan Black, Principal Emeritus*

Marlene Ballena

Jeremy Lamb

Amy Sunyoung Lee

Sarah Markle

Oksana McCarthy †

DOUBLE BASSES

Kurt Riecken, Principal*

Jason McNeel, Acting Principal

Judson Baines, Assistant Principal*

Justin Cheesman, Acting Asst. Principal

Jeffrey Ferdon

Luis Primera†

FLUTES

Victor Wang, Principal

The Blumenthal Foundation Chair

Amy Orsinger Whitehead

Erinn Frechette

PICCOLO

Erinn Frechette

OBOES

Erica Cice, Acting Principal

The Leo B. Driehuys Chair‡

Teil Taliesin†

Terry Maskin

ENGLISH HORN

Terry Maskin

CLARINETS

Taylor Marino, Principal

The Gary H. & Carolyn M. Bechtel Chair

Samuel Sparrow

Allan Rosenfeld

E♭ CLARINET

Samuel Sparrow

BASS CLARINET

Allan Rosenfeld

BASSOONS

Joseph Merchant, Principal

Joshua Hood

Nicholas Ritter

CONTRABASSOON

Nicholas Ritter

HORNS

Byron Johns, Principal

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

Andrew Fierova

Philip Brindise†

The Robert E. Rydel, Jr. Third Horn Chair

Richard Goldfaden

Andrew Merideth†

TRUMPETS

Alex Wilborn, Principal

The Betty J. Livingstone Chair

Jonathan Kaplan

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

ARTISTIC OPERATIONS

TIMPANI

Jacob Lipham, Principal

The Robert Haywood Morrison Chair

PERCUSSION

Brice Burton, Principal

HARP

Andrea Mumm Trammell, Principal

The Dr. Billy Graham Chair

This roster lists the full-time members of the Charlotte Symphony. The number and seating of musicians onstage 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

Michael Reichman, VP of Artistic Operations & General Manager

Carrie Graham, Senior Director of Artistic Planning

Tim Pappas, Director of Operations

Nixon Bustos, Principal Music Librarian

Emily Schaub, Assistant Music Librarian

Erin Eady, Personnel Manager

Claire Beiter, Operations Coordinator

John Jarrell, Stage Manager

The Charlotte Symphony is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.

featuring OSKAR BÖHME'S Trumpet Concerto

March 22 & 23 7:30 pm | Knight Theater

JoAnn Falletta guest conductor

Alex Wilborn trumpet

One of the premier music organizations in the Southeastern United States and the oldest operating symphony orchestra in the Carolinas, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) connects with more than 100,000 music lovers each year through its lively season of concerts, broadcasts, community events, and robust educational programs. The CSO is committed to its mission of uplifting, entertaining, and educating the diverse communities of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and beyond through exceptional musical experiences.

The Charlotte Symphony upholds the highest artistic integrity and takes bold steps to engage with its community through music. Its 65 professional, full-time musicians perform throughout the region — from community parks and breweries, to places of worship and senior care centers — and offer significant educational support, aimed at serving the underresourced areas of our community.

The Charlotte Symphony is deeply committed to the notion that music, accessible to all and experienced in its many forms, enriches and unifies our community. The CSO believes in equity and inclusion and strives to be an industry leader in imaginative, relevant programming by intentionally seeking out women conductors, underrepresented in our industry, and conductors, composers, and guest artists of color.

Founded in 1932, the Charlotte Symphony plays a leading cultural role in the Charlotte area and serves the community as a civic leader, reflecting and uniting our region through the transformative power of live music.

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

Ken Meltzer

GEORGE GERSHWIN

born: September 26, 1898 in Brooklyn, New York

died: July 11, 1937 in Hollywood, California

An American in Paris (1928)

premiere: December 13, 1928 in New York

approx. duration: 16 minutes

In March of 1928, George Gershwin departed New York for Europe, and trips to Paris, London, and Vienna. Prior to that time, Gershwin received a commission from conductor Walter Damrosch and the New York Symphony Society (later, the New York Philharmonic-Symphony Society) for a new orchestral composition. Gershwin returned to New York in June, where he completed An American in Paris a month before the work’s premiere. Walter Damrosch conducted the Carnegie Hall concert, which took place on December 13, 1928.

In describing his An American in Paris, Gershwin observed: “This new piece, really a rhapsodic ballet, is written very freely and is the most modern music I’ve yet attempted.” An American in Paris opens with music depicting the protagonist strolling throughout Paris (Gershwin went to great time and expense to find authentic French taxi horns for inclusion in the work’s premiere). Later, according to Gershwin: “Our American friend perhaps after strolling into a café and having a couple of drinks, has succumbed to a spasm of homesickness.” But finally, “the homesick American, having left the café and reached the open air, has disowned his spell of the blues and once again is an alert spectator of Parisian life. At the conclusion, the street noises and French atmosphere are triumphant.”

FLORENCE PRICE

born: April 9, 1887 in Little Rock, Arkansas

died: June 3, 1953 in Chicago, Illinois

Piano Concerto in One Movement (1934)

premiere: 1934 in Chicago

approx. duration: 19 minutes

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Florence Beatrice Price studied at Boston’s New England Conservatory, where she earned an artist’s degree in organ, and a teacher’s diploma in piano. After graduation, Price taught music at various institutions in Little Rock and Atlanta. In 1927, she moved to Chicago. There, Price earned recognition for her talents as a composer and concert pianist. In 1933, Frederick Stock and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performed Price’s Symphony in E minor. This was the first time a major American orchestra had performed an orchestral work by a female African-American composer.

As a composer, Florence Price is best known for her art songs and arrangements of spirituals. But her more than 300 compositions span a wide variety of instrumental and vocal genres. In 1934 in Chicago, Price was the soloist in the world premiere of her Concerto in D minor in One Movement for Piano and Orchestra. No copies of the orchestral score survived. The Center for Black Music Research commissioned Trevor Weston to reconstruct the complete score from various other sources authored by Price. On February 17, 2011 in Chicago, the Watson reconstruction was performed by soloist Karen Walwyn and the New Black Music Repertory Ensemble.

The Concerto is cast in a single movement that contains three clearly identifiable episodes (Andantino - Adagio CantabileAndantino; Allegretto). In addition to the challenging writing for the soloist, the Concerto is notable for its synthesis of classical, popular, and folk elements. This is particularly true in the finale, based upon the Juba, an African-American Antebellum dance.

GEORGE GERSHWIN

Rhapsody in Blue (1924) orchestrated by Ferde Grofé (1942)

premiere: February 12, 1924 in New York

approx. duration: 15 minutes

George Gershwin composed Rhapsody in Blue at the request of his friend, bandleader Paul Whiteman. Whiteman planned to stage a concert in New York to demonstrate that American jazz “had come to stay and deserved recognition.” After much persuasion by Whiteman, Gershwin agreed to compose a rhapsody for piano and orchestra he conceived of as “a sort of musical kaleidoscope of America — of our vast melting pot, of our unduplicated national pep, of our blues, of our metropolitan madness.” Gershwin composed the work at a furious pace, completing it in about three weeks.

On February 12, 1924, a capacity audience filled New York’s Aeolian Hall to hear Paul Whiteman’s concert, entitled, “An Experiment in Modern Music.” As the concert proceeded, the attention of the audience began to flag. But, as Olin Downes reported for the New York Times: “Then stepped upon the stage, sheepishly, a lank and dark young man — George Gershwin. He was to play the piano part in the first performance of his Rhapsody in Blue for piano and orchestra.”

Composer George Gershwin (left) and arranger Ferde Grofé (right)

From the first notes of the audacious clarinet solo, the audience was spellbound. Here was a work that offered a beguiling synthesis of the classical tradition — long believed to be the province of European composers — and America’s own music, jazz. When the majestic final chord sounded, the audience erupted with an ovation described by critics as “tumultuous,” “wild and even frantic.” From that day, George Gershwin became recognized not only as an important composer of Broadway and popular melodies, but a force to be reckoned with in classical music. A century after its premiere, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue remains one of the most beloved and performed concert works by an American composer. The Rhapsody in Blue opens with the famous clarinet solo that moves from its brazen ascent to the introduction of the first of several themes that appear throughout. The pianist enters, soon embarking on a solo turn. As suggested by the work’s title, the Rhapsody is a rather free-form piece that offers diverse and often virtuoso treatments, by both soloist and orchestra, of the thematic material. Toward the latter part of the Rhapsody, the orchestra introduces a majestic theme, capped by some jazzy commentary from the horns. From there, the Rhapsody in Blue proceeds to a brilliant climax, concluding with a final statement of the opening clarinet theme.

MAURICE RAVEL

born: March 7, 1875 in Ciboure, France

died: December 28, 1937 in Paris, France

Suite No. 2 from Daphnis et Chloé (1912)

premiere: June 8, 1912 in Paris

approx. duration: 18 minutes

In the summer of 1909, Sergey Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes burst upon the Paris artistic scene. Diaghilev’s brilliant and controversial productions inspired reactions by audiences and critics that ranged from adulation to violent rebellion. During his early years in Paris, Diaghilev made the acquaintance of several young composers with whom he would collaborate on some of his company’s greatest triumphs. For example, a meeting with the young Igor Stravinsky led to such works as The Firebird (1910), Pétrouchka (1911), and The Rite of Spring (1913).

Around that same time, Diaghilev met French composer Maurice Ravel. It was not long before Diaghilev, greatly impressed by Ravel’s talent and affinity for the theater, commissioned a ballet based upon the story of Daphnis and Chloé, a pastoral romance attributed to the Greek writer, Longus (c. 2nd /3rd century CE). Choreographer Michel Fokine adapted the story for Ravel’s composition.

The first performance of Daphnis et Chloé took place in Paris at the Théâtre du Châtelet on June 8, 1912. Despite the incredible assemblage of talent (including Vaslav Nijinsky and Tamara Karsavina in the title roles, conductor Pierre Monteux, choreographer Michel Fokine, and designer Léon Bakst), the absence both of sufficient rehearsal time and unanimity of artistic vision resulted in a rather lackluster premiere.

Painted backdrop by designer Léon Bakst for the original production.

In truth, full productions of Daphnis on the ballet stage have been rare. The work requires the talents of a virtuoso orchestra and (wordless) chorus most ballet companies are hard-pressed to assemble. On the other hand, the score Ravel termed “a choreographic symphony in three movements” has enjoyed tremendous success in the concert hall. The orchestral Suites Ravel fashioned from the complete work are staples of the concert repertoire — particularly the Suite No. 2, containing the majestic Sunrise and thrilling "Danse générale" from the ballet’s Third Part.

The goatherd Daphnis and the shepherdess Chloé are in love. Chloé is captured by pirates. Daphnis, in despair, has a dream in which he encounters the god Pan. Ultimately, it is Pan who rescues Chloé.

The Second Suite corresponds to the action of the ballet’s Third Part. After the majestic "Lever du jour" (Sunrise), Daphnis and Chloé are reunited. The two mime the tale of Pan and Syrinx (Pantomime). Daphnis pledges himself to Chloé. The ballet (and Suite No. 2) conclude with a thrilling, joyous dance ("Danse générale").

We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Annual Fund. This list reflects gifts received between July 1, 2023 through January 31, 2024.

BENEFACTOR CIRCLE

$100,000+

Catherine & Wilton Connor *

J. Porter & Victoria Durham

Anonymous

Joan & Mick Ankrom

Ruth & Richard Ault

Dr. Milton & Arlene Berkman Philanthropic Fund

Judith & Mark Brodsky

Roberta H. Cochran

Jean & Dick Cornwell

Linda & Bill Farthing

Karen Fox

Maria & John Huson

Anonymous (2)

Melissa & Daren Anderson

Nicola & Emanuel Clark

Ralph S. Grier

Mary & Michael Lamach

Betty P. & Jeffrey J. Lee

DeDe & Alex McKinnon

$10,000 – $14,999

Anonymous (3)

Tiffany & Jason Bernd

Joye D. Blount & Jessie J. Knight Jr.

Katharine & Frank Bragg

Mr. & Mrs. R. Alfred Brand III

Lynne & Colby Cathey

Margarita & Nick Clements

Lisa & Carlos Evans

Robin & Christoph Feddersen

Caren & Charles Gale

Janet M. Haack

Leigh & Watts Humphrey

Susan & Chris Kearney

Ginger Kelly

Douglas Young

Jane & Hugh McColl*

Richard Krumdieck

Jacqueline B. Mars

Patricia & Thrus Morton

Patrick J. O'Leary

Richard J. Osborne

Debbie & Pat Phillips

Kathy & Paul Reichs

Pat Rodgers

Carolyn Shaw

Andromeda

Ulrike & Alex Miles

Robert Norville

Keith Oberkfell & Mica Post Oberkfell

Judy & Derek Raghavan

Sherry & Thomas Skains

Sienne & Adam Taylor

Ms. Nina Lesavoy

Tanya & Steve Makris

Laura & Perry Poole

Ann & Fritz Rehkopf

Kelli & Michael Richardson

Mrs. Rosalind S. Richardson

Amanda & Corey Rogers

Marjorie Moses Schwab

Drs. Jennifer Sullivan & Matthew Sullivan

Mary Claire & Dan Wall

Jill & Kevin Walker

Lisa & Richard Worf

* The Charlotte Symphony recognizes donors of exceptional generosity whose cumulative giving to the CSO exceeds $1 million with the designation of Music Director Society.

C.L. Trenkelbach

Suzie & Nick Trivisonno

In Memory of Tess Verbesey

Kevin & Jill Walker

Floyd Wisner & Glenda Colman

Sidney & Bobby Youngs

Joan Zimmerman

Abby & Albert Zue

$3,500 – $4,999

Anonymous

Paul & Kristen Anderson

Mr. James Biddlecome, in Loving Memory of Bernadette Zirkuli Biddlecome

Si & Michael Blake

Ms. Judith Carpenter

Sally & Derick Close

Mary & Phil Delk

Cheryl DeMaio

H. Clay Furches

David S. Jacobsen

Richard I. McHenry & Cynthia L. Caldwell

Arrington Mixon

Courtney Reichs Mixon

Joan Morgan

Linda & Tony Pace

Marsha & Robert L. Stickler

Daniel Troy

Karen & Ed Whitener

$2,500 – $3,499

Anonymous

Merilyn & Craig Baldwin

Mrs. Harriet B. Barnhardt

Bill & Georgia Belk

Cathy Bessant & John Clay

Mr. & Mrs. Alan Blumenthal

Amy & Philip Blumenthal

Dr. & Mrs. O. Robert Boehm

Jan & Bob Busch

Ann Thomas Colley

Dorothy & Mike Connor

Melissa Cornwell

Deborah J. Cox & Bob Szymkiewicz

Chris & Elizabeth Daly

In Memory of Betty Haggarty

$2,500 – $3,499 (continued)

PAlfred & Amy Dawson

Peter De

Peggy

Timothy

Harvey & Cindy Gannt

Mr. Billy L. Gerhart

In Memory of Judith Gerhart

Mariam Abdul Hamid

Ivan Hinrichs

Christy & Ben Hume

Fran & Greg Hyde

Jim & Peggy Hynes

James & Nina Jackson

Bruce & Martha Karsh

Mr. & Mrs. Luke Kissam

Dr. & Mrs. Christ A. Koconis

Meghan & Luis Lluberas

James Lynch

Rob Roy McGregor

Dee Dee McKay

Dick Metzler

Diane & Aderito Morais

Celene & Marc Oken

Dr. Reta R. Phifer

Mr. Vincent Phillips & Mr. Paul Pope

Marshelette & Milton Prime

Kathleen D. Prokay

Drew & Beth Quartapella

Mr. & Mrs. Robert R. Rollins, Jr.

Dr. Mahesh Sardesai

Paulette Sherrill

Nancy E. Simpson

George & Tricia Sistrunk

Emily

Morris

Elizabeth Connor Stewart

In Loving Memory of Dickson Stowe

Dr. Mark R. Swanson

Drs. Chris & Lillian Teigland

Eric & Annette Telljohann

In Memory of Dr. Chandler Thompson

Dr. John A. Thompson, Jr. & Dr. Lee Rocamora

Mindy & Don Upton

Paul & Susan Vadnais

Bill & Rita Vandiver

Dr. Shante Williams

Steph & Gemo Yesil

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.

PATRON CIRCLE

$1,500 – $2,499

Anonymous

Marcia Adams

Clay & Denise Armbrister

Dan & Barbara Austell

Dianne & Brian Bailey

Sharon Baker & Peter Moore

Mr. & Mrs. Taylor Batten

Erskine & Crandall Bowles

Sarah & Marco Carbone

Mr. Brent Clevenger

Ms. Susan Cybulski

Elizabeth Betty Eaton

William & Patricia Gorelick Family Foundation

Judith Greene

Angela & Michael Helms

Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin F. Hill, Jr.

Mr. James Howell & Mrs. Deanna Kelly

Gene & Helen Katz

Ginger Kemp

Mr. Alan Kronovet & Ms. Cary J. Bernstein

Staci & Adam Marino

Anna Marriott

Ms. Rosemarie Marshall & Mr. Lee Wilkins

Mr. Glenn Mincey & Mrs. Macie Mincey

Caroline Olzinski

Pamela Pearson & Charles Peach

John & Susan Rae

Suzy & Robert Schulman

Jane Perry Shoemaker

Ken Spielfogel & Richard Withem

Joseph & Aleca Stamey

Robert & Maxine Stein

Mr. Hans Teich

Tillie S. Tice

Jenny & Ken Tolson

Molly & Chris Tull

James H. Trexler & Kelly Zellars

Vera Watson

Grant Webb

Linda & Craig Weisbruch

Cricket Weston & David Molinaro

Bryan Wilhelm

Deems Wilson

Ms. Deborra Wood & Mr. Russell Propst

$1,000 – $1,499

Anonymous (5)

Ross & Michele Annable

Kathleen & Richard Anderson

Mary Lou & Jim Babb

Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln A. Baxter

Morgan & Katie Beggs

Shirley W. Benfield

Donald H. & Barbara K. Bernstein

Family Foundation

Sam & Nancy Bernstein

Willis

William R. Rollins

Dr. & Mrs. Paulvalery Roulette

Ruth & Trevor Runberg

Terrence Russell & Marjorie Serralles-Russell

Mrs. Gail Salmon

Dr. Stephen P. Schultz & Donna Dutton

Thomas & Natasha Scrivener

Mr. & Mrs. William Seifert

Katy & Raleigh Shoemaker

Molly & Conrad Sloan

Scott Smith

Rebecca & Eric Smith

Murray & Hazel Somerville

Mr. & Mrs. Larry Stern

Kathryn Stewart

Marsha & Robert L. Stickler

Pamela & Harding Stowe

Al & Alice Sudduth

Ann & Wellford Tabor

Richard R. Taylor

Rosalind & Joe Taylor

Mr. & Mrs. Hans Teich

Catherine Thompson

Vint & Libby Tilson

Sarah S. Tull

B. Maureen Turner

Drs. Iris Cheng & Daniel Uri

Dr. & Mrs. Bill Chu & Jin Wang

Ward Wellman & Laura Meyer Wellman

Pam & Steve West

Peter White

Mr. Gary Wilhite

Noni Williams

John Drew Witherington

Ms. Judith Wood

Eugene Woods

Gracy & Scott Wooster

Ms. Barbara Yarbrough

Christopher Montgomery

Tom &

Gary &

Robert &

Cookie

Janet &

Dr.

John

Mr.

Ana

Nancy

Christine

Carol Smith

Dr.

John-Palmer Smith

Rebecca

William

Wesley

James

Rebecca

Greg

Minyan

Mr.

Zelda White

Mr.

Dan

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

Larry & Joyce† Bennett

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

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†

† Deceased

Lucille & Edwin Jones

Paul and Paula 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. Debora Wood & Mr. Russell Propst

Leave a lasting legacy of great music through your planned gift.

For more information, please contact Shayne Doty at 704.714.5104.

CORPORATE

We are grateful for the following outstanding corporate funders:

GOVERNMENT & FOUNDATION SUPPORT

We are grateful for the following outstanding foundation and government funders:

amily amily FOUNDATION FOUNDATION

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

Kathryn Stephenson

Pipe Organ Endowment Foundation

Blumenthal Foundation

Minor Foundation, Inc.

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

The Truist Charitable Fund is a donor-advised fund created by Truist and administered by The Winston-Salem Foundation

DONALD KATHLEEN &

We're rolling out something big! This spring, your Charlotte Symphony takes the music on the road for CSO Roadshow, a traveling concert series that will bring pop-up music experiences to neighborhoods across Charlotte.

Our mobile stage will bring the power of live music to the heart of local communities as our 40-foot trailer takes Charlotte Symphony musicians to streets, parks, and plazas in free "walk up" concerts for all to enjoy. Keep an eye out for upcoming CSO Roadshow concerts near you!

Multimillion Dollar Commitment

City of Charlotte

$1.5 million and above Bank of America

C.D. Spangler Foundation / National Gypsum Company

John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Trane Technologies

$600,000 - $1 million Albemarle Foundation

Atrium Health Barings

Duke Energy

Honeywell

JELD-WEN, Inc.

LendingTree Foundation

Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Novant Health

Red Ventures

Truist

$300,000-$600,000

Ally Financial

The Centene Charitable Foundation

Childress Klein Properties

Coca-Cola Consolidated

Deloitte

EY

The Gambrell Foundation

Moore & Van Allen

PwC

Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A.

Rodgers Builders

Wells Fargo

Up to $300,000

Fifth Third Bank

Foundation For The Carolinas

Deidre and Clay Grubb

Leslie and Michael Marsicano

Jane and Hugh McColl

Nucor Corporation

PNC Bank

Premier, Inc.

Jane and Nelson Schwab

The Charlotte Symphony is supported, in part, by the Infusion Fund and its generous donors.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Linda McFarland Farthing

Chair

Richard Krumdieck

Vice Chair

John Williams

Vice Chair

Mick Ankrom

Treasurer

Manny Clark

Secretary

David Fisk

President & CEO

Joye D. Blount

Mike Butterworth

Nick Clements

Catherine Connor

Mary Delk*

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Richard Osborne, Chair

Paul Anderson

Ruth & Richard Ault

Kat Belk

Arlene & Milton Berkman

Jason & Tiffany Bernd

Mary & Charles Bowman

Frank Bragg

Robin & Bill Branstrom

Derick & Sallie Close

Robin Cochran

Wilton Connor

Jeanie & T. Thomas Cottingham III

Brian Cromwell

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

Denise DeMaio

Sidney Fletcher

Kevin Gottehrer

Lucia Zapata Griffith

Byron Johns*

Valerie Kinloch

Stephen Makris

Alex McKinnon

Ulrike W. Miles

Sara Garcés Roselli

Ylida Scott

Melinda Snyder

Jennifer Sullivan

Jenny Tolson*

Jenny Topilow*

Ken Walker

Kevin Walker

*ex officio

Reginald B. Henderson, Esq.

Mark & Whitney Jerrell

Jeff Lee

Gov. James G. Martin

Jane & Hugh McColl

Susan & Loy McKeithen

George McLendon

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

Bob & Marsha Stickler

Kelly & Neal Taub

Adam Taylor

Braxton Winston

Richard Worf

Joan Zimmerman

Albert Zue

EXECUTIVE

David J. L. Fisk, President & CEO

Samantha Hackett, Executive Administrator

ARTISTIC OPERATIONS (see

p. 15)

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

Lauren Taylor, Annual Fund Manager

Jennifer Gherardi, Development Manager - Campaign & Special Events

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Angel Adams, Vice President of Finance & Administration

Chazin & Company, Financial Services

Amy Hine, HR Coordinator & Office Administrator

HUMAN RESOURCES

Maribeth Baker, Human Resources Counselor

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

Jirah Montgomery, Youth Orchestras Program Assistant

Bria Alexander, Learning & Community Engagement Assistant

MARKETING

Mical Hutson, Vice President of Marketing & Audience Development

Deirdre Roddin, Director of Institutional Marketing & Communications

Nicole Glaza, Senior Manager of Digital Marketing

Chad Calvert, Visual Communications Manager

Laura Thomas, Marketing 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

FILM LIVE WITH ORCHESTRA

PRESENTED BY THE CHARLOTTE SYMPHONY

FULL ORCHESTRA

CONDUCTED BY CHRISTOPHER JAMES LEES

MARCH 15 & 16

7:30 PM | BELK THEATER

MUSIC BY JOHN WILLIAMS

Thirty years after the defeat of the Empire, a lonely scavenger finds herself at the center of a galactic conflict. From visionary director J.J. Abrams, the film features a new score composed by five-time Academy Award-winning composer John Williams.

704.972.2OOO