2023 –24 Season Annual Report
A Season of Artistic Vitality, Growth, Innovation, and Connection
Kwamé Ryan, Music Director
A Message from the President & CEO
The 2023–24 Season was one of extraordinary progress, innovation, and transformative milestones for the Charlotte Symphony — driven by our mission and made possible only through the collective efforts of our community. From appointing Kwamé Ryan as our new Music Director after an international search to welcoming larger, more diverse audiences and launching our mobile stage in partnership with the City of Charlotte, each achievement reflected our compelling vision for the Symphony’s future.
The season was defined first and foremost by extraordinary music-making — embodying both artistic excellence and vitality — thanks to the remarkable musicians of the Charlotte Symphony, whose artistry and commitment inspired audiences throughout the season.
Innovation was another hallmark. We dove into immersive experiences to attract new audiences, began to explore the intersection of music and wellness, and took meaningful steps toward building a more inclusive future for the arts, featuring a broader range of voices and perspectives than ever before.
Our $50M Comprehensive Campaign made huge strides, reaching $45M by year-end, bringing us closer to our goal of increasing the CSO’s endowment and ensuring the Symphony’s financial stability for years to come.
Above all, community connections were at the heart of our season. Through CSO Roadshow, the Symphony was welcomed into neighborhoods across the city, bringing live music to new audiences and creating meaningful relationships that will continue to grow in the coming years. We deepened partnerships with organizations like Roof Above, the Latin American Coalition, the YMCA, and Levine Children’s Hospital, furthering our mission to make music accessible to all and support those who need it most.
These successes, both on stage and off, were made possible by you — our generous patrons, volunteer leaders, and the entire CSO community — and thanks to the leadership of our Board Chair Linda McFarland Farthing, whose tenure leaves the Symphony in a markedly better place. As we welcome Dr. Richard Krumdieck as our new Chair, we are energized to build on all that has been accomplished up to now. Together, we are setting the stage for a vibrant and innovative future.
With heartfelt thanks,
David Fisk, President & CEO
the 2023 –24 season
Our Impact in Numbers
170,000+ PEOPLE EXPERIENCED LIVE MUSIC WITH THE CSO
175 CONCERTS IN 34 VENUES ACROSS THE REGION FROM 12,916 HOUSEHOLDS
68,031 TICKET BUYERS IN 52 U.S. STATES & TERRITORIES OF OUR AUDIENCE IS MADE UP OF MILLENNIALS & GEN Z 33%
2,000+ MEDIA MENTIONS EARNED 1.15M VIEWS GROWTH IN ATTENDANCE FROM UNDERREPRESENTED COMMUNITIES 17%
14,857 PEOPLE REACHED ON SOCIAL MEDIA 2.25M
STUDENTS SERVED THROUGH CSO EDUCATION PROGRAMS
99% OF ATTENDEES WOULD RECOMMEND THE CSO TO A FRIEND
1 in 3 SINGLE–TICKET BUYERS WERE FIRST–TIME ATTENDEES
AN ESTIMATED $29.4M IN OVERALL ECONOMIC IMPACT
“The
CSO just set the innovation bar higher for every local arts organization.”
– LAWRENCE TOPPMAN, WDAV
“Ryan is not just leading an orchestra. He’s inviting audiences into a home, one where music is a living, breathing conversation, and where every note, like every individual, has a place.”
– AMY CARLETON, THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER
Kwamé Ryan MUSIC DIRECTOR
In December 2023, the Charlotte Symphony made headlines around the world with the announcement of Kwamé Ryan’s appointment as the Symphony’s next Music Director, beginning in the 2024–25 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.”
– KWAMÉ RYAN
Concert Highlights
1.2M listeners tuned in to Performance Today, for the CSO’s first national broadcast in 22 years.
“The Charlotte Symphony isn’t playing around! Their programming leads the way for all orchestras in America.”
– CULTURAL VOICE OF NORTH CAROLINA
1. Keitaro Harada conducts Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony
2. Kwamé Ryan leads cellist Sterling Elliott in Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme
3. Verdi’s Requiem with the Charlotte Master Chorale, conducted by Kwamé Ryan
4. Melissa White plays Chen/He’s The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto
5. Carolyn Kuan conducts Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3
6. Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, featuring pianist Michelle Cann
“The
soulful music brought back so many memories…I wanted the show to be longer!”
– AUDIENCE MEMBER, SOULFUL CHRISTMAS
“[Renée]
Fleming’s voice from top to bottom was stunning — silken and clear, seemingly effortless. The orchestral sound was solid and lush.”
– TIMOTHY LINDEMAN, CVNC
3.
1. Annual Gala Concert featuring Conductor Laureate Christopher Warren-Green and soprano Renée Fleming
2. Soulful Christmas
The Elton John Experience
4. St. Georges’ Sword & Bow featuring Classical Kids LIVE! 5. Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert
“We loved every part… my kids were just in awe.”
– AUDIENCE MEMBER, FAMILY SERIES
“The performers were amazing. I’ll definitely be back for another movie night!”
– AUDIENCE MEMBER, STAR WARS:
Out in Our Community
The Charlotte Symphony collaborated with 22 community partners and 34 venues, connecting with new audiences and expanding our presence across the region.
1. CSO Summer Pops at Symphony Park
2. CSO On Tap at NoDa Brewing Co.
CSO in Concert at Johnson C. Smith University
Performance at Anne Springs Close Greenway
SYMPHONIC X ELECTRONIC
During the 2023–24 season, the Charlotte Symphony ventured into new artistic territory with MERGE, a groundbreaking series of two multi–sensory concerts, blending symphonic and electronic music with live visual artistry.
These immersive performances offered audiences a unique, innovative experience that pushed the boundaries of traditional concert formats.
MERGE was made possible by a generous grant from the Knight Art + Tech Expansion Fund of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
Learning
In the 2023–24 season, the Charlotte Symphony reached 14,857 students across our education programs.
One in ten students in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools had a personal experience with the Symphony, creating lasting memories and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Symphony musicians brought music directly to students, contributing 142 hours of in-school coaching and performance.
417 students enrolled in the Symphony’s three Youth Orchestras, Project Harmony, and Charlotte Bilingual Preschool, developing their skills and passion for music.
Through One Musical Family, more than 11,000 fifth graders were introduced to the Orchestra during a series of concerts at the Belk Theater.
Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra
Project Harmony
One Musical Family
Charlotte Bilingual Preschool
Community Engagement
The Charlotte Symphony reached hundreds of unhoused neighbors and housed tenants through 13 concerts in partnership with Roof Above.
Charlotte Symphony musicians held four performances for patients at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital and Carolinas Rehabilitation, offering comfort during their times of need.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart… all of our neighbors told me they had a wonderful time. It was truly a pleasure to see folks smiling the entire time…”
– STAFF MEMBER FROM ROOF ABOVE
CSO ROADSHOW
In April 2024, the Charlotte Symphony unveiled its new mobile stage with a ribbon–cutting ceremony attended by 200 city officials, community partners, and friends of the Charlotte Symphony. Through partnerships with the Latin American Coalition, Mayfield Memorial Baptist Church, Simmons YMCA, and Ophelia Garmon Brown Community Center, CSO Roadshow reached more than 1,200 people, expanding access to live music in Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity.
“The mobile stage will be a bridge in building connections between the arts and our community. Corridors of Opportunity residents will be able to experience and enjoy live music in their own backyards.”
– MARCUS JONES, CHARLOTTE CITY MANAGER
CSO Roadshow is made possible in part by
THE MAURER FAMILY FOUNDATION
Artwork on the mobile stage was created by local artist Rosalía Torres-Weiner, commissioned by the CSO.
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 †
Matthew Darsey †
Ellen Ferdon
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
The Charlotte Symphony is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.
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
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
Musician Roster as of June 30, 2024
Celebrating Our Supporters
Donor support enables the Charlotte Symphony to bring music to citizens of the Charlotte region in concert halls, schools, hospitals, and community gathering spaces.
We are grateful to share that contributed income has increased 15% over the past two years — a testament to the generosity and belief of our supporters.
A Transformative Era
In April 2024, at an event held at Bank of America headquarters, the Charlotte Symphony proudly announced that it had raised $41 million towards an ambitious $50 million comprehensive campaign. With strong momentum built throughout the season, and with continued support from donors and corporate partners, the Symphony is on track to surpass its goal, marking a significant step forward in solidifying the Symphony’s financial future for years to come.
1. Linda McFarland Farthing, Rich Osborne, and Susan McKeithen
2. Alex and Ulrike Miles with Renée Fleming
3. Francisco and Jeannette Alvarado
4. May 2024 Donor Trip to New York City
5. David Fisk, Sally Gregory, and Richard Krumdieck
6. Charles W. Thomas, Jr., Maribel Pérez Wadsworth, and Hugh L. McColl, Jr.
7. Kieth Cockrell, Kwamé Ryan, and Bert Scott
8. Malcomb Coley and Pat Rodgers
9. Chris Teat, Pat Phillips, and Debbie Phillips
10. Kwamé Ryan and Sandra Levine
Leadership
Directors and Trustees as of June 30, 2024
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*
Denise DeMaio
Sidney Fletcher
Kevin Gottehrer
Lucia Zapata Griffith
Byron Johns*
Valerie Kinloch
Stephen Makris
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Richard Osborne, Chair
Paul Anderson
Ruth & Richard Ault
Kat Belk
Arlene & Milton Berkman
Jason & Tiffany Bernd
Andrea & Alexander Bierce
Mary & Charles Bowman
Frank Bragg
Robin & Bill Branstrom
Dr. William Charles & Cynthia Nortey
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
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
Alex McKinnon
Ulrike W. Miles
Sara Garcés Roselli
Ylida Scott
Melinda Snyder
Jennifer Sullivan
Jenny Tolson*
Jenny Topilow*
Ken Walker
Kevin Walker
*ex officio
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
Annual Fund Donors
We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Annual Fund. This list reflects gifts received between July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
BENEFACTOR CIRCLE
VIRTUOSO CIRCLE
$5,000 – $9,999
Wedge & Debbie Abels
Howard P. Adams & Carol B. McPhee
Jeannette & Francisco Alvarado
Paul & Kristen Anderson
Tiffany & Jason Bernd
Mr. James Biddlecome
In Loving Memory of Bernadette Zirkuli Biddlecome
Philipp J. Bischoff & Dawn Beatty
Katrice & Steve Boland
Barbara & Twig Branch
Nancy Brand & Bill Freeman
Robin & William Branstrom
Shirley & Michael Butterworth
The Jack H. & Ruth C. Campbell Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Kieth Cockrell
Jeanie & Tom Cottingham
Mary & Phil Delk
Denise & Peter DeMaio
Mary Anne Dickson
Peggy & Richard Dreher
Heather & Thomas Finke
David J.L. Fisk & Anne O’Byrne
Sidney & Amy Fletcher
Joan & Parker Foley
Carol & Ron Follmer
Patty & Alex Funderburg
Dr. Robert A. Gaines & Toni Burke
Sarah & Frank Gentry
Kevin & Heather Gottehrer
Laurie & Barry Guy
Shirley & Bob Ivey
Page & Ed Kizer
Vivian & Robert Lamb
Mrs. Sandra Levine
Anna & Lazlo Littmann
Leslie & Michael Marsicano
Susanne & Bill McGuire
Paula & Paul McIntosh
Susan & Loy McKeithen
Carolyn & Sam McMahon
Chuck Miller & Marcy Thailer
Elizabeth & Jay Monge
Mr. & Mrs. Brian T. Moynihan
Holly & Jason Norvell
Keith & Mica Oberkfell
Kim & Torsten Pilz
Emily & Nima Pirzadeh
Nancy & Charlie Robson
Sara Garcés Roselli & Dan Roselli
Bette Roth
Laura & Michael Schulte
Ylida & Bert Scott
Susan & Donald Sherrill
Glenn Sherrill, Jr.
In Honor of Robin Branstom
Mr. & Mrs. Harley F. Shuford, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. A. Pope Shuford
Lori & Eric Sklut
Melinda & David Snyder
Chris & Jim Teat
Brienne Tinder & Thomas Lervik
Judith & Gary Toman
Mr. & Mrs. C.L. Trenkelbach
Floyd Wisner & Glenda Colman
Sidney & Bobby Youngs
Joan Zimmerman
Abby & Albert Zue
$3,500 – $4,999
Anonymous
Si & Michael Blake
Sally & Derick Close
Cheryl DeMaio
David S. Jacobsen
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
Mary & Charles Bowman
Jan & Bob Busch
Ann Thomas Colley
Dorothy & Mike Connor
Melissa Cornwell
Deborah J. Cox & Bob Szymkiewicz
Chris & Elizabeth Daly
In Memory of Betty Haggerty
Alfred & Amy Dawson
Peter De Arcangelis
Peggy & Charles Dickerson
Timothy & Kara Gallagher
Harvey & Cindy Gantt
Mr. Billy L. Gerhart
In Memory of Judith Gerhart
Andrea & Todd Griffith
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
Dottie & Jim Martin
Rob Roy McGregor
Richard I. McHenry & Cynthia L. Caldwell
Dee Dee McKay
Dick Metzler
Debbie Miller & Tim Black
Eleanor W. Neal
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
Emily & Zach Smith
Elizabeth Connor Stewart
Dr. Mark R. Swanson
Drs. Chris & Lillian Teigland
Dr. John A. Thompson, Jr. & Dr. Lee Rocamora
Mindy & Don Upton
Paul & Susan Vadnais
Steph & Gemo Yesil
PATRON CIRCLE
$1,500 – $2,499
Anonymous
Marcia Adams
Dan & Barbara Austell
Sharon Baker & Peter Moore
Mr. & Mrs. Taylor Batten
Erskine & Crandall Bowles
Mr. Brent Clevenger
Elizabeth Betty Eaton
William & Patricia Gorelick
Family Foundation
Judith Greene
Angela & Michael Helms
Mr. James Howell & Mrs. Deanna Kelly
Martha D. Jones
Gene & Helen Katz
Ginger Kemp
Mr. Alan Kronovet & Ms. Cary J. Bernstein
Dr. & Mrs. Randolph Mahnesmith
Staci & Adam Marino
Anna Marriott
Ms. Rosemarie Marshall & Mr. Lee Wilkins
Mr. Glenn Mincey & Mrs. Macie Mincey
Caroline Olzinski
Pamela Pearson & Charles Peach
Jeanine & Naeem Qasim
John & Susan Rae
Anne & Mark Reichmann
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
Drs. Iris Cheng & Daniel Uri
Vera Watson
Grant Webb
Linda & Craig Weisbruch
Pam West
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
Dianne & Brian Bailey
Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln A. Baxter
Morgan & Katie Beggs
Shirley W. Benfield
Donald H. & Barbara K. Bernstein
Family Foundation
Sam & Nancy Bernstein
Andrea & Alexander Bierce
Cristina & James Bolling
Marilyn & Herb Bonkovsky
Kelly & Jackie Brown
Khary Brown
In Memory of Kyden Justice Brown
Herbert Browne
Mr. Charles Budd
Jane & Larry Cain
Sarah & Marco Carbone
Hobart B. Cheyne
David M. Cody
John Colton
Dr. Kilian Cooley
Mr. Mark Copeland &
Mrs. Kathleen Goldammer–Copeland
Ann F. Copeland
Dr. & Mrs. Mark Couture
Sarah & Larry Dagenhart
Gwin Dalton
Sarah & Joshua Daulton
Caroline & Laurent De Mey
Thomas & Kris Duffy
Christine & David Dunn
Virginia Dulaney
Bob & Judy Erb
Dr. Ray Feaster
Melisa & Frank Galasso
Stephen C. & Jean S. Geller
Jenn & Taylor Gherardi
Carol & Joseph Gigler
Kathy Gray
Ms. Cynthia Greenlee
Katherine G. Hall
Joyce & Ed Hamilton
Johanne & Patrick Hawk
Anne J. Henderson
Logan & Jennifer Henderson
Brian & Juliet Hirsch
Charley & Lynn Hodges
Mical Hutson
Paul & Linda Ibsen
Joan Irwin
Lea & Stuart Johnson
Joan Kirschner
Marilyn Kroll
Jonathan Lamb
Christopher James Lees
Mr. & Mrs. Howard Levine
Mr. Michael Lewandowski
Lucinda Nisbet Lucas
Mrs. Allison Malter
Holly & Christopher Maurer
Anna & John McCoy
Nydia & Michael McCrohan
Arrington Mixon
Susan D. Montgomery
Janet Preyer Nelson
Peter & Janet Nixon
Mr. & Mrs. E. O. Oakley
Michael & Debbie O’Hara
Arvind & Helen Patil
Gwen Peterson & Tom Hodge
Catherine Philpott
John & Wilma Pinter
Dale & Larry Polsky
Dr. William G. Porter
Lucy Quintilliano & Leonard Fumi
Morry Alter & Joan Rasmussen
Brendan Reen
Rita & Thomas Robinson
Sally & Russell Robinson
Ms. Margaret Rogers
& Mr. John R. 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
Mr. & Mrs. William Seifert
Katy & Raleigh Shoemaker
Molly & Conrad Sloan
Scott Smith
Rebecca & Eric Smith
Murray & Hazel Somerville
Morris & Patricia Spearman
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
Catherine Thompson
Vint & Libby Tilson
Sarah S. Tull
B. Maureen Turner
Peter White
Noni Williams
John Drew Witherington
Ms. Judith Wood
Eugene Woods
Gracy & Scott Wooster
Mr. & Mrs. John A. Yakob
Ms. Barbara Yarbrough
$500 – $999
Anonymous (4)
Michael & Lee Abbott
Doug & Linda Abel
Mr. Lester Ackerman & Mr. Layton Campbell
Larry Anderson
JWD Atchison
Bob & Cathy Becker
Emerson Bell
Dr. John L. Bennett & Mr. Eric T. Johnson
Ms. Melody Birmingham
Mr. Nicholas Bonevac
James Broadstone
Angie & Howard Bush
Greg & Mary Lou Cagle
Barbara F. Caine
Ms. Lisa Callen
Amanda & Kevin Chheda
Dr. W. Gerald Cochran & Mr. Timothy D. Gudger
Mr. Thomas E. Collins, Jr.
Mrs. Jane M. Conlan
Dr. & Mrs. Charles E. Cook
Jack Cook
Martin & Leslie Cooper
Mr. & Mrs. Alpo F. Crane
Ellen M. Crowley
Mr. Todd Croy
Angela & Jesse Cureton
Dr. Roy E. DeMeo, Jr. &
Ms. Linda A. Evanko
Doug & Diane Doak
Cheryl Drake–Bowers
Martin Ericson, Jr.
Gloria Evans
Dr. John & Eileen Gardella
Donna Gibson
Sarah Goad
Mr. Walter H. Goodwin, Esq.
Dan & Linda Gordon
Mrs. Gloria Gunst
Tara & Richard Harris
Mr. Charles Haughey
Mr. & Mrs. Michael D. Heafner
Mr. Stefan Heinzelmann
Barbara Holt
Dr. & Mrs. Alexander Horowitz
Pete & Phyllis Johnson
Vickie & Eugene Johnson
Michael & Priscilla Johnson
Joseph & Patty Kahle
Emily Kalfayan
Steven & Mary Kesselman
James King
Nancy H. Kiser
Dr. & Mrs. Jack Kramer
Theodore & Dorothy Kramer
Harry & Gloria Lerner
Jerome & Barbara Levin
John J. Locke
Mark & Katherine Love
Vi Lyles
Dr. & Mrs. William W. MacDonald
Bruce & Leigh Marsh
Francis & Paula Martin
Ed & Wendy Matthews
Steve & Tammy Matula
Mr. & Mrs. Kiran H. Mehta
Roy H. Michaux
Eric Miller
Anne & Brad Mitchell
Amanda & Matthew Molbert
Tom & Sally Moore
Gary & Fran Morrison
Robert & Carla Murray
Nancy Olah & Bill Pace
Cookie & Jerry Parnell
Janet & Rick Pfeiffer
Hilda & Victor Pineiro
Dr. & Mrs. R. Pinkney Rankin, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Rodney C. Pitts
Barbara M. Pooley
Haywood & Sabine Rankin
Shaiza Rizavi
Nancy Rutledge & Jim Rutledge
Michael Silverman
Dr. & Mrs. Henry L. Smith II
Rebecca & Eric Smith
Julia J. Souther
Bill & Mary Stanton
William & Catherine Stone
Gretchen & Jean–Claude Thill
Tim Timson
Sarah & Tim Turner
James & Melanie Twyne
Rebecca Valenstein
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Vallandingham
Emily & Jeff Vaughan
Greg & Sandy Vlahos
Minyan & Guan Wang
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Weidman
Zelda White
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
Sponsors
This list reflects gifts received between July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
Corporate Partners Government & Foundations
We are grateful for the following outstanding corporate funders:
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
The Truist Charitable Fund is a donor–advised fund created by Truist and administered by The Winston–Salem Foundation
Comprehensive Campaign
We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Comprehensive Campaign. This list reflects gifts received through April 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 · Deloitte · 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 · The Gorelick Family Foundation
Moore & Van Allen PLLC · Janet Preyer Nelson · The Trexler Foundation · Betsy Fleming & Ed Weisiger
$100,000 – $249,000
Anonymous · Jeannette & Francisco Alvarado · Joan & Mick Ankrom · Ruth & Richard Ault · NCFI/Barnhardt Foundation
Catherine & Wilton Connor · Robin Cochran · Denise & Peter DeMaio · The Dowd Foundation · Linda & Bill Farthing Dr. Richard Krumdieck & Mrs. Sally Gregory · Elizabeth & Jay Monge · Patricia & Thrus Morton Steelfab, Inc. · Andromeda & John Williams
$50,000 – $99,999
Amy & Robert Brinkley · Crescent Communities · The Fox Family · Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle
Mariam & Robert Hayes Charitable Trust · Ulrike & Alex Miles · Chris & Jim Teat
Rita & Bill Vandiver · Lisa & Richard Worf
$10,000 – $49,999
Anonymous Wedge & Debbie Abels · Mary Lou & Jim Babb · Tiffany & Jason Bernd · Frank Bragg
Shirley & Mike Butterworth · Joye Blount & Jesse Knight, Jr. · The Cato Corporation · Margarita & Nick Clements
Mary Delk · Caroline & Ben Dellinger III · Carlos & Lisa Evans · David Fisk & Anne O’Byrne · Bill & Carol Lorenz
Leslie & Michael Marsicano · Virginia & Chan Martin · Dede & Alex McKinnon · Posey & Mark Mealy · Dale & Larry Polsky
Wanda & Steve Phifer · Judy & Derek Raghavan · Shannon & Eric Reichard · Sara & Daniel Roselli · Lori & Eric Sklut
Emily & Zach Smith · Melinda & David Snyder · Dr. John A. Thompson, Jr. & Dr. Lee Rocamora · Jill & Kevin Walker
$5,000 – $9,999
Brian S. Cromwell · Toni Burke & Bob Gaines · Sarah & Frank Gentry · Carol & Joseph Gigler · Lucinda Nisbet Lucas Dee Dee & William Maxwell · Melissa & Dennis McCrory · Cyndee Patterson · Betty & William Seifert
Peggy & Pope Shuford · Nancy E. Simpson · Drs. Jennifer & Matthew Sullivan · Martha Ann & Craig Wardlaw
Administrative Staff
Current staff as of April 1, 2025
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
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
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
Amy Hine, HR Coordinator & Office Administrator
Chazin & Company, Financial Services
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
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
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
as of June 30, 2024
Total Current Assets
Total Long–Term Assets
Total Endowments
Total Liabilities
$5,893,865 $6,973,988
$2,967,263 $2,242,426
$27,838,854 $19,979,673
$3,351,566 $1,875,729
Total Net Assets $33,348,410 $27,720,358
Total Changes in Net Assets
$5,628,052 $11,573,688 + Net Assets – Beginning $27,720,358 $16,146,670 Endowmen t $521,2 88
