FAMILY MATINEE
Seasons Greetings from Your CSO
The holidays in Charlotte have a magic all their own. Whether you’re marveling at the dazzling lights at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, sipping cider at a holiday market, or skating under the stars at Truist Field, this season fills our city with joy, wonder, and connection. At the Charlotte Symphony, that magic comes alive in the music we share — a tradition we’re honored to bring to the vibrant city we call home.
As the most active performing arts organization in Charlotte, the Symphony reaches more than 130,000 music lovers each year, including 15,000 students who discover the transformative power of music through our education programs. None of this would be possible without the generosity of supporters like you, who recognize the vital role the arts play in enriching our lives and shaping our community.
If tonight’s performance inspires you, there are many ways to share the joy of music. A donation helps ensure we continue to make a meaningful impact in our community, while a gift card or our 3 for $99 concert package is the perfect way to share the joy of live music with those you love this holiday season.
Thank you for making us part of your holiday traditions. From all of us at the Charlotte Symphony, we wish you a season filled with music, memories, and the magic of being together.
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.
THE NINETY-THIRD SEASON
Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 11:00 pm
Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts
Christopher James Lees, conductor Gary Fry, composer & arranger
Charlotte Master Chorale
JERRY HERMAN
“We Need a Little Christmas”
RICHARD RODGERS “My Favorite Things”
JOHNNY MARKS “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
ALAN SILVESTRI “Believe” from The Polar Express
ALAN SILVESTRI “Spirit of the Season” from The Polar Express
GARY FRY “Christmastime in Charlotte”
VARIOUS Snow Place Like Home
LEROY ANDERSON Sleigh Ride
J. FRED COOTS
“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”
CONCERT DURATION: Approximately 1 hour, with no intermission.
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.
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.
Composer/Arranger Bio
Gary Fry composer/arranger
Gary Fry is an Emmy-winning composer, arranger, producer, conductor, and music educator. He has crafted music for recordings, films, commercials, and live performances. Significant credits include his work as arranger/composer for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Welcome, Yule! holiday concerts for nearly 20 years, his current position as arranger/composer for the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops programs, artistic consultant to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for their annual Christmas Celebration concerts, and over 100 commissions for Christmas and holiday music from those orchestras and others around the nation.
Long one of the nation’s foremost commercial music producers, Gary has written and produced over 2,500 nationally broadcast radio and television commercials for companies such as McDonald’s, Sears, United Airlines, Kellogg’s, the U.S. Air Force, and hundreds of other advertisers. He won an Emmy Award in 2006 for his original commercial music for WBBM-TV (Chicago).
Gary and his wife, Carol, live in the Charlotte area, where two of their grown children live.
Sing-Along Lyrics
White Christmas
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, Just like the ones I used to know, Where the tree tops glisten, And children listen, To hear sleigh bells in the snow. I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, With every Christmas card I write. May your days be merry and bright, And may all your Christmases be white!
Let It Snow!
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, But the fire is so delightful, And since we’ve no place to go, Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! It doesn’t show signs of stopping, And I’ve bought some corn for popping. The lights are turned way down low, Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Had a very shiny nose, And if you ever saw it You would even say it glows. All of the other reindeer
Used to laugh and call him names, They never let poor Rudolph Join in any reindeer games.
Then one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa came to say, “Rudolph, with your nose so bright Won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”
Then how the reindeer loved him, As they shouted out with glee, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer You’ll go down in history”
Winter Wonderland
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening. A beautiful sight,
We’re happy tonight, Walking in a winter wonderland. Gone away is the bluebird, Here to stay is a new bird. He sings a love song, As we go along,
Walking in a winter wonderland.
In the meadow we can build a snowman…
Frosty the Snowman
Frosty the Snowman
Was a jolly happy soul, With a corncob pipe and a button nose And two eyes made out of coal.
Frosty the Snowman
Is a fairytale, they say, He was made of snow
But the children know How he came to life one day.
There must have been some magic in That old silk hat they found, For when they placed it on his head, He began to dance around!
Oh, Frosty, the Snowman Was alive as he could be, And the children say He could laugh and play
Just the same as you and me.
Thumpety, thump thump, Look at Frosty go!
Thumpety, thump thump, Over the hills of snow
Christmastime in Charlotte
(AUDIENCE REFRAIN)
Yes, I love Christmastime in Charlotte
That’s where I want to be No place else has everything That Christmas means to me
Oh, nothing could be finer Than the joy of Carolina… And the magic of Christmas in Charlotte
The sacred holiday tradition of Handel’s stunning masterpiece returns. Join your CSO, Charlotte Master Chorale, and four soloists for this enduring oratorio filled with passion and exquisite beauty. “Hallelujah!” December 13 – 15
Julian Perkins, conductor
Anna Dennis, soprano Diana Moore, mezzo-soprano
Richard Pittsinger, tenor Hadleigh Adams, bass
Charlotte Master Chorale
SOPRANO
Christopher James Lees
Resident Conductor
Christopher Warren-Green Conductor Laureate
2024 · 2025 MUSICIAN ROSTER
FIRST VIOLINS
Calin Ovidiu Lupanu, Concertmaster
The Catherine & Wilton Connor Chair
Joseph Meyer,* Associate Concertmaster
Kari Giles, Acting Associate Concertmaster
Dustin Wilkes-Kim,
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
VIOLAS
Benjamin Geller, Principal
The Zoe Bunten Merrillt Principal Viola Chair
Kirsten Swanson†
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
Amy Sunyoung Lee
Sarah Markle
DOUBLE BASSES
Jason McNeel, Acting Principal
Judson Baines, Assistant Principal
Justin Cheesman†
Jeffrey Ferdon
° Non-revolving position
°° Alternates between first and second violins
† Acting member of the Charlotte Symphony
‡ Funded by The Symphony Guild of Charlotte, Inc.
* On leave
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.
HARP
Andrea Mumm Trammell, Principal
The Dr. Billy Graham Chair
FLUTES
Victor Wang, Principal
The Blumenthal Foundation Chair
Amy Orsinger Whitehead
Erinn Frechette
PICCOLO
Erinn Frechette
OBOES
Timothy Swanson, Principal
The Leo B. Driehuys Chair‡
Erica Cice
Jamison Hillian†
Terry Maskin*
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
BASSOONS
AJ Neubert, Principal
Joshua Hood
Nicholas Ritter
CONTRABASSOON
Nicholas Ritter
HORNS
Byron Johns, Principal
The Mr. & Mrs. William H. Van Every Chair
Andrew Fierova
Bradley Burford
The Robert E. Rydel, Jr. Third Horn Chair
Richard Goldfaden
Paige Quillen
TRUMPETS
Alex Wilborn, Principal
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
The CSO is a proud member of the League of American Orchestras.
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 around 15,000 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
BENEFACTOR CIRCLE
$100,000+
Jacqueline B. Mars
$50,000 – $99,999
Jane & Hugh McColl* Douglas Young
$25,000 – $49,999
Anonymous
Joan & Mick Ankrom
Ruth & Richard Ault
Dr. Milton & Arlene Berkman
Philanthropic Fund
Judith & Mark Brodsky
Roberta H. Cochran
Catherine & Wilton Connor*
Jean & Dick Cornwell
Susan Cybulski
J. Porter & Victoria Durham Linda & Bill Farthing
Karen Fox
Maria & John Huson
Richard Krumdieck & Sally Gregory
Patricia & Thrus Morton
Patrick J. O’Leary
Richard J. Osborne
Debbie & Pat Phillips
Kathy & Paul Reichs
Pat Rodgers
Carolyn Shaw
Andrea & Sean Smith
Melinda & David Snyder
$15,000 – $24,999
Anonymous (2)
Nicola & Emanuel Clark
Denise & Peter DeMaio
Ralph S. Grier
Betty P. & Jeffrey J. Lee
Sandra Levine
Tanya & Steve Makris
We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Annual Fund. This list reflects gifts received between July 1, 2023 through November 1, 2024. * The CSO recognizes donors of exceptional generosity whose cumulative giving exceeds $1 million with the designation of Music Director Society.
DeDe & Alex McKinnon Ulrike & Alex Miles
Keith Oberkfell & Mica Post Oberkfell
Judy & Derek Raghavan
Sienne & Adam Taylor
Ken & Tara Walker
$10,000 – $14,999
Anonymous (2)
Jeannette & Francisco Alvarado
Joye D. Blount & Jessie J. Knight Jr.
Katharine & Frank Bragg
Mr. & Mrs. R. Alfred Brand III
Lynne & Colby Cathey
Margarita & Nick Clements
Jeanie & Tom Cottingham
Donna & Alvaro de Molina
Lisa & Carlos Evans
Robin & Christoph Feddersen
Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle
Janet M. Haack
Ginger Kelly
Elizabeth & Jay Monge
Robert Norville
Kelli & Michael Richardson
Rosalind S. Richardson
Sherry & Thomas Skains
Drs. Jennifer Sullivan & Matthew Sullivan
Ann & Michael Tarwater
Kelly & Neal Taub
Jill & Kevin Walker
Andromeda & John Williams
Lisa & Richard Worf
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
Mr. Herbert Verbesey In Memory of Tess Verbesey
Michael Waterford
Joan H. Zimmerman
Abby & Albert Zue
$3,500 – $4,999
Anonymous
Andrea & Alexander Bierce
Si and Michael Blake
Jan & Bob Busch
Mary & Phil Delk
Pat English & Clay Furches
Dick Metzler
Joan Morgan
Linda & Tony Pace
Karen & Edgar Whitener
$2,500 – $3,499
Anonymous
Harriet B. Barnhardt
Bill & Georgia Belk
Lee & Alan Blumenthal
Dr. & Mrs. O. Robert Boehm
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
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
$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
PATRON CIRCLE
$1,500 – $2,499
Anonymous
Marcia Adams
Barbara & Dan Austell
Sharon Baker & Peter Moore
Merilyn & Craig Baldwin
Phillip J. Bischoff & Dawn Beatty-Batten
Drs. Iris Cheng & Daniel Uri
Rebecca & D. Mark Cody
Dorothy & Mike Connor
Dr. Kandi & Gary Deitemeyer
Martin Ericson, Jr.
Jenn & Taylor Gherardi
Carol & Joseph Gigler
Judith Greene
Angela M. & Michael D. Helms
Maureen & Daniel Haggstrom
Martha D. Jones
Helen & Gene Katz
Ginger Kemp
Dr. & Mrs. Randolph Mahnesmith
Anna Marriott
Rosemarie Marshall & Lee Wilkins
Janet & Peter Nixon
Caroline Olzinski
Helen & Arvind Patil
Jeanine & Naeem Qasim
Dr. John & Susan Rae
Anne & Mark Riechmann
Audrey & Donald Schmidt
Dr. Stephen P. Schultz & Donna Dutton
Jane Perry Shoemaker
Rebecca & Eric Smith
Ken Spielfogel & Richard Withem
Maxine & Robert Stein
Patricia & Morris Spearman
Tillie S. Tice
James H. Trexler & Kelly Zellars
Vera Watson Grant Webb
Linda & Craig Weisbruch
Pam West
Cricket Weston & David Molinaro
Elizabeth & Stephan Willen Deems Wilson
Deborra Wood & Russell Propst
Barbara Yarbrough
$1,000 – $1,499
Anonymous (5)
Michele & Ross Annable
Marc Aspesi & Paulette Isoldi
Dianne & Brian Bailey
Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln A. Baxter
Katie & Morgan Beggs
Katherine & John Beltz
Shirley W. Benfield
Donald H. & Barbara K. Bernstein Family Foundation
Ethan Blumenthal & Sara Kidd
Cristina & James Bolling
Marilyn & Herb Bonkovsky
Khary Brown
In Memory of Kyden Justice Brown
Jane & Larry Cain
Dr. & Mrs. Bill Chu & Jin Wang
Rebecca & D. Mark Cody
John Colton
Dr. Kilian Cooley
Ann F. Copeland
Kathleen Goldammer-Copeland & Mark Copeland
Dr. & Mrs. Mark Couture
Larry J. Dagenhart Gwin Dalton
Cheryl DeMaio
Judy & Bob Erb
Annual Fund Supporters (continued)
Heather
Melisa
Carol
Susan
Sally
Gwen
Wilma
Lucy
Dr.
Sabine
Sally
Libby
Linda
Wilhelm
Noni Williams
John Drew Witherington
Judith Wood
$500 – $999
Anonymous(4)
& Michael Abbott
Lynda & Doug Abel Larry Anderson
JWD Atchison
A. Bechtler
Cathy & Bob Becker Emerson Bell Dr. John L. Bennett & Mr. Eric T. Johnson
Nancy & Sam Bernstein
Nicholas Bonevac
James Broadstone
Aram & Scott Bryan
Angie & Howard Bush
Mary Lou & Greg Cagle
Barbara F. Caine
Catherine P. Carstarphen
Amanda & Kevin Chheda
Dr. W. Gerald Cochran & Mr. Timothy D. Gudger
Thomas E. Collins, Jr.
Dr. & Mrs. Charles E. Cook
Jack Cook
Margie & Alpo Crane
Ellen M. Crowley
Todd Croy
Libby & David Currier
Margaret & George Dewey
Diane & Doug Doak
Kris & Thomas Duffy
Heather & Gray Dyer
Dr. John & Eileen Gardella
Jean & Stephen Geller
Walter H. Goodwin, Esq.
Linda & Dan Gordon
Cynthia Greenlee
Dr. & Mrs. Michael D. Heafner
Stefan Heinzelmann
Priscilla & Michael Johnson
Mary & Steven Kesselman
Nancy H. Kiser
Dorothy & Theodore Kramer
Scott Kupersmit
Jonathan Lamb
Barbara & Jerome Levin
Megan Levine
John J. Locke
Katherine & Mark Love
Dr. & Mrs. William W. MacDonald
Allison Malter
Leigh & Bruce Marsh
Paula & Francis Martin
Wendy & Ed Matthews
Tammy and Steve Matula
Jill Maxwell
Constance
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
Corporate Partners
Government & Foundations
We are grateful for the following outstanding foundation and government funders:
The Trexler Foundation
Dowd Foundation, Inc.
The Dickson Foundation
Cole Foundation
The Jack H. & Ruth C. Campbell Foundation
The Mary Norris Preyer Fund
The George W. & Ruth R. Baxter Foundation
Barnhardt/Thomas Trust
Blumenthal Foundation
Comprehensive Campaign
We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Comprehensive Campaign. This list reflects gifts received through November 1, 2024.
$10,000,000+ Ban k 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
Consolidated, Inc.
&
C. & Margaret G. Bissell Foundation
$500,000 - $999,99 9
Anony mous · Arlene & Milton Berkman · Robin & Bill Branstrom Mary & Mike Lamach Rich Osborne Debbie & Pat Phillips 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
Cresce nt Communities Karen Fox Ulrike & Alex Miles Chris & Jim Teat · Lisa & Richard Worf
$10,000 - $49,999
Anonym ous · Wedge & Debbie Abels · Mary Lou & Jim Babb · Tiffany & Jason Bernd Frank Bragg Shirley & Mike Butterworth Joye Blount & Jesse Knight, Jr. The Cato Corporation Margarita & Nick Clements Mary Delk
Caroline & Ben Dellinger III · David Fisk & Anne O’Byrne · Michael Marsicano Dede & Alex McKinnon Posey & Mark Mealy Larry & Dale Polsky
Steve & Wanda Phifer Judy & Derek Raghavan Eric & Shannon Reichard
Sara & Daniel Roselli · Melinda & David Snyder
Dr. John A. Thompson, Jr. & Dr. Lee Rocamora Jill & Kevin Walker
$5,000 - $9,999
Brian S. Cromwell Toni Burke & Bob Gaines Sarah & Frank Gentry
Carol & Joseph Gigler · Lucinda Nisbet Lucas · Melissa & Dennis McCrory
Cyndee Patterson William & Betty Seifert Peggy & Pope Shuford
Nancy E. Simpson Drs. Jennifer & Matthew Sullivan
2024-2025 OFFICERS
Richard Krumdieck, Chair
Ulrike Miles, Vice Chair
Melinda Snyder, Vice Chair
Linda McFarland Farthing, Immediate Past Chair
Kevin Walker, Treasurer
David Fisk, President & CEO
Kwamé Ryan, Music Director
2024-2025 DIRECTORS
Mick Ankrom
Joye D. Blount
Mike Butterworth
Nick Clements
Mary Delk*
Denise DeMaio
Sidney Fletcher
Kevin Gottehrer
Lucia Zapata Griffith
Byron Johns*
Valerie Kinloch
Stephen Makris
Alex McKinnon
Sara Garces Roselli
Ylida Scott
Jennifer Sullivan
Brienne Tinder*
Andrea Mumm Trammell*
Ken Walker
*ex-officio
2024-2025 TRUSTEES
Richard Osborne, Chair
Paul Anderson
Ruth & Richard Ault
Arlene & Milton Berkman
Jason & Tiffany Bernd
Andrea & Alexander Bierce
Mary & Charles Bowman
Frank Bragg
Robin & Bill Branstrom
Dr. William Charles & Dr. Cynthia Nortey
Derick & Sallie Close
Robin Cochran
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
Lindsay & Frank Schall
Laura & Mike Schulte
Carolyn Shaw
Emily & Zach Smith
Bob & Marsha Stickler
Kelly & Neal Taub
Adam Taylor Braxton Winston
Richard Worf
Joan Zimmerman
Albert Zue
Administration
EXECUTIVE
David J. L. Fisk, President & CEO
Samantha Hackett, Executive Administrator
ARTISTIC OPERATIONS
Scott Freck, Vice President for Artistic Operations & General Manager
Carrie Graham, Senior Director of Artistic Planning
Tim Pappas, Director of Operations
Bart Dunn, Principal Music Librarian
Nixon Bustos, Senior Music Librarian
Emily Schaub, Assistant Music Librarian
Erin Eady, Senior Manager of Orchestra Personnel
Claire Beiter, Artistic Operations Manager
John Jarrell, Stage Manager
DEVELOPMENT
Shayne Doty, Vice President of Development
Mandy Vollrath, Director of Corporate & Institutional Relations
Libby Currier, Director of Individual Giving
Tammy Matula, Senior Manager of Development Operations
Jennifer Gherardi, Development Manager - Campaign & Special Events
Megan Woolbright, Annual Fund Manager
Noel Kiss, Advancement Associate
Josh Bottoms, Institutional Giving Coordinator
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Christian Drake, Vice President of Finance & Administration
Chazin & Company, Financial Services
Amy Hine, HR Coordinator & Office Administrator
Channing Williams, Accounting Associate
HUMAN RESOURCES
Maribeth Baker, Human Resources Counselor
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
Experience jaw-dropping feats as aerialists soar high above the orchestra, alongside awe-inspiring acrobatics set to your favorite holiday music. With thrilling new acts and beloved favorites, this annual event is sure to fill your family with the wonder and joy of the holiday season.
Chia-Hsuan Lin, conductor Cirque de la Symphonie
