January 18 KNIGHT THEATER
Happy New Year!
As we step confidently into 2025, we are energized by the many incredible events and opportunities that lie ahead at the Charlotte Symphony. From immersive performances to milestone celebrations, and the exciting culmination of the Symphony’s $50M comprehensive campaign that will play a pivotal role in shaping our future, 2025 promises to be a year of growth and inspiration.
One of the most anticipated events this February 28 and March 1 is Become Ocean , a 360-degree immersive audio experience at Blumenthal Arts’s new venue, Blume Studios. With its spatial audio and immersive lighting, you’ll be surrounded by John Luther Adams’s captivating soundscape, inspired by the waters of the Pacific Northwest. It promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience.
Looking ahead, Music Director Kwamé Ryan returns March 7 & 8 to lead Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with pianist Louis Schwizgebel. Later in the month, we’re delighted to welcome back former Music Director Christoph Perick to conduct orchestral highlights from Wagner’s most beloved operas on March 21 & 22.
As always, thank you for your continued support of the Charlotte Symphony. We can’t wait to share these extraordinary moments with you.
David Fisk President & CEO
Your Charlotte Symphony Experience
Whether you’re attending your first Symphony performance, or you’re a longtime subscriber, we’d like to extend to you a warm and inclusive welcome! Below is some helpful information to ensure you make the most of your Charlotte Symphony experience.
What should I wear?
The Charlotte Symphony has no specific dress code. We encourage you to be comfortable and come as yourself in a style of your choice.
When do I applaud?
Audiences applaud to welcome the concertmaster, conductor, and featured artists onstage. Some works may have several sections, or movements, separated by a brief silent pause. It is tradition to hold applause until the last movement. If you are unsure, wait for the conductor to face the audience. But if you feel truly inspired, do not be afraid to applaud!
Can I take photos?
Certainly! We welcome and encourage you to capture and share photos before and after the concert, as well as during intermission. Feel free to use your cell phone for photography without flash during the performance, but please refrain from video or audio recording.
Concert Program
THE NINETY-THIRD SEASON
Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00 am Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts
Music by GEORGE GERSHWIN
Lyrics by IRA GERSHWIN
CHRISTOPHER JAMES LEES, conductor
ELIC BRAMLETT as George Gershwin
LANCE NEWTON as “Kid” KEVIN COLE on piano
Created & Directed by PAUL PEMENT
Written by WILL MARTIN, ELIZABETH WHEELER, and PAUL PEMENT
Production Advisor KEVIN COLE
Music Supervisor WILL MARTIN
CONCERT DURATION: Approximately 1 hour, with no intermission.
Musical Excerpts:
1. Overture from Catfish Row: Suite from Porgy and Bess
2. “Swanee” (Gershwin/Wodehouse)
3. Fugue subject from Catfish Row: Suite from Porgy and Bess
4. “I Got Plenty O’Nuttin” from Catfish Row: Suite from Porgy and Bess
5. “Strike Up The Band” (Gershwin/MacPherson)
6. “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” (Norworth/Tilzer)
7. “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise”
8. “Nice Work If You Can Get It” (Gershwin/Bennett)
9. period medley: “Oh, You Beautiful Doll” (Ayer) & “Baby Face” (Akst)
10. “Rialto Ripples” (Gershwin/Tyzik)
11. Humoresque, Op. 101, No. 7 (Dvořák/Trinkaus)
12. Second Rhapsody
13. “Promenade” (Gershwin/Berkowitz)
14. An American in Paris
15. “Summertime” & “Bess, You Is My Woman Now” from Catfish Row: Suite from Porgy and Bess
16. “Oh Lord, I’m On My Way” from Catfish Row: Suite from Porgy and Bess
17. Concerto in F, Movement III
18. Medley from Oh, Kay! (Gershwin/Warner)
19. Prelude No. 2 (“Blue Lullaby”)
20. Cuban Overture
21. “I Got Rhythm” (Gershwin/Bennett)
22. “Fascinating Rhythm” (Gershwin/Warner)
23. Rhapsody in Blue
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.
Elic Bramlett George Gershwin
Elic joined Classical Kids during the 2005-06 season and has toured the US, Canada, and Malaysia playing Mozart and Gershwin. A native of Phoenix, AZ, he now makes his home in Chicago. Stage credits include South Pacific at Drury Lane Oakbrook, The Music Man at Marriott Lincolnshire, Stage Kiss and The Boys are Coming Home at The Goodman; Western Civilization at Noble Fool; Teapot Scandals, Elegies, Sweeney Todd, Macabaret, Hereafter, and Three Sisters at Porchlight; The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, Charlotte’s Web, and Cinderella at Drury Lane; The Bomb-itty of Errors at The Royal George; and Saturday Night at Pegasus Players. In Forever Plaid, Elic has played the roles of Jinx, Frankie, and Sparky at several regional theaters including Chicago’s original Royal George production. Elic also makes his living as a TV/Film actor, voice over talent, and as a director, producer, and teacher in the Chicagoland area. He would like to dedicate this performance to his loving and supportive wife and family.
Lance Newton
“Kid”
Lance feels truly honored to join Classical Kids and be featured in their new production, Gershwin’s Magic Key. A native of Las Vegas, NV, Lance has been residing in Chicago, IL, where he has worked with many theaters, including Steppenwolf Theatre for Young Adults and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Some Chicago credits include Animal Farm (Steppenwolf Theatre); Othello Remix (Chicago Shakespeare Company); Marvin Gaye Story (Black Ensemble Theatre); Southbridge (Chicago Dramatists); Six Stories Tall (Adventure Stage); and Princess and the Pea (Chicago Kids Company). TV credits: NBC’s Chicago Fire and USA’s Sirens. Lance is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association and SAGAFTRA and received his BFA from Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI.
Paul Pement
Paul serves as Executive & Artistic Director of Classical Kids Music Education, a non-profit arts organization focused on introducing children (and their parents) to the lives and musical masterpieces of the great classical composers. A BFA in theatre from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and professional experience as an actor, singer, dancer, director, choreographer, and stage manager have enabled Paul to achieve success with Classical Kids LIVE! programming — the “gold-star” leader in the field for creating theatrical family concerts presented by professional symphony orchestras throughout North America and abroad. Production titles include Beethoven Lives Upstairs, Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage, Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery, Tchaikovsky Discovers America, Gershwin’s Magic Key, and the newest in the series, Saint-Georges’ Sword & Bow.
Kevin Cole creator & director featured pianist & production advisor
Kevin is an award-winning pianist, musical director, arranger, composer, vocalist, and archivist who garnered the praises of Irving Berlin, Harold Arlen, E.Y. Harburg, Hugh Martin, Burton Lane, Marvin Hamlisch, Stephen Sondheim, and members of the Jerome Kern and Gershwin families. Known as “America’s Pianist,” Kevin has delighted audiences with a repertoire that includes the best of American Music. On his affinity for Gershwin, the Chicago Tribune’s Howard Reich wrote, “When Cole sits down at the piano, you would swear Gershwin himself was at work… Cole stands as the best Gershwin pianist in America today,” Classical Kids is proud and grateful to have the support, knowledge and expertise offered by our good friend Kevin Cole, in order to create this first-of-its-kind production introducing the life and music of George Gershwin to future generations.
Guest Artist Bios (continued)
Will Martin co-writer & music supervisor
After making his professional debut in 2015 with the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Will has been regularly featured in performances with symphony orchestras throughout the United States and Canada. He is pleased to have played a pivotal role in the creation of Gershwin’s Magic Key as co-writer and music supervisor. Gershwin’s Magic Key has performed around the globe, introducing more than one hundred thousand children to the inextinguishable and irrepressible life and music of George Gershwin while teaching them to follow their bliss. Will studied piano performance and English literature at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, where he took both the B.Mus and B.A. magna cum laude. For more info, tour dates, and videos, visit williamrobertmartin.com
Elizabeth
Wheeler co-writer
Elizabeth joins the creative team of Classical Kids as a contributing writer. Her first young adult novel, Asher’s Fault, won the National Federation of Women’s Press and Illinois Women’s Press Association Young Adult Creative Fiction Book of the Year. Her second novel, Asher’s Shot, received accolades from USA Today. Elizabeth is driven by a quest to unleash the authentic human experience in literature, on the stage, and in life. As an educator, she is touched and inspired by the real-world examples of how students, facing adversity, assimilate the lessons learned from those experiences to persevere and transform into triumphant adults. As an advocate for storytelling in the print and digital world, Elizabeth has spoken at international and regional educational conferences. She is a graduate of the University of Florida and the inaugural novel writing program at the University of Chicago’s Graham School.
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is one of the premier music organizations in the Southeastern United States and the oldest continuously operating symphony orchestra in the Carolinas. As Charlotte’s most active performing arts group, the CSO presents around 150 concerts each season, reaching more than 130,000 music lovers.
The 2024-25 season marks a transformative era under the dynamic leadership of newly appointed Music Director Kwamé Ryan. With 65 full-time musicians, the Symphony performs throughout the community in a variety of venues, from the Belk and Knight theaters to parks, breweries, community centers, schools, senior care centers, and places of worship. With its new mobile stage, CSO Roadshow, the Symphony extends its reach directly into neighborhoods, bringing live music to communities across the region.
Engaging with more than 10,000 students each year, the Charlotte Symphony nurtures the next generation of musicians and music lovers through its four diverse youth orchestras, in-school education programs, instrument coaching, and Project Harmony — which offers free after-school lessons in music and life skills to over 200 students in under-resourced areas.
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.
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. For more information, visit us online at charlottesymphony.org
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
Sarah Markle
Oksana McCarthy†
DOUBLE BASSES
Jason McNeel, Acting Principal
Judson Baines, Assistant Principal
Justin Cheesman†
Jeffrey Ferdon
° Non-revolving position
°° Alternates between first and second violins
† Acting member of the Charlotte Symphony
‡ Funded by The Symphony Guild of Charlotte, Inc.
* On leave
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.
BENEFACTOR CIRCLE
$100,000+
Jacqueline B. Mars
$50,000 – $99,999
Jane & Hugh McColl* Douglas Young
$25,000 – $49,999
Anonymous
Joan & Mick Ankrom
Ruth & Richard Ault
Dr. Milton & Arlene Berkman
Philanthropic Fund
Judith & Mark Brodsky
Roberta H. Cochran
Catherine & Wilton Connor*
Jean & Dick Cornwell
Susan Cybulski
J. Porter & Victoria Durham
Linda & Bill Farthing Karen Fox
Maria & John Huson
Ginger Kelly
Richard Krumdieck & Sally Gregory
Patricia & Thrus Morton
Patrick J. O’Leary
Richard J. Osborne
Debbie & Pat Phillips
Kathy & Paul Reichs
Pat Rodgers
Carolyn Shaw
Andrea & Sean Smith
Melinda & David Snyder
$15,000 – $24,999
Anonymous (2)
Nicola & Emanuel Clark
Denise & Peter DeMaio
Ralph S. Grier
Sandra Levine
Tanya & Steve Makris
We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Annual Fund. This list reflects gifts received between July 1, 2023 through December 1, 2024. * 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
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Anonymous (2)
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Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle
Janet M. Haack
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In Loving Memory of Lopez-Ibanez from Lina & Enrique Lopez-Ibanez
Elizabeth & Jay Monge
Robert Norville
Kelli & Michael Richardson
Rosalind S. Richardson
Sherry & Thomas Skains
Drs. Jennifer Sullivan & Matthew Sullivan
Ann & Michael Tarwater
Kelly & Neal Taub
Jill & Kevin Walker
Andromeda & John Williams
Lisa & Richard Worf
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
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Anna & Lazlo Littmann
Leslie & Michael Marsicano
Susanne & Bill McGuire
Paula & Paul McIntosh
Susan & Loy McKeithen
Carolyn & Sam McMahon
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Ann & Fritz Rehkopf
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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
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$3,500 – $4,999
Anonymous
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Si and Michael Blake
Jan & Bob Busch
Mary & Phil Delk
Pat English & Clay Furches
Dick Metzler
Joan Morgan
Linda & Tony Pace
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$2,500 – $3,499
Anonymous
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Si & Michael Blake
Lee & Alan Blumenthal
Dr. & Mrs. O. Robert Boehm
Frances & Herbert Browne
Dr. William H. Carson
Brent Clevenger
Ann Thomas Colley
Dorothy & Mike Connor
Melissa Cornwell
Deborah J. Cox & Bob Szymkiewicz
Elizabeth & Christopher Daly in Memory of Betty Haggerty
Amy & Alfred Dawson
Peter De Arcangelis
Cheryl DeMaio
Peggy & Charles Dickerson
Elizabeth Betty Eaton
Kara & Timothy Gallagher
Billy L. Gerhart in memory of Judith Gerhart
Heather & Kevin Gottehrer
Andrea & Todd Griffith
Katherine G. Hall
Ivan Hinrichs
Christy & Ben Hume
Fran & Greg Hyde
Peggy & Jim Hynes
Shirley & Bob Ivey
Nina & James Jackson
David S. Jacobson
Martha & Bruce Karsh
Dr. & Mrs. Christ A. Koconis
Meghan & Luis Lluberas
James Lynch
Dottie & Jim Martin
$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
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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
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Patricia & Morris Spearman
Ken Spielfogel & Richard Withem
Maxine & Robert Stein
Jean Summerville
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James H. Trexler & Kelly Zellars
Vera Watson
Grant Webb
Linda & Craig Weisbruch
Pam West
Cricket Weston & David Molinaro
Elizabeth & Stephan Willen
Deems Wilson
Barbara Yarbrough
$1,000 – $1,499
Anonymous (5)
Michele & Ross Annable
Marc Aspesi & Paulette Isoldi
Dianne & Brian Bailey
Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln A. Baxter
Katherine & John Beltz
Shirley W. Benfield
Donald H. & Barbara K. Bernstein Family Foundation
Ethan Blumenthal & Sara Kidd
Cristina & James Bolling
Marilyn & Herb Bonkovsky
Jodie & Erik Bowen
Khary Brown
In Memory of Kyden Justice Brown
Jane & Larry Cain
Dr. & Mrs. Bill Chu & Jin Wang
John Colton
Dr. Kilian Cooley
Ann F. Copeland
Kathleen Goldammer-Copeland & Mark Copeland
Dr. & Mrs. Mark Couture
Larry J. Dagenhart
Gwin Dalton
Judy & Bob Erb
Heather & Thomas Finke
Melisa & Frank Galasso
Annual Fund Supporters
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Joyce
Nydia
Susan
Gwen
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Lucy
Sabine
Rita
Marjorie
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Anonymous (5)
Williams
John Drew Witherington
Judith Wood
John L. Bennett & Mr. Eric T. Johnson
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Dr. & Mrs. Charles E. Cook Jack Cook
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The Encore Society
The Encore Society includes individuals who have made provisions for the CSO in their estate plans. We are honored to recognize their support:
Anonymous (3)
Geraldine I. Anderson†
Richard & Ruth Ault
Baldwin Family Trust
Barnhardt Thomas Trust
Lincoln A. Baxter & Helen M. Fowler
Larry & Joyce† Bennett
Dr. Milton & Arlene Berkman
Donald H. & Barbara K. Bernstein
Mark & Louise Bernstein†
Rosemary Blanchard†
Twig & Barbara Branch
Saul Brenner
Mike & Joan Brown†
Mrs. Joan Bruns†
Jan & Bob Busch
Dr. Helen G. Cappleman, Ph.D.†
Jim Cochran† Robin Cochran
Catherine & Wilton Connor
Tom Covington
Charles & Peggy Dickerson
Mr. Martin Ericson, Jr.
David J.L. Fisk & Anne P. O’Byrne
Peter & Ann† Guild
William G. &
Marguerite K. Huey Fund†
Dr. Nish Jamgotch, Jr.
Betty & Stanley Livingstone†
Lucille & Edwin Jones
Paula & Paul McIntosh
Nellie McCrory†
M. Marie Mitchell†
Cricket Weston & David Molinaro
Joan & Richard Morgan
Don C. Niehus
Eva Nove
Richard J. Osborne
Gwen Peterson & Tom Hodge
James Y. Preston†
Mrs. Clayton (Dusty) Pritchett
Ann & Fritz Rehkopf
Elizabeth Waring Reinhard
Nancy W. Rutledge
Mike Rutledge
Harriet Seabrook
Mr. & Mrs. William Seifert
Morris & Patricia Spearman
Bob & Maxine Stein
Dr. Ben C. Taylor III
Mr. & Mrs. Hans Teich
Cordelia G. Thompson
Tim Timson
Jenny & Ken Tolson
Ms. Deborra Wood & Mr. Russell Propst
† Deceased
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 Charlotte Assembly
The Jack H. & Ruth C. Campbell Foundation
The Mary Norris Preyer Fund
The George W. & Ruth R. Baxter Foundation
Barnhardt/Thomas Trust
For
Comprehensive Campaign
We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Comprehensive Campaign. This list reflects gifts received through January 1, 2025.
$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 · 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 - $999,99 9
Anony mous Arlene & Milton Berkman Robin & Bill Branstrom
Mary & Mike Lamach Rich Osborne Debbie & Pat Phillips M.A. Rogers
Robert Haywood Morrison Foundation · Trane Technologies · Truist Financial Corporation
$250,000 - $499,999
Cathy Bessant · The Dickson Foundation · The Gambrell Foundation Moore & Van Allen PLLC Janet Preyer Nelson
$100,000 - $249,000
Jeannette & Francisco Alvarado Joan & Mick Ankrom · Ruth & Richard Ault NCFI/Barnhardt Foundation Wilton & Catherine Connor Robin Cochran Denise & Peter DeMaio · The Dowd Foundation · Linda & Bill Farthing
Dr. Richard Krumdieck & Mrs. Sally Gregory Elizabeth & Jay Monge Steelfab, Inc. · Andromeda & John Williams
$50,000 - $99,999
Cresce nt Communities · Karen Fox · Ulrike & Alex Miles Chris & Jim Teat Lisa & Richard Worf
$10,000 - $49,999
Anonymous · Wedge & Debbie Abels · Mary Lou & Jim Babb · Tiffany & Jason Bernd Frank Bragg · Shirley & Mike Butterworth · Joye Blount & Jesse Knight, Jr. The Cato Corporation · Margarita & Nick Clements · Mary Delk
Caroline & Ben Dellinger III · Carlos & Lisa Evans · David Fisk & Anne O’Byrne
Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle · Michael Marsicano · Chan & Virginia Martin · Dede & Alex McKinnon · Posey & Mark Mealy · Larry & Dale Polsky
Steve & Wanda Phifer · Judy & Derek Raghavan · Eric & Shannon Reichard
Sara & Daniel Roselli · Emily & Zach Smith · Melinda & David Snyder
Dr. John A. Thompson, Jr. & Dr. Lee Rocamora · Jill & Kevin Walker
$5,000 - $9,999
Brian S. Cromwell Toni Burke & Bob Gaines Sarah & Frank Gentry
Carol & Joseph Gigler Lucinda Nisbet Lucas · Dee Dee & William Maxwell
Melissa & Dennis McCrory · Cyndee Patterson · William & Betty Seifert
Peggy & Pope Shuford · Nancy E. Simpson · Drs. Jennifer & Matthew Sullivan
Martha Ann & Craig Wardlaw
2024-2025 OFFICERS
Richard Krumdieck, Chair
Ulrike Miles, Vice Chair
Melinda Snyder, Vice Chair
Linda McFarland Farthing, Immediate Past Chair
Kevin Walker, Treasurer
Denise DeMaio, Secretary
David Fisk, President & CEO
Kwamé Ryan, Music Director
2024-2025 DIRECTORS
Mick Ankrom
Joye D. Blount
Krisha Blanchard
Mike Butterworth
Nick Clements
Mary Delk*
Sidney Fletcher
Lucia Zapata Griffith
Byron Johns*
Valerie Kinloch
Stephen Makris
Alex McKinnon
Sara Garces Roselli
Lindsay Schall
Ylida Scott
Jennifer Sullivan
Brienne Tinder*
Andrea Mumm Trammell*
Ken Walker
*ex-officio
2024-2025 TRUSTEES
Richard Osborne, Chair
Paul Anderson
Ruth & Richard Ault
Arlene & Milton Berkman
Jason & Tiffany Bernd
Mary & Charles Bowman
Frank Bragg
Robin & Bill Branstrom
Dr. William Charles & Dr. Cynthia Nortey
Derick & Sallie Close
Robin Cochran
Catherine & Wilton Connor
Jeanie & T. Thomas Cottingham III
Brian Cromwell
Susan Cybulski
Alessandra & Pasquale De Martino
Alvaro & Donna de Molina
Peggy & Richard Dreher
Lisa Hudson Evans
Karen Fox
Eileen Friars & Scott Pyle
Ralph S. Grier
Laurie Guy
Janet Haack
Reginald B. Henderson, Esq.
Mark & Whitney Jerrell
Jeff Lee
Gov. James G. Martin
Jane & Hugh McColl
Susan & Loy McKeithen
Elizabeth & Jay Monge
Mica Oberkfell
Patrick J. O’Leary
Debbie & G. Patrick Phillips
Paul Reichs
Nancy & Charles Robson
Patricia A. Rodgers
M.A. Rogers
Laura & Mike Schulte
Carolyn Shaw
Emily & Zach Smith
Will Sparks
Bob & Marsha Stickler
Kelly & Neal Taub
Adam Taylor
Elizabeth & Steve Willen Braxton Winston
Richard Worf
Joan Zimmerman
Albert Zue
EXECUTIVE
David J. L. Fisk, President & CEO
Samantha Hackett, Executive Administrator
ARTISTIC OPERATIONS
Scott Freck, Vice President for Artistic Operations & General Manager
Carrie Graham, Senior Director of Artistic Planning
Tim Pappas, Director of Operations
Bart Dunn, Principal Music Librarian
Nixon Bustos, Senior Music Librarian
Emily Schaub, Assistant Music Librarian
Erin Eady, Senior Manager of Orchestra Personnel
Claire Beiter, Artistic Operations Manager
John Jarrell, Stage Manager
DEVELOPMENT
Shayne Doty, Vice President of Development
Mandy Vollrath, Director of Corporate & Institutional Relations
Libby Currier, Director of Individual Giving
Tammy Matula, Senior Manager of Development Operations
Jennifer Gherardi, Development Manager - Campaign & Special Events
Meghan Woolbright, Annual Fund Manager
Noel Kiss, Advancement Associate
Josh Bottoms, Institutional Giving Coordinator
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Christian Drake, Vice President of Finance & Administration
Chazin & Company, Financial Services
Amy Hine, HR Coordinator & Office Administrator
Channing Williams, Accounting Associate
HUMAN RESOURCES
Maribeth Baker, Human Resources Counselor
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
Songs & Stories of Charlotte
February 22 11:00 am · Knight Theater
From the spirited buzz of Uptown to the peaceful quiet of the surrounding countryside, this concert takes you skyscraping, BBQ-boasting, and gold-rushing with music that inspires curiosity and excitement in our hometown’s “hornet’s nest” of sounds!
