A VIDEO GAME SYMPHONY
October 12 Belk Theater
Welcome Back to the Symphony!
It is a true pleasure to welcome you to a new season with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra — one that is especially thrilling as we embark on a new chapter with the arrival of Music Director Kwamé Ryan. His leadership promises to bring even greater energy and inspiration to our performances, and he — and we — can’t wait to share his music-making with you.
Over the past month, the CSO has been out and about in the community, performing free concerts across Charlotte, making full use of the CSO Roadshow mobile stage, including a memorable first-time appearance in the Festival of India. We’ve also had the opportunity to expand our reach with concerts in Stanly and Gaston counties, ensuring that the joy of live music resonates throughout our region.
As we look at our concerts this fall, we’re proud to offer performances that are designed to inspire and engage music lovers of all kinds. Our season officially kicks off with our Gala Concert on October 9th, featuring the acclaimed Sphinx Virtuosi, followed by Heroes: A Video Game Symphony on October 12th, which showcases the soundtracks of video games with big screen accompaniment. On October 17th and 19th, we’re excited to bring you MERGE: Halloween Edition, a fun and immersive blend of orchestral and electronic music with visual enhancements, for a unique Halloween experience. We’re delighted to have you join us for what promises to be another extraordinary season, and we look forward to sharing these unforgettable musical moments with you.
David Fisk President & CEO
Concert Program
THE NINETY-THIRD SEASON
Heroes: A Video Game Symphony
Kevin Zakresky, conductor
Melinda Whittington, soprano
Jason Michael Paul, producer
Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 7:30 pm
Belk Theater at Blumenthal Arts
ACT I
Opening from The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Suite - Jeremy Soule, orch. by Robert Puff
INTRODUCTION and the CALL to ADVENTURE
The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim Dragonborn Theme - Jeremy Soule, orch. by Larry Kenton
REFUSAL of the CALL
Mass Effect - Jack Wall, orch. by Robert Puff
SUPERNATURAL AID
Guild Wars 2 Suite - Leif Chappelle, Maclaine Diemer, Stan LePard, and Jeremy Soule, orch. by Stan LePard
THE CROSSING of the FIRST THRESHOLD
BioShock - Garry Schyman, orch. by Robert Puff
THE BELLY of the WHALE
Diablo Suite - Matt Uelmen, Russell Brower, Derek Duke, Neal Acree, orch. by Aruto Matsumoto
THE ROAD of TRIALS
God of War: Ascension Main Theme - Tyler Bates, orch. by Robert Puff
THE MEETING with the GODDESS
Assassin’s Creed: Ezio’s Family Theme - Jesper Kyd, orch. by Benoit Grey
THE TEMPTRESS
Portal 2 Variations - Mike Morasky, and J.S. Bach, orch. by Geoff Knorr, and Andy Brick
- INTERMISSIONACT II
ATONEMENT with the FATHER
Metal Gear Solid IV - Harry Gregson-Williams, and Nobuko Toda, orch. by Shota Nakama
APOTHEOSIS
World of Warcraft - Jason Hayes, orch. by Adam Klemens
THE ULTIMATE BOON
Starfield - Inon Zur, orch. by Paul D. Taylor
REFUSAL of the RETURN
Dragon Age - Inon Zur, orch. by Paul D. Taylor
THE MAGIC FLIGHT
Castlevania Medley - Kinuyo Yamashita, Masahiro Ikariko, Michiru Yamane, and Oscar Araujo, orch. by C. Seiter
RESCUE from WITHOU T
Shadow of the Colossus - Kow Otani, orch. by Nic Raine
CROSSING the RETURN THRESHOLD
Fallout 4 Suite - Inon Zur, orch. by Paul D. Taylor
MASTER of TWO WORLDS
Halo Medley - Marty O’Donnell, and Michael Salvatori, orch. by Andy Brick and Arnie Roth
Music for the Narrations is from the game Dear Esther Jessica Curry, orch. by Andy Brick
Narrations spoken by Nigel Carrington
Kevin Zakresky
conductor
Kevin Zakresky serves as Music Director and Principal Conductor for Jason Michael Paul Entertainment. Kevin is based out of Vancouver, British Columbia. He has directed international touring productions of The National Geographic “Symphony for our World,” the Legend of Zelda Symphony of the Goddesses, and the “Heroes” Video Game Symphony. In Vancouver he is the Director of the Vancouver Baroque Players and Maddalena’s Descant, a new women’s vocal ensemble.
The National Geographic “Symphony For Our World” debuted in San Francisco’s Davies Symphony Hall and continued to venues in San Jose, Chicago, Madison, Minneapolis, Houston, Edmonton, Calgary, Limerick, Monterrey, and Columbus.
The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses tour saw him conduct orchestras throughout North America, South America, and Europe. Zelda performances include London — to conduct the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra in Wembley Arena — as well as Montreal, Philadelphia, Miami, Los Angeles, Dublin, San Francisco, San Antonio, Charlottesville, Fresno, Santiago, Buenos Aires, Birmingham (UK), Toronto, Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, Oklahoma City, Vancouver, and Pittsburgh.
He is the past Music Director of the Prince George Symphony Orchestra and has guest conducted the St Louis Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, Columbus Symphony, Vancouver Chamber Choir, Fort Worth Symphony, Sudbury Symphony, and West Coast Symphony. He is also past Conductor of the Pacifica Singers and Music Director of the Players & Singers Ensemble.
Zakresky received a Doctoral degree in Choral Conducting at Yale University in 2012.
Melinda Whittington soprano
American soprano Melinda Whittington has performed with opera houses all over the country, including The Metropolitan Opera, Chicago Lyric, Minnesota Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, Utah Opera, Arizona Opera, Opera Carolina, North Carolina Opera, Kentucky Opera, and Pensacola Opera. The Salt Lake Tribune praises Melinda for her “performances of emotional resonance along with their powerhouse vocals.” Last season, Melinda made her role debut as Mimì in Minnesota Opera’s new production of Puccini’s La bohème and sang her first Verdi Requiem with the Charlotte Symphony. In describing Melinda’s performance of Mimì, Broadway World says “Whittington’s vocals are so rich and full that she has no problem filling the theater with her glorious voice,” and the Star Tribune says she “could blow your hair back with her electrifying high notes.” This season she will return to both Mimì and Micaëla in Carmen with her home company, Opera Carolina. She also revisits the role of Donna Anna (Don Giovanni, Greensboro Opera), joins the Charlotte Master Chorale and Charlotte Symphony as the soprano soloist in Elijah, and duets with Andrea Bocelli in his October Charlotte concert. Her other recent roles include the title roles of Rusalka and Arabella, Violetta in La traviata, Tatyana in Eugene Onegin, Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Ada in Higdon’s Cold Mountain, Nedda in Pagliacci, Contessa in Le nozze di Figaro, Juliette in Roméo et Juliette, Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, Marguerite in Faust, Homecoming Soldier in Redler’s The Falling and the Rising, and Marie Antoinette in Corigliano’s The Ghosts of Versailles Melinda was a young artist at the prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, a Merola young artist at San Francisco Opera, and a Filene young artist at Wolf Trap Opera. She holds a Master of Music degree from the University of North Carolina Greensboro and a Bachelor of Music from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to performing, Melinda maintains a private voice studio here in Charlotte and teaches at Davidson College.
To hear or learn more, visit her website at melindawhittington.com.
Jason Michael Paul producer
A pioneer and leader in the live symphonic concert industry, Jason Michael Paul Entertainment, Inc. produces and promotes concerts for leading international artists, including a series of live symphonic concerts that make music come to life.
Jason Michael Paul Entertainment’s Founder, Jason Michael Paul — the producer and creator of the first stateside FINAL FANTASY concerts, The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary concerts, The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses concerts, and Founder of JMP Entertainment — envisioned the “Heroes” experience to take audience members on a heroes journey, as set forth by Joseph Campbell’s monomyth — a narrative framework that can be seen in many of the games, film, and books throughout history. Each stage in the monomyth is a chapter in our story, and each game/musical selection was chosen primarily for its suitability in the chapter where it is featured. Everyone’s story is the story of a hero, told through the amazing worlds of other heroes, in an unforgettable experience that is not to be missed.
JMP Entertainment is celebrating its 20th anniversary since its inaugural video game music concert series with Dear Friends: Music from FINAL FANTASY; Paul has produced over 300 video game music concerts since the inaugural stateside performance in 2004. A seasoned concert producer who is known for staging concerts worldwide for notable artists such as Luciano Pavarotti and the Three Tenors, Paul realized that if philharmonic regulars set aside their preconceived notions about gaming culture, they could appreciate the rich musical virtuosity and magic of video game soundtracks. His vision was spot-on, and he has created a global phenomenon over the past two decades.
“It’s beyond wonderful to celebrate our 20th anniversary with this unparalleled ‘Heroes’ concert series,” notes Paul. “The narrative of the Hero is so fundamental to our human experience, and these incredible video games symphonic pieces bring that rich tapestry to life.”
For the “Heroes” concert series, a 70-piece orchestra will be joined by a choir to perform new arrangements of a variety of songs from multiple video game franchises. Represented titles will include FINAL FANTASY, Chrono Cross, Chrono Trigger, Portal 2, BioShock, Guild Wars 2, Oblivion: The Elder Scrolls, Skyrim: The Elder Scrolls, Blades: The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Starfield, Castlevania, Metal Gear Solid, Halo, Mass Effect, Dear Esther, Journey, God of War, Dragon Age, Shadow of the Colossus, and more. The series promises to be an entirely new music concert format and the definitive concert experience for video game enthusiast and music afficionados alike.
Moreover, the concert story is narrated by BAFTA award winner, Nigel Carrington, from the popular video game “Dear Esther” and a host of other credits.
INTERNATIONAL CONCERT EVENTS INCLUDE:
Dear Friends – Music from FINAL FANTASY
More Friends – Music from FINAL FANTASY
PLAY! A Video Game Symphony
rePLAY: Symphony of Heroes
The Legend of Zelda – 25th Anniversary Concerts
The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses
National Geographic: Symphony for Our World Heroes: A Video Game Symphony
Jason Michael Paul has produced concerts all over the world for artists and companies such as Luciano Pavarotti, The Three Tenors, Elton John, Foo Fighters, Outkast, Michael McDonald, James Ingram, Patti Austin, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Tokyo Philharmonic, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Houston Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Utah Symphony, Ft. Worth Symphony, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony, Nintendo, Sony Computer Entertainment America, Bethesda, Square Enix, Konami, Electronic Arts, Disney, National Geographic, Madison Square Garden Network, PBS, LiveNation, AEG, and Nederlander.
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
Jonathan 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.
2024 · 2025 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
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Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1
October 25 & 26, 2024 Knight Theater
Brahms' A German Requiem
November 22 & 23, 2024 Belk Theater
Debussy’s La Mer
April 25 & 26, 2025 Belk Theater ...AND MORE!
The Music of Queen
November 1 & 2, 2024 Belk Theater
Disco Fever
January 17 & 18, 2025 Knight Theater
Havana Nights
February 21 & 22, 2025 Knight Theater ...AND MORE!
LEMONY SNICKET’S The Composer is Dead
November 16, 2024 Knight Theater
Holiday Pops! FAMILY MATINEE
December 7, 2024 Knight Theater
CLASSICAL KIDS LIVE: Gershwin's Magic Key
January 18, 2025 Knight Theater ...AND MORE!
The Muppet Christmas Carol IN CONCERT
November 29 & 30, 2024 Ovens Auditorium
How to Train Your Dragon IN CONCERT
March 14 & 15, 2025 Belk Theater
Pirates of the Caribbean IN CONCERT
June 6 & 7, 2025 Belk Theater ...AND MORE!
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
Interview Get to Know Our New Board Chair, Richard Krumdieck
We recently caught up with Richard Krumdieck, the CSO’s new Board Chair, to discuss his passion for music, his journey with the Symphony, and his exciting vision for the future.
How did you begin your journey with music?
Music has always played a central role in my life. Both my parents were from Peru and loved classical music. My father had an extensive collection of classical albums, and my first experience with music was listening to those albums with him on his stereo. One that I especially loved was the Mozart Clarinet Concerto, performed by English clarinetist Jack Brymer. That inspired me to choose the clarinet, and I played in my community youth orchestras and continued studying music through college. For a time, I even considered a career as an orchestral clarinetist, but ultimately, I pursued medicine. However, I have always loved music and deeply admire those who choose to pursue a career in the arts. Even as a young adult, I made a commitment that I would support the arts in any way I could.
Do you still play the clarinet?
I do still play! I take private lessons from Taylor Marino, the CSO’s Principal Clarinetist, and perform with community orchestras and community bands. I also enjoy getting together with friends on occasion to play chamber music.
How did you first become aware of the Charlotte Symphony?
I was aware of the Charlotte Symphony before I even moved to the area in the late 1990s. A friend of mine sang in what was then called the Oratorio Singers — now the Charlotte Master Chorale — and invited me to a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. I was very impressed with the level of artistry; that was my first exposure to the CSO. After moving to Charlotte, I became a regular concertgoer and began supporting the Symphony with philanthropic gifts. I was later invited to become a trustee, which deepened my connection to the organization. I became more aware not only of the high level or artistry but also of the organization’s values, which align closely with many of my own.
Is there a particular initiative or program at the CSO that resonates with you personally?
Yes, there are several! Two that are particularly important to me involve increasing access to classical music performances, such as moving concerts outside of the traditional concert hall and directly into the community using non-traditional venues like breweries or our new mobile stage, CSO Roadshow. The initiative that is most important to me, however, is providing music education for our youth. I was extraordinarily privileged to have a music education, and I believe every child should have the opportunity to learn music and play an instrument if they desire. The skills learned through music — such as practice, perseverance, listening, compromise, and collaboration — are invaluable, whether or not one pursues a career in the arts. The skills I learned from music have served me very well in my career in medicine.
How do you envision the CSO evolving over the next few years?
I believe the CSO is at a very positive inflection point. Under Christopher Warren-Green, the Orchestra achieved significant artistic growth, and I’m eager to see this continue under the direction of new Music Director Kwamé Ryan. I also envision the Charlotte Symphony becoming a more integral part of the Charlotte community and for us to communicate more effectively about the essential role we play in enriching the cultural landscape here.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role as Chair?
I am excited to foster a spirit of collaboration within the CSO and help realize our shared artistic vision. I am also eager to be a strong advocate for the Symphony in our community.
Is there a message you hope to convey to the community through your work with the CSO?
I want to emphasize the essential role that the CSO plays in Charlotte. By providing quality live classical performances, bridging communities through collaboration with other arts organizations like the Charlotte Ballet and Opera Carolina, and our commitment to music education, we’re not just an orchestra — we’re a cornerstone of the community! The CSO helps makes Charlotte a vibrant place to live and work, which attracts new businesses to the area.
We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Annual Fund. This list reflects gifts received between July 1, 2023 through May 1, 2024.
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
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
$15,000 – $24,999
Anonymous (2)
Melissa & Daren Anderson Nicola & Emanuel Clark
Denise & Peter DeMaio Ralph S. Grier
Mary & Michael Lamach Betty P. & Jeffrey J. Lee
Mrs. Sandra Levine
Tanya & Steve Makris 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 (3)
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
Leigh & Watts Humphrey
Susan & Chris Kearney
Ginger Kelly
Ms. Nina Lesavoy
Elizabeth & Jay Monge
Robert Norville
Laura & Perry Poole
Kelli & Michael Richardson
Mrs. Rosalind S. Richardson
Amanda & Corey Rogers
Marjorie Moses Schwab
Sherry & Thomas Skains
Drs. Jennifer Sullivan & Matthew Sullivan
Ann & Michael Tarwater
Mary Claire & Dan Wall
Jill & Kevin Walker
Andromeda & John Williams
Lisa & Richard Worf
* The CSO recognizes donors of exceptional generosity whose cumulative giving exceeds $1 million with the designation of Music Director Society.
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
Philipp J. Bischoff & Dawn Beatty
Katrice & Steve Boland
Mary & Charles Bowman
Barbara & Twig Branch
Nancy Brand & Bill Freeman
Robin & William Branstrom
Shirley & Michael Butterworth
The Jack H. and Ruth C. Campbell Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Kieth Cockrell
Morgan & Brian Cromwell
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
Caren & Charles Gale
Sarah & Frank Gentry
Laurie & Barry Guy
Shirley & Bob Ivey
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
Chuck Miller & Marcy Thailer
Mr. & Mrs. Brian T. Moynihan
Holly & Jason Norvell
Kim & Torsten Pilz
Emily & Nima Pirzadeh
Ann & Fritz Rehkopf
Nancy & Charlie Robson
Sara Garcés Roselli & Dan Roselli
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. Pope A. Shuford
Melinda & David Snyder
Chris & Jim Teat
Brienne Tinder & Thomas Lervik
Judith & Gary Toman
Mr. & Mrs. C.L. Trenkelbach
Michael Waterford Floyd Wisner & Glenda Colman
Sidney & Bobby Youngs
Joan Zimmerman
Abby & Albert Zue
$3,500 – $4,999
Anonymous
Si & Michael Blake
Sally & Derick Close
Mary & Phil Delk
Cheryl DeMaio
Pat English & H. Clay Furches
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
Mr. & Mrs. Alan Blumenthal
Amy & Philip Blumenthal
Dr. & Mrs. O. Robert Boehm
Jan & Bob Busch
Ann Thomas Colley
Dorothy & Mike Connor
Melissa Cornwell
Deborah J. Cox & Bob Szymkiewicz
Chris & Elizabeth Daly
In Memory of Betty 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
$2,500 – $3,499 (continued)
James
Dottie &
Rob
Richard
Mr.
Mr.
Kathleen
Drew
Mr.
Elizabeth
Dottie Stowe In Loving Memory of Dickson Stowe
Dr.
Drs. Chris & Lillian Teigland
Dr.
Mindy
Paul & Susan Vadnais
PATRON
CIRCLE
$1,500 – $2,499 Anonymous
Sharon
Mr.
Judith
Gene & Helen Katz
Ginger Kemp
Mr. Alan Kronovet & Ms. Cary J. Bernstein
Staci & Adam Marino
Anna Marriott
Ms. Rosemarie Marshall & Mr. Lee Wilkins
Mr. Glenn Mincey & Mrs. Macie Mincey
Caroline Olzinski
Pamela Pearson & Charles Peach
John & Susan Rae
Suzy & Robert Schulman
Jane Perry Shoemaker
Ken Spielfogel & Richard Withem
Joseph & Aleca Stamey
Robert & Maxine Stein
Morris & Patricia Spearman
Tillie S. Tice
Jenny & Ken Tolson
Molly & Chris Tull
James H. Trexler & Kelly Zellars
Vera Watson
Webb
Linda & Craig Weisbruch Pam West Cricket Weston & David Molinaro
Bryan Wilhelm
Elizabeth & Stephan Willen
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
Katherine & John Beltz
Shirley W. Benfield
Donald H. & Barbara K. Bernstein Family Foundation
Sam & Nancy Bernstein
Andrea & Alexander Bierce
Ethan Blumenthal
& 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
Dr. Kandi & Gary Deitemeyer
Caroline & Laurent De Mey
Thomas & Kris Duffy
Annual Fund Supporters (continued)
Christine
Mrs. Gail Salmon
Dr. Stephen P. Schultz & Donna Dutton
Mr. & Mrs. William Seifert
Katy & Raleigh Shoemaker
Molly & Conrad Sloan Scott
& 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
Drs. Iris Cheng & Daniel Uri
Peter White
Noni Williams
John Drew Witherington
Ms. Judith Wood
Eugene Woods
Gracy & Scott Wooster
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
Aram & Scott Bryan
Angie & Howard Bush
Greg & Mary Lou Cagle
Barbara F. Caine
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
Libby & David Currier
Dr. Roy E. DeMeo, Jr. & Ms. Linda A. Evanko
Doug & Diane Doak
Cheryl Drake-Bowers
Martin Ericson, Jr.
Dr.
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
We
Government & Foundations
We are grateful for the following outstanding foundation and government funders: For
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
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 8:00 pm
Comprehensive Campaign
We gratefully acknowledge these generous donors to the Charlotte Symphony Comprehensive Campaign. This list reflects gifts received through August 20, 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 Howard C. & Margaret G. Bissell Foundation Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. EY Contributions Associated with Falfurrias Capital Partners · Lynn & Brian Good · 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 Robert Haywood Morrison Foundation · Truist Financial Corporation
$250,000 - $499,999
Cathy Bessant · The Gambrell Foundation · Moore & Van Allen PLLC · Janet Preyer Nelson
$100,000 - $249,000
Jeannette & Francisco Alvarado · Ruth & Richard Ault · NCFI/Barnhardt Foundation Wilton & Catherine Connor Joan & Mick Ankrom 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
Manny Clark, Secretary
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*
Jenny Topilow*
Ken Walker
*ex-officio
2024-2025 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 & Dr. Cynthia Nortey
Derick & Sallie Close
Robin Cochran
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
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
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
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
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
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
