SPOTLIGHT
Alan Black on Stepping Back with Grace A fixture of the Charlotte Symphony since 1986, Principal Cellist Alan Black is stepping back from his role of leading the cellists to continue playing in the section. We talked with Alan about his decision to step back now, his favorite memory with the CSO, and his hopes for the section as he ends his tenure as Principal Cellist and begins the 2022-23 season as Principal Cello Emeritus. Why have you decided to step back into the section at this time? Well you know, I’ve been thinking about this for a couple years. I’m going to be 65 in a month and I’m thinking to myself, well, what else do I need to accomplish as a principal player? I’ve done all the solos... my colleagues are great cellists and I feel the talent level has risen. They’re great players and so it’s time for somebody else to do it. And the stress of sitting principal is actually fairly strong... I want to enjoy playing without the stress of the job. And since I’ve done basically everything I’ve wanted to do and checked off all those boxes, I feel like it’s kind of time for me to let somebody else take over the mantle; let somebody younger come on in and provide a fresh vision. After so many years as Principal, you must have some great memories. Oh, yes! The highlight of my career was in 2000 when Yo-Yo Ma was in town performing with us and I got to play the Vivaldi Concerto for Two Cellos with him. Aside from being the most visible 14 spotlight: Alan Black
and famous musician on the planet, he is also an amazing human being — warm, engaging, and filled with humility. We had a great time together and hung out at the after-party on the 60th floor of the Bank of America center. I had a great time and will never forget this moment. Ultimately, it was because of this concert that five years later I was able to purchase the cello I bought from him. In many ways, he has been the most influential person in my musical life, and I am filled with gratitude for this. Do you have any words of wisdom for your successor? I felt like as a principal the most important thing I could do is manage the section in a way that creates a great working atmosphere; a collegiality within the section. That’s been my most important goal for the last twenty years, that I want us to all get along and be happy together...To me, the most important thing is that you’ve got to treat your colleagues with respect and you’ve got to treat them right.
