Contact: Eva Mowry, Public Relations & Marketing
E: evam@charlottesymphony.org
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For Immediate Release                                                                                                 

Recently Retired Charlotte Symphony Musician Makes Substantial Gift to Symphony
Principal Second Violin Chair Named in his Honor

November 7, 2011- One of the longest-standing figures of the Charlotte Symphony has retired from the orchestra, but his legacy will remain.

The Charlotte Symphony’s first full-time contracted musician, Wolfgang Roth, and his wife, harpist Bette Roth, have been Symphony members since 1971. Beginning his career in the Charlotte Chamber Orchestra, a smaller contingent of the Charlotte Symphony, Wolfgang served as concertmaster and assistant conductor until 1976, when he took over the position of principal second violin.

In this capacity, Wolfgang led the section for 35 years, concluding his tenure in August of 2011. Though his familiar face and engaging presence will no longer be on the Symphony stage, he and his wife are leaving a legacy, and it’s much more than just memories.

Mr. and Mrs. Roth have just made a substantial gift to the Charlotte Symphony as part of the CSO’s broader recapitalization initiative, now underway.

In recognition of their extraordinary generosity, Governor James G. Martin, Symphony Board Chair, and Music Director Christopher Warren-Green have established the Wolfgang Roth Principal Second Violin Chair, named in his honor, the chair that he occupied for 35 years.

The Roth’s gift is intended to serve as the initial seed money for this named chair, which they hope will inspire additional gifts in the months and years to come.

 “Reflecting on the past 40 years, I realize how blessed I have been by the CSO, the city of Charlotte and even this country,” said Mr. Roth. “Out of gratitude I would now like to support this wonderful orchestra financially. My wife and I could simply not imagine Charlotte without a professional symphony orchestra.”

“These great citizens of the Charlotte Symphony Community have helped build a cultural legacy for almost half a century,” said Charlotte Symphony Music Director Christopher Warren-Green. “It is only fitting that we name, in Wolfgang's honor, the chair in which he spent most of his professional life.”

“We are humbled by the extraordinary decision of the Roths to give back to the orchestra for whom they worked so hard for 40 years. It exemplifies the dedication, character, and the deep love of this institution that they brought to work every day.  We hope that those whose lives have been touched by Wolfgang and Bette's artistry over the years will join them by considering a gift to the Wolfgang Roth Principal Second Violin Chair,” said CSO Executive Director Jonathan Martin.

Originally from Immenstadt, Germany, Mr. Roth studied at the Staatliche Hochschule fur Musik in Munich. He was a member of the Munich Chamber Orchestra and the Munich Bach Orchestra. He met his wife, harpist Bette, in Raleigh while playing with the North Carolina Symphony in 1968. Together, they formed the “Roth Duo”, performing and recording extensively in Europe and the US. He began playing with the Charlotte Symphony in 1971 and both retired at the end of last year’s season.

Donations to the Wolfgang Roth chair and general donations to support the Charlotte Symphony recapitalization effort can be sent to the Charlotte Symphony, 301 S. Tryon Street, Suite 1700, Charlotte, NC 28282.

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