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About Us

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 175 concerts each season, reaching more than 160,000 music lovers. Led by Music Director Kwamé Ryan, the CSO employs 65 professional full-time orchestra musicians, fosters four youth orchestras, and offers significant educational support aimed at serving the under-resourced areas of our community. 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

Our mission is to ignite the human spirit through the passion and unifying power of live symphonic music.

 

Our Vision

Our vision is that the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra is the musical heart of our region.

Our People
View current staff openings and information on upcoming orchestra auditions.
Our History
Founded in 1932, the Charlotte Symphony is the longest continuously operating Symphony Orchestra in the Carolinas and the largest arts employer in the region.
Our Core Values
The Charlotte Symphony strives to embody and uphold 5 Core Values: Excellence, Integrity, Inclusion, Innovation, and Community.
Careers & Auditions
Find open positions on staff and orchestra audition information.

CSO Stories

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Our 2026–27 Season

The power of Beethoven's Ninth, the virtuosity of Joshua Bell, the creative voice of Spotlight Artist Levi Taylor, and electrifying tributes to Tina Turner and film favorites like Top Gun: Maverick an…
CSO Stories

Introducing Our New Sonic Logo

When Music Director Kwamé Ryan first saw the Charlotte Symphony's new visual identity, he felt it was "calling out for its own sound." That idea led to a collaboration with Grammy Award-winning compos…
CSO Stories

Meet our Principal Music Librarian, Bart Dunn

Behind every Charlotte Symphony performance is a dedicated team working behind the scenes to bring the music to life. Some of the most important players in that process are the team in the music libra…
CSO Stories

Get to Know Kwamé Ryan

Welcoming the Charlotte Symphony’s New Music Director
CSO Stories

5 Reasons to Take Your Child to the Symphony

Are you wondering if a trip to the Symphony is right for your little ones? Concerned they may be too young to enjoy a live concert? Read on to discover how taking kids to the symphony can support thei…
Guides CSO Stories

A Bold New Look for the Charlotte Symphony

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra is stepping into a new era of music-making, innovation, and community connection with a fresh and bold brand identity. As we welcome Kwamé Ryan as our new Music Direct…
CSO Stories

A Tradition Returns to Charlotte: The Symphony Guild of Charlotte’s Heart of the Home Tour

In February 1950, The Charlotte Observer reported that a new Charlotte Symphony Women's Association would soon be incorporated with the aim of building and developing cultural activities in the Charlo…
CSO Stories

Clarinetist Allan Rosenfeld’s Top 10 Orchestral Bass Clarinet Solos

In a previous blog post, I featured a list of my favorite orchestral clarinet solos. While a significant amount of my in the orchestra is spent playing the clarinet, there are many occasions when you …
CSO Stories
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