Introducing Our New Sonic Logo

October 10, 2025

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 composer Mason Bates, who created a Sonic Logo -- a short musical signature that captures the spirit of the Charlotte Symphony -- the first of its kind commissioned by an orchestra.

Sonic logos are familiar in media and technology -- like Netflix's "ta-dum" -- but this commission represents a first in orchestral music. The Charlotte Symphony will use the new audio identity across digital platforms, broadcasts, media communications, and in the concert hall.

The Sonic Logo premiered live on October 10, 2025 at the Classical Series opening concert, under the direction of Kwamé Ryan.

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra · Charlotte Symphony Sonic Logo

I wanted to convey a sense of magic and mystery...of individual instruments swirling together until they build to this kind of heroic fanfare. Even in just a few seconds, you experience a sense of excitement for what we're about to hear at the symphony.
-- Mason Bates

With Mason's Sonic Logo, we are signaling that the CSO is deeply rooted in tradition while being attuned to how people experience sound today.
-- Kwamé Ryan

Stay Tuned! You'll be hearing our new Sonic Logo across performances, broadcasts, and beyond. See what's coming up.

Logo animations created in collaboration with the Queens University of Charlotte Department of Art, Design, and Music: Dejah Entzminger '26 (Graphic Designer) and Melissa Gamez (Assistant Professor & Director of Graphic Design & Studio Art).

Tagged as Charlotte Symphony, Mason Bates, Sonic Logo.

Meet Violist Pedro Mendez

October 1, 2025

This season, we're pleased to introduce Pedro Mendez, the newest member of the Charlotte Symphony's viola section! Originally from Venezuela, where he participated in the renowned El Sistema program, Pedro now joins us for his first full-time symphony position. Get to know him as he shares his journey, what drew him to the viola, and what he's most looking forward to in his new home.

Your musical journey began in El Sistema. How did that experience shape you as a musician and as a person?

Growing up in El Sistema gave me not only a strong musical foundation but also a sense of community and purpose. From a very young age, I learned that music is not just about individual achievement, but about teamwork, discipline, and the power to transform lives. It also gave me the drive to always push myself to do better, even when things weren't easy. I have always carried with me El Sistema's motto, "to play and to fight," which has pushed me forward every day of my life. Today, I feel so grateful to be making a living through something I once fought so hard for as a child. I believe those values continue to inspire the way I play and share music every day.

You started on violin but later chose the viola. What inspired that transition, and how did it change your perspective as a performer?

The warmth and depth of the viola's sound always captivated me, even back when I would borrow a friend's instrument just for fun and play violin pieces on it because I didn't know any viola repertoire yet. I feel that the viola represents who I am: its warm sound, its calmness, its balance between high and low voices -- like having the depth of a cello and the brilliance of a violin in one instrument. The viola truly changed my life and the way I see the world.

What excites you most about joining the Charlotte Symphony and making Charlotte your home?

I'm truly excited to join such a vibrant orchestra and to make music with colleagues who are so committed to excellence. Charlotte feels like a welcoming city full of culture, warmth, and beautiful green spaces everywhere you go. This is also my very first full-time position in a symphony orchestra, which makes it even more meaningful. It's the result of many years of love, sacrifice, and dedication to my instrument. We all know how competitive and challenging it is to win a position like this, so I'm deeply grateful to God for bringing me here, to a wonderful city, an inspiring orchestra, and the chance to work with such great musicians and a visionary conductor.

When you're not making music, how do you like to spend your time?

I love spending time with my wife, who is also a violinist. We enjoy exploring new places together -- especially restaurants, and of course Venezuelan food whenever we can find it! I also love watching soccer and cheering for my beloved FC Barcelona, as well as playing some tennis in my free time.

Finally, is there anything you'd like to share directly with our audiences?

I feel deeply grateful to God for bringing me here, and I'm honored to join the Charlotte Symphony family. I can't wait to meet our audiences, share unforgettable musical experiences together, and grow as part of this beautiful community. Thank you for welcoming me -- I'm truly excited for this new chapter of my life and for everything that lies ahead.

Posted in Community. Tagged as interview, Musicians.

Sound of Charlotte Blog

Introducing Our New Sonic Logo

Meet Violist Pedro Mendez

Your musical journey began in El Sistema. How did that experience shape you as a musician and as a person?

You started on violin but later chose the viola. What inspired that transition, and how did it change your perspective as a performer?

What excites you most about joining the Charlotte Symphony and making Charlotte your home?

When you're not making music, how do you like to spend your time?

Finally, is there anything you'd like to share directly with our audiences?

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