Meet Bart Dunn: Our New Principal Music Librarian

December 4, 2024

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 library. Managing thousands of pages of sheet music each season, they ensure our musicians have everything they need to deliver exceptional performances. Managing much of this effort is Bart Dunn, our new Principal Librarian. We sat down with Bart to learn more about his journey and the essential role of a music librarian.

Tell us a bit about yourself -- where are you from, and how did you find your way to Charlotte?

I'm originally from Southern Maryland and studied at Towson University, just outside Baltimore. After graduate school, I joined the profession and worked at Temple University, the Jacksonville Symphony, and most recently, Houston Grand Opera. My wife and I are East Coast people at heart, so being closer to family made Charlotte the perfect fit. And as much as I love opera, being back in a symphonic environment where there's such a wide variety of programming is exciting and keeps the job interesting. Last weekend it was Beethoven X Beyoncé, this week it's Brahms's Requiem!

What led you to become a music librarian? Was this always your plan?

Not exactly! I started as a cellist but realized in college that I didn't want to spend five hours a day practicing to keep my technique sharp. I wanted to stay connected to performance without the intense practice schedule. A chance summer position at Interlochen introduced me to ensemble librarianship, and everything clicked. It's funny -- many of us in this field stumble upon it. It's a lot of "busy work," but it can be incredibly rewarding.

So, what does a music librarian do?

A phrase that music librarians often throw around is, "We provide the right music to the right people at the right time." Day to day, this means marking parts -- things like bowings or cuts -- researching repertoire, coordinating editions, and even reporting on performances to copyright holders. It's a mix of detailed, varied tasks, which keeps things interesting. I find writing in the bowings (markings in the music that indicate which direction to use the bow for string instruments) cathartic, in a sense.

What drew you to the Charlotte Symphony specifically?

Besides being closer to family, I love the variety of programming here. It's energizing to be part of an organization on an upward trajectory. With Music Director Kwamé Ryan here now, he's going to have his own distinct vision for programming and what he wants to see from the orchestra. I'm excited to see how the Symphony evolves over the next five to ten years -- and to be along for the ride!
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Posted in Education & Community. Tagged as interview.

Get to Know Music Director Kwamé Ryan

November 7, 2024

In anticipation of Kwamé Ryan's inaugural concerts as Music Director on November 22 and 23, we're excited to share a glimpse into his remarkable background and the passion he brings to the Charlotte Symphony. Get to know the man behind the baton and what makes his vision for the Symphony so unique.

Early Inspiration

Kwamé Ryan's fascination with orchestral music began at the age of six, when he first heard John Williams's score for Star Wars at a drive-in theater in his home of Trinidad. "I was just completely absorbed by the sound of the orchestra," he says. "It was almost like I couldn't come back from that musical land far, far away."

From Cello to Double Bass

While Ryan originally hoped to play the cello, he instead took up the double bass. He went on to perform with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, where he also honed his conducting skills by assisting with rehearsals.

Champion of New Music

Hungarian composer and conductor Peter Eötvös played a pivotal role in shaping Ryan's approach to music, introducing him to contemporary works and instilling in him the importance of championing new voices in composition.

Mary Kouyoumdjian and Scout Tufankjian with Kwamé Ryan and the NY Philharmonic.

Engaging Young Audiences

Ryan is dedicated to introducing younger audiences to classical music. He recently penned an article for The Guardian, highlighting the value of connecting children with orchestral music through accessible genres like movies and video games.

Commitment to Music Education

Throughout his career, Ryan has been a staunch advocate for music education around the world. He has returned to the BBC Proms on multiple occasions to lead children's programs and served as director of the French Youth Orchestra and at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, where he advanced youth arts initiatives.

Award-Winning Premiere

In 2021, Kwamé Ryan conducted The Time of Our Singing by Kris Defoort which won the World Premier Award at the International Opera Awards 2022.

Roots in Germany

When he's not traveling, Ryan's home base is in Freiburg, Germany, nestled at the edge of the Black Forest, where he enjoys spending time on walks or bike riding.

Join us in welcoming Kwamé Ryan as he steps onto the Charlotte Symphony podium for his inaugural concerts featuring Pēteris Vasks's Musica Dolorosa and Brahms's A German Requiem, November 22 and 23. Plus, don't miss the chance to hear Ryan share his insights into the program at the pre-concert talk, starting at 6:30 pm.

Posted in Classics. Tagged as Music Director.

5 Reasons to Take Your Child to the Symphony

November 5, 2024

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 their development and why the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra is dedicated to presenting concerts that delight and inspire our youngest audiences.

Enhances cognitive development

Research shows that listening to classical music activates parts of the brain linked to problem-solving and reasoning -- skills essential in subjects like math and science. In the early 1990s, a study by Rauscher, Shaw, and Ky found that college students scored higher on certain tests after listening to classical music. This became known as "The Mozart Effect" and has since led to further studies on how classical music supports children's brain development.

Improves listening skills and concentration

Classical music's rich variations in tempo, harmony, and dynamics create a unique auditory experience. When listening, children are encouraged to focus and identify familiar melodies and rhythms, strengthening their concentration and auditory processing skills.

Fosters emotional development

Classical music provides children with a safe space to explore and express emotions. By listening to different pieces, they learn to identify feelings in the music and relate them to their own experiences. This connection can foster empathy, as children begin to understand and respond to the emotions conveyed by the composer and musicians.

Encourages family bonding

Symphony concerts offer a wonderful opportunity for family connection through shared experiences. With affordable tickets ranging from $15 to $20 and family-friendly start times (Saturdays at 11 am), these concerts allow families to enjoy music together without disrupting bedtime routines.

Makes Classical Music Accessible and Fun

The Symphony's specially designed family concerts make it easy to introduce children to live music in a welcoming environment. With shorter, engaging performances, interactive segments with the conductor and musicians, and pre-concert activities like storytelling and hands-on crafts, these events cater to young attention spans and interests. Plus, with the lights on, snacks allowed, and the freedom to move around, kids and parents can truly relax and enjoy the concert -- making it an ideal first live music experience for any young listener.

Posted in Family. Tagged as Family Series.

5 Fun facts about the Shostakovich & Mendelssohn concert

October 22, 2024

Curious about what you'll experience at the Shostakovich & Mendelssohn concert? Keep reading for some surprising and fun facts about the soloist, conductor, and composers featured.

1. Amaryn Olmeda designs her own dresses

Joining us as the soloist for Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor, 16-year-old wunderkind Amaryn Olmeda brings both musical and artistic flair to the stage -- she even designs some of her own performance gowns! In a recent interview with The Violin Channel, she shared that if she weren't a musician, she'd find fashion design a fun alternative.

2. Mendelssohn composed 18 symphonies in his life

Between the ages of 12 and 14, Mendelssohn composed 13 string symphonies, intended for performances in the Mendelssohn household. He completed his first full orchestral symphony when he was only 15 years old.

3. Shostakovich's 9th symphony shocked critics around the world

Shostakovich had promised a grandiose, heroic Ninth Symphony, even hinting at a powerful chorale and a triumphant song of praise. But when it finally premiered, it was anything but -- instead, the symphony turned out to be short, lighthearted, and full of wit, defying all expectations! Before the symphony premiered, Shostakovich said, "Musicians will love to play it and critics will delight in bashing it."

4. Anthony Parnther has worked on the music for Oscar winning films

Anthony Parnther is one of the most sought-after conductors in the film industry, having worked on major blockbusters like Avatar: The Way of Water, Oppenheimer, The Mandalorian, Creed III, and Turning Red. Renowned composer Ludwig Göransson, known for his iconic scores for Black Panther and Oppenheimer, considers Parnther an invaluable collaborator when bringing new film scores to life.

5. Edward Elgar was a fan of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

Just one year after leaving school, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor received a prestigious commission from the Three Choirs Festival, thanks to a recommendation from none other than Edward Elgar. Elgar praised the young composer, telling the festival that Coleridge-Taylor was "far and away the cleverest fellow going amongst the young men."... Read more

Posted in Classics. Tagged as Classical.

A Bold New Look for the Charlotte Symphony

September 4, 2024

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 Director for the 2024-25 season, we're excited to share a new visual identity that reflects who we are and where we're headed.

A New Era, A New Identity

Designed in collaboration with renowned design firm Perkins&Will through their Social Purpose initiative, our new logo and branding capture the dynamic energy of our performances and our deep connection with the community.

The design integrates elements of our rich musical heritage, like the elegant curves of a string instrument and typography inspired by musical notation, while also symbolizing how the Charlotte Symphony resonates as a musical pulse throughout Charlotte and the surrounding communities.

Behind the Design

Our new brand isn't just about a new look; it's about conveying the full experience of the Charlotte Symphony -- an experience that's both timeless and forward-thinking, rooted in tradition yet always evolving. The vibrant colors and bold design choices reflect our commitment to innovation, creativity, and accessibility in the world of orchestral music.

"The new identity perfectly captures the energy and spirit of the Charlotte Symphony as we enter this exciting new era with Kwamé Ryan at the helm," said CSO President and CEO David Fisk.

See it in Action

Take a closer look at how our new brand identity comes to life across our platforms -- from our vibrant new logo to the dynamic imagery that represents the heart of our orchestra.

Looking Ahead

Experience the energy of the Charlotte Symphony yourself as we kick off the 2024-25 season with Music Director Kwamé Ryan.

Learn more... Read more