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.

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."