September 3, 2024
Richard Krumdieck (right) with his wife, Sally, and President and CEO David Fisk (left) at the Charlotte Symphony's 2023 Annual Gala
We recently caught up with Richard Krumdieck, the new Board Chair of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, to discuss his passion for music, his journey with the Symphony, and his exciting vision for the future.
How did you begin your journey with music?
Music has always played a central role in my life. Both my parents were from Peru and loved classical music. My father had an extensive collection of classical albums, and my first experience with music was listening to those albums with him on his stereo. One that I especially loved was the Mozart Clarinet Concerto, performed by English clarinetist Jack Brymer. That inspired me to choose the clarinet, and I played in my community youth orchestras and continued studying music through college. For a time, I even considered a career as an orchestral clarinetist, but ultimately, I pursued medicine. However, I have always loved music and deeply admire those who choose to pursue a career in the arts. Even as a young adult, I made a commitment that I would support the arts in any way I could.
Do you still play the clarinet?
I do still play! I take private lessons from Taylor Marino, the CSO's Principal Clarinetist, and perform with community orchestras and community bands. I also enjoy getting together with friends on occasion to play chamber music.
How did you first become aware of the Charlotte Symphony?
I was aware of the Charlotte Symphony before I even moved to the area in the late 1990s. A friend of mine sang in what was then called the Symphony Chorus -- now the Charlotte Master Chorale -- and invited me to a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. I was very impressed with the level of artistry; that was my first exposure to the CSO. After moving to Charlotte, I became a regular concertgoer and began supporting the Symphony with philanthropic gifts. I was later invited to become a trustee, which deepened my connection to the organization. I became more aware not only of the high level or artistry but also of the organization's values, which align closely with many of my own.
Is there a particular initiative or program at the CSO that resonates with you personally?
Yes, there are several! Two that are particularly important to me involve increasing access to classical music performances, such as moving concerts outside of the traditional concert hall and directly into the community using non-traditional venues like breweries or our new mobile stage, CSO Roadshow. The initiative that is most important to me, however, is providing music education for our youth. I was extraordinarily privileged to have a music education, and I believe every child should have the opportunity to learn music and play an instrument if they desire. The skills learned through music -- such as practice, perseverance, listening, compromise, and collaboration -- are invaluable, whether or not one pursues a career in the arts. The skills I learned from music have served me very well in my career in medicine.
How do you envision the CSO evolving over the next few years?
I believe the CSO is at a very positive inflection point. Under Christopher Warren-Green, the Orchestra achieved significant artistic growth, and I'm eager to see this continue under the direction of new Music Director Kwamé Ryan. I also envision the Charlotte Symphony becoming a more integral part of the Charlotte community and for us to communicate more effectively about the essential role we play in enriching the cultural landscape here.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role as Chair?
I am excited to foster a spirit of collaboration within the CSO and help realize our shared artistic vision. I am also eager to be a strong advocate for the Symphony in our community.
Is there a message you hope to convey to the community through your work with the CSO?
I want to emphasize the essential role that the CSO plays in Charlotte. By providing quality live classical performances, bridging communities through collaboration with other arts organizations like the Charlotte Ballet and Opera Carolina, and our commitment to music education, we're not just an orchestra -- we're a cornerstone of the community! The CSO helps makes Charlotte a vibrant place to live and work, which attracts new businesses to the area.
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Charlotte Symphony
Charlotte Symphony
Posted in Support. Tagged as interview.
March 8, 2024
Step inside five exquisite homes across the city at the Symphony Guild of Charlotte's popular Heart of the Home Tour, returning on Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23. This signature fundraiser has become a cherished annual tradition, offering an exclusive glimpse inside Charlotte's beautiful homes, opening doors to inspiration in support of the Charlotte Symphony's Youth Orchestras and the Guild's youth music education initiatives.
This year's tour promises to be particularly special, as guests will not only marvel at the stunning architecture and design but also enjoy live music from the talented members of the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra on Friday. From kitchens to outdoor entertaining spaces, these homes will showcase the latest trends in kitchen makeovers, bold design concepts, sustainable materials, and innovative appliances, providing endless inspiration for home remodeling and design.
Design enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to "ask the experts" about these beautiful homes as the architects, builders, and interior designers will be on-site throughout the weekend.
In addition to the main tour, guests can elevate their experience with a VIP Bubbles & Bites Event, held at the home of Honorary Chair Natalie Papier', the founder and owner of design firm HOME EC, on Saturday, March 23. Sip on champagne and savor delectable bites while mingling with fellow design aficionados in an intimate setting.
Proceeds from these events allow The Symphony Guild to support the Charlotte Symphony, its three Youth Orchestras, and The Guild's award-winning youth music education initiatives.
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. Read more
Charlotte Symphony
Charlotte Symphony
Posted in Support. Tagged as Support the Symphony, Symphony Guild.
February 28, 2023
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 Charlotte area through music. Mrs. Joseph A. Elliott Jr., who was temporary chairman of the association, called for "housewives, civic workers, businesswomen, and representatives from all facets of the city's population to join and help build a love of music."
Seventy-three years later, the renamed Symphony Guild of Charlotte is continuing that mission. With over 100 active members, The Guild has provided substantial financial and volunteer support over the years with an emphasis on supporting the CSO's Youth Orchestra and Education programs.
At a recent get-together over coffee, some of The Guild's longest-serving members -- many of them past Presidents -- shared fond memories of how they came to be involved with The Guild, and the many members they met who soon became friends. Much of the conversation, and laughter, centered on The Guild's most successful -- and laborious -- fundraising venture: The Designer Show House.
Started in 1972 to raise funds for the Symphony's school concerts and Youth Orchestra, the first Designer Show House took place in a stately home on Park Road, now part of Forest Hill Church. Members of the Guild partnered with the Carolinas Chapter of the American Institute of Interior Designers to refurbish the home and make it available to the public for 3 weeks. Music was provided by Charlotte Symphony musicians and a shuttle bus took visitors to the house from SouthPark. The Charlotte Observer reported that it was the first fundraiser of its kind in Charlotte, but it took a toll on the members, who had to fill 650 volunteer slots, working as hostesses and staffing the basement tearoom. However, the venture was a success, raising $16,000 for the Symphony -- enough to keep the fundraiser going for 38 years before undergoing a facelift and becoming today's Heart of the Home Tour, which features tours of multiple homes in the Charlotte area.
Heart of the Home Tour 2019
It's obvious how proud the members are of their contributions as they reminisce over "their houses" -- the ones that were designed under their leadership. Recalling details of the rooms, designers' names, and how large the crowds were. It's even more obvious the fondness that the members have for each other.
Past President Linda Weisbruch remembers feeling a bit at sea after moving to Charlotte from Los Angeles in 1987. She decided to volunteer at the Designer House down the block from her home. She recalled that by the end of that first evening, she was in the back room counting the money. "They just said 'come on in, join us!' It was such a great organization and welcoming. So many of my friends come from being in The Guild, and I've had so many opportunities to do things I've never done before, being chair of a Designer House, being President of The Guild, and President of the Volunteer Council at the League of American Orchestras. None of that would have happened without me being bold enough to go down the street and ask to volunteer. I've gained a lot of very deeply loved friends."
Guild Members Linda Weisbruch and Melissa Woolf McCrory
Melissa Woolf McCrory, another former Guild President, agrees. "Some of my dearest friends have come from this organization. We work really hard, but I'm always amazed by the intelligence and efficiency. And oh, we've had a lot of fun -- there are a lot of great stories."
Now, after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Heart of the Home Tour is returning March 31-April 1. The two-day tour will include six beautiful homes featuring their kitchens and outdoor entertaining spaces which showcase trends for kitchen makeovers, bold design, and sustainable materials, along with fresh inspiration for entertaining indoors or out. Tour-goers will enjoy tastings from local chefs, sample signature beverages, and explore flower and jewelry options from local artisans while visiting six spectacular homes.
Proceeds allow The Symphony Guild to support the Charlotte Symphony, its youth orchestras, and The Guild's award-winning youth music education initiatives.
"I think it's vitally important that a community our size has a volunteer organization to support our Symphony," Woolf McCrory points out. "Because our symphony is so vital to the arts in our community, and a lot of people don't quite understand the impact they have. The symphony is an incredible gem to the arts in Charlotte."
Heart of the Home Details:
Taste of the Tour Party & Silent Auction
Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at 5:30-8:30 pm
Ferguson's South End Showroom (129 West Summit Avenue)
Tickets are
available for purchase online for $50 per person with a special rate of $40 for guests under 40.
Heart of the Home Tour
Friday, March 31, 5-8:30 pm and Saturday, April 1, 10 am-4 pm
Tickets are
available for purchase online for $35 per person
Learn more about The Symphony Guild of Charlotte, including how to become a member, at symphonyguildcharlotte.org.
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Charlotte Symphony
Charlotte Symphony
Posted in Support.
May 5, 2022
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Tables are set and the stage is ready at The Fillmore Charlotte for the Symphony's second Sounds of Joy! gala event, supporting the CSO's education and community engagement initiatives.
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Behind the scenes, five talented high-school musicians from CMS prepare for their debut with Grammy-award-winning band Blood Sweat & Tears. (L-R: Floyd Carroll III, Alexys Shivers, and Zoe Tarrant from Northwest School of the Arts. Ricky Edwards and Manuella Gbossou from Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology High School)
3 / 13
John Williams joins principal clarinetist Taylor Marino, CSO President & CEO David Fisk and David's wife, Anne O'Byrne, for a cocktail before dinner.
4 / 13
Jeannette & Francisco Alvarado (right) and guests arrive for the celebratory cocktail reception.
5 / 13
Kieth Cockrell, Alex & Ulrike Miles pose with Blood Sweat & Tears front man Keith Paluso.
6 / 13
Sounds of Joy! attendees show off their "groovy cocktail attire."
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L.J. & Natasha Stambuk, and Macie Mata & Glenn Mincey toast to the Symphony before finding their table.
8 / 13
Symphony supporters Deanna Kelly and James Howell pose for a quick photo before dinner.
9 / 13
As dinner begins, CSO Board Chair Kimberly Parker welcomes guests and thanks the Symphony's generous sponsors for their leadership and vision.
10 / 13
Guests of Ernst & Young, sponsors of Sounds of Joy!, enjoy a festive dinner.
11 / 13
Ulrike Miles, Chair of the Symphony's Development Committee, enthusiastically speaks about the Charlotte Symphony's impactful education and community engagement programs.
12 / 13
The party moves outside as The Fillmore re-sets the room for the Blood Sweat & Tears concert. Guests enjoy a dessert and coffee bar al fresco.
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The crowd rocks out to the band's #1 hit, "Spinning Wheel," with CMS student musicians holding down the bass line and the brass section.
❮ ❯
The Fillmore Charlotte was filled with the
Sounds of Joy! last night when supporters of the Charlotte Symphony gathered for a spectacular Gala evening featuring the incomparable Blood Sweat & Tears. Guests of the event enjoyed a pre-concert reception and al fresco dessert bar before rocking out to the Grammy-Award-winning band's greatest hits, performed alongside five talented CMS high school musicians. All proceeds from
Sounds of Joy! go to supporting the Symphony's education and community engagement initiatives.
The Charlotte Symphony gratefully acknowledges the following sponsors: Ernst & Young, Marand Builders, SteelFab, Ally, Domtar, KPMG, Honeywell, Spiracle Media, Albemarle Foundation, Atrium Health, Duke Energy, Kingfisher Capital, PDM US, The Dunhill Hotel, World's Greatest Golf Carts SC. Read more
Charlotte Symphony
Charlotte Symphony
Posted in Support.
December 14, 2020
Thank you for considering a gift as part of your year-end contributions! Your support provides stability and ensures that we remain committed to providing exceptional musical experiences across our community.
We wanted to tell you about some important CARES Act provisions that are scheduled to expire at year's end. These provisions make it easier for you to make a gift to the CSO!
- A temporary suspension of required minimum distributions (RMD) for the 2020 tax year. If you are 70 ½ or older, you can still make a gift from your IRA.
- An expanded charitable giving incentive that allows taxpayers who take the standard deduction to make up to $300 in charitable cash contributions to qualified charities this year.
- For those who itemize your deductions, the law allows for cash contributions to be deducted up to 100% of your adjusted gross income for the 2020 calendar year.
There are many ways to support your CSO. Please visit our
Annual Giving page to explore those options. You can make an online gift by visiting our
Give Today page.
In addition, with the stock market at record highs, gifts of Securities or Mutual Funds can be a convenient way to make a contribution. For more information and transfer instructions,
please click here.
The Charlotte Symphony is sustained by the support of our donors. We are so grateful for your generosity, which touches and changes so many lives.
Please contact
Leslie Antoniel at 704.714.5139 or
Micah Cash at 704.714.5108 to discuss how your gift can help further our mission.
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Charlotte Symphony
Charlotte Symphony
Posted in Support. Tagged as Support the Symphony.
September 11, 2020
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Think you can beat Beethoven in a race?
Lace up your running shoes for the Symphony Guild of Charlotte's first-ever virtual 5K and test your stamina! This socially-distanced run / walk celebrates Beethoven in his 250th birthday year and can be completed any time between November 6-8.
When you sign-up you'll receive a playlist featuring all four movements of Beethoven's energetic and tuneful 7th Symphony. |
Your goal: Finish the 5K before the 38-minute symphony ends. Participants will receive a custom t-shirt, finisher's medal, bib, goodie bag, and a special discount for select future CSO concerts.
All levels of participation are welcome. You can complete your run inside on your treadmill, outside in your neighborhood, or anywhere else inspiration takes you. Track your time and compete with others in our
Strava Club, complete the race on your own time, or "sleep in" and just register for the t-shirt. The choice is yours!
Proceeds from this event are used to support the Symphony Guild of Charlotte in its mission to support your Charlotte Symphony.
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Charlotte Symphony
Charlotte Symphony
Posted in Support. Tagged as Beethoven.
November 1, 2019
| Taylor Maness is currently a senior at UNCC, and in the last year and a half she has interned at five Charlotte arts organizations, including your Charlotte Symphony. We were blown away by her ambition and dedication, so we asked her why she is voting FOR the quarter-cent sales tax referendum on Nov. 5. Find out below. |
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The Priceless Cost of Arts & Culture
By, Taylor Maness
If you've stepped outside, turned on your TV, or listened to your radio these past few weeks, you've heard about the possible quarter cent sales tax referendum that would support the arts, parks, and education in Mecklenburg County.
With tensions rising and Election Day quickly approaching, it's becoming increasingly more difficult to remember why we proposed this sales tax in the first place. Our arts organizations have been benefitting our community and the individuals within it, and now it's time that we give back to these organizations.
I understand that increasing a tax is no small ask, but, ultimately, I feel it's well worth it for reasons more profound that we're neglecting to see. These organizations strengthen our economy, educate us, and increase our overall quality of life.
Arts and cultural organizations have contributed significantly to economic growth in Mecklenburg County. Due to our vast array of cultural institutions, many tourists flock to Charlotte,
generating $359 million in annual economic activity and employing over 11,180 people in our community.
These organizations also bridge gaps between cultural and political divide. We live in a world polarized by personal belief, and Charlotte is no different. One of my favorite things about art is that it is an outlet for individuals to express themselves in a way that is both comprehensive and peaceful.
On top of everything else, the arts improve our quality of life. It's easy to become consumed by work, school, and our other seemly endless string of responsibilities. We need to be excited, challenged, and fascinated. Some of my fondest memories of being in Charlotte revolve around me strolling through an art exhibit, going to a Broadway musical, or experiencing a live symphony performance. These are the occasions that have made my time here special. It saddens me to think that the opportunity to experience these magical moments may be taken away.
Art affects our lives in more ways than we know. We are fortunate to have these organizations that fill out lives with culture and innovation, and we should all want them to continue to thrive. This is why I encourage everyone to vote in favor of this tax referendum. We are voting on so much more than just simple sales tax; we are voting on the creative future of our community.
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Charlotte Symphony
Charlotte Symphony
Posted in Support. Tagged as Internship.
April 19, 2016
The Charlotte Symphony has soared to new heights in the last few years. It's because of our donors that the orchestra has reached a new level of artistic excellence and has operated within a balanced budget for the last two years.
And there's never been a better time to be a Symphony donor in light of this exciting news: Four generous friends of the Symphony have come forward with a $100,000 challenge: |
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For every dollar contributed between now and May 16, they will match gifts received dollar-for-dollar!
The Charlotte Symphony board, musicians and staff would like to thank our current and future donors for their commitment to the Charlotte Symphony.
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Charlotte Symphony
Charlotte Symphony
Posted in Support. Tagged as Fundraiser, Support the Symphony.
May 7, 2014
Only three days remain to have your donation to the Symphony doubled in the Spring Challenge. If you give by Friday, May 9, Wells Fargo will match your contribution dollar-for-dollar. That helps your gift go further in supporting the Symphony programs you love.
Click here, or call 704.714.5108 to make your donation today.
As of this morning we are at 83% of our goal. Your gift will help us receive 100% of the match from Wells Fargo! |
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We sat down with our Executive Director, Robert Stickler, to discuss the challenge and why your support now is more meaningful than ever.
The 2013-14 season closes in this week. What were your highlights?
I thought the orchestra did an extraordinary job with [Holst's] The Planets in our opening concert. The brass was particularly strong. The Verdi Requiem last week was a strong collaboration between the Oratorio Singers, CSO, and soloists all brought together masterfully by Maestro Christopher Warren-Green. We at the CSO are particularly proud that the number of subscribers this season was higher than last year, indicating that we are bringing the community the music they want to hear.
Looking ahead to next season, the CSO is celebrating the anniversaries of Strauss and Sibelius, alongside works by Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin. What are you most looking forward to hearing performed?
I love Sibelius in particular so that is what I am most excited about. The most interesting thing we are doing is bringing in Wu Man to play the pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument, in Jiping's Concerto for Pipa and Orchestra. That will be a concert with Mozart and Schubert, an example of where we try to mix the familiar with the less well known works to interest a wide audience.
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What do you think the Symphony contributes to Charlotte?
The CSO is the major purveyor of classic music, but we are also an important element in the cultural fabric of the community. We partner with other arts organizations to present innovative programs. Our musicians spend hundreds of hours in the schools working with students.
We provide two youth orchestras for those young people particularly interested in developing their musical skills. |
Our musicians provide private lessons, play in ensembles at events all over the region, and regularly play at hospitals and other facilities where people cannot come to concerts. I cannot imagine Charlotte without the CSO.
How would you describe our audience to an outsider?
We have a diverse audience through all of our programs. We cater to the classical music enthusiast through the Wells Fargo Private Bank Classics series. We entertain with the Pops. We introduce new audiences to classical music through our innovative KnightSounds series. And we introduce youngsters to the orchestra through our Lollipops series for families. So we have senior citizens all the way to young families. KnightSounds, by the way, makes a great date night with all of the activities around the concert.
Wells Fargo and the CSO issued this Spring Challenge because we want audiences to know that "a donation of any size can make a huge difference". What makes a $10 contribution as impactful as a $1,000 contribution?
We want to have as many members of the CSO family as possible. It makes a difference when we talk to organizations that are considering financial support. Even a $10 contributions is an expression of support, so we do appreciate that. And $10 contributions sometimes grow larger over the years if the donor continues to enjoy what we do.
Don't forget! We only have until midnight Friday, May 9 to meet the Spring Challenge from Wells Fargo. Click here, or call us at 704.714.5108 to give today!
Posted in Support. Tagged as Fundraiser, Support the Symphony.
April 18, 2014
This spring, Wells Fargo has issued a challenge, "If your audience contributes $25,000 in new gifts by Friday, May 9, we will match them, dollar-for-dollar." We sat down with Jay Everette, Community Affairs Manager at Wells Fargo, to discuss the challenge and why it is an impactful way for Wells Fargo to show its support of the Symphony.
Why do you feel offering a challenge gift is an effective method to raise audience engagement?
Jay Everette: When our Wells Fargo Foundation issues a challenge grant we know from past experience that donors appreciate the fact that their contributions are matched and in effect doubled!
Wells Fargo is a leading supporter of the arts and culture in Charlotte. Why is this a priority for the company?
Our Foundation focuses on providing exceptional arts and culture experiences for our community. We know that the arts are an important part of our educational outreach as well.
What would you say to a Symphony audience member who feels their gift would not make a difference?
A donation of any size can make a huge difference in the operation and outreach of a nonprofit. For example, even a small contribution can purchase sheet music for a symphony musician. Nonprofit groups need contributions both large and small. Small gifts are a great opportunity to introduce children to the concept of philanthropy as well, so these types of challenge grants present a great way for families to support the Symphony.
What was your most memorable Symphony experience this season?
Having the honor of being on stage to announce Wells Fargo's corporate underwriting support for the Itzak Perlman performance! |
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Posted in Support. Tagged as Fundraiser, Support the Symphony.
