Sound of Charlotte Blog
Spring Gala: A Homecoming
April 1, 2025
Get to Know Our New Board Chair, Richard Krumdieck
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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Heart of the Home Tour Returns
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
A Tradition Returns to Charlotte: The Symphony Guild of Charlotte’s Heart of the Home Tour
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."
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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Celebrating Sounds of Joy! with Blood Sweat and Tears
May 5, 2022
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
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