An Annual Gala to Remember
The Charlotte Symphony celebrated its 91st season with a festive gala on November 5, 2022, honoring two community leaders and long-time advocates for the arts: Charles Bowman and Michael Marsicano. The heart of the evening was an incredible performance by superstar vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens with the Charlotte Symphony, led by Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees.
Guests of the Gala were treated to a full evening of activities, including pre-concert cocktails and dinner and a post-concert after-party, where they mingled with guests, CSO musicians, and Rhiannon Giddens.
View all of the photos from the evening here.
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The Charlotte Symphony's 2022 Annual Gala kicks off with cocktails at Urban Garden at The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte. Guests mingle in the candlelight and reunite at their first in-person Gala in over three years.
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Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles arrives at the party and poses for a photo with the two Gala honorees: Charles Bowman (L) and Michael Marsicano (R).
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Also, mingling at the cocktail reception is Jessie J. Knight Jr. and Charlotte Symphony Board Member Joye D. Blount.
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Susan and Loy McKeithen (center) enjoy a glass of wine and greet Board of Trustees members Hugh and Jane McColl.
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As cocktail hour winds down, Gala attendees ascend the stairs to dinner.
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Charles Bowman, retiring Bank of America Charlotte Market Executive, accepts the Charlotte Symphony's 2022 Exceptional Service to the Arts Award.
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Michael Marsicano, the second recipient of the Exceptional Service to the Arts Award and CEO of the Foundation for the Carolinas poses with Board Member Ulrike Miles and long-time Symphony advocate, Hugh McColl.
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After the awards presentation, Kieth Cockrell, President of Bank of America Charlotte, catches up with friends before the paddle raise. The Gala raised over $559,000, with proceeds going towards the Charlotte Symphony's Annual Fund, supporting the Symphony's performances and education programs, and bringing joy and inspiration to the many music lovers in our community.
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Board member Catherine Connor and her husband Wilton (L) pose with Board Chair Linda McFarland Farthing and her husband Bill (R) before heading over to the Belk Theater for the evening's performance.
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At the Belk Theater, with more than 1,700 in attendance, Rhiannon Giddens joined Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees and the Charlotte Symphony on stage for an incredible evening of music.
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The North Carolina native and recipient of the MacArthur "Genius" Grant performs works from her Grammy Award-winning album They're Calling Me Home in addition to Julia's Aria from her opera Omar, Summertime from Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, and more.
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After the concert, Gala attendees and VIP ticket-holders return to Urban Garden to continue the party! Port City Shakedown provides the musical backdrop while guests dance the night away.
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After the concert, Gala attendees and VIP ticket-holders return to Urban Garden to continue the party! Port City Shakedown provides the musical backdrop while guests dance the night away.
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After a brief break backstage, Rhiannon Giddens joins the after-party to greet guests and take photos.
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Charlotte Symphony musicians Sarah Markle, Victor Wang, Taddes Korris, guest, and Andrew Fierova pose with CSO President and CEO David Fisk (L-R) to close out a successful evening.
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