Charlotte Symphony Orchestra

Mission Statement

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra engages and connects our community through music and enhances its visibility as a cultural center of interest, vitality and importance.

Short History

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra began in 1978 as a small chamber group under the direction of Fred Blake.  The group consisted of six retirees and two local high school students.  From this humble beginning the group expanded in size, competence and repertoire.  On May 27, 1987, it became incorporated under the name Charlotte Chamber Music Society, Inc.  By the late ‘80s it had become a full-fledged volunteer orchestra with a small and devoted following.  It was renamed the Charlotte Symphony Society, Inc. on May 25, 1989 and in August, 2003, it became the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Inc.

Maestro Blake turned over his baton to concertmaster, Janita Hauk in March 1993.  Maestra Hauk continued the work of Maestro Blake bringing the Orchestra to professional status with paid musicians and increased performances.

After 16 years at the podium, in April 2009, Maestra Hauk announced her retirement and was elected to Emeritus standing by the Orchestra’s Board of Directors.  Maestro Toshimasa Francis Wada was brought in as the third director.  Maestro Wada continued the work begun by Maestra Hauk: expansion, improvement and innovation of the music presented to the public.

The 2016-2017 season marks the fourth for Raffaele Ponti as Maestro. Under his baton, the Orchestra has flourished and grown in size to over 70 professional musicians drawing audiences from around the world.

The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra of today educates, inspires, and distinguishes our identity as a community through symphonic excellence and innovation. In a recent note to Maestro Ponti, a patron expressed it best: “Our busy lives offer little respite for times when we can just enjoy and go to the places in our hearts and minds where music alone can take us.  Going to a Symphony performance is far beyond just a night out.”