OUR PEOPLE

Violin I

Brian Reagin
Concertmaster
The Annabelle Lundy Fetterman Chair

To Be Filled
Associate Concertmaster
The Assad Meymandi and Family Chair

Anna Black
Assistant Concertmaster
The Anne Heartt Gregory Chair

Karen Strittmatter Galvin
Assistant Concertmaster

Emily Rist Glover
The Jessie Wyatt Ethridge Chair

Paul Goldsberry
The Richard and Joy Cook Chair

So Yun Kim
The Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. Chair

Marilyn Kouba
The Phyllis (“Pat”) Conrad Wells Chair

Maria Meyer
The Tom and Mary Mac Bradshaw Chair

Pablo Sánchez Pazos

Jessica Ryou

Lin-Ti Wang*

Eileen Wynne
The Harvey At-Large Chair

Erin Zehngut
The J. Felix Arnold Chair

To Be Filled
The James C. Byrd and Family Chair

Violin II

Jacqueline Saed Wolborsky

Principal
The Nancy Finch Wallace Chair

To Be Filled
Associate Principal
The Blanche Martin Shaw Chair

David Kilbride
Assistant Principal

Qi Cao

Janet Gayer Hall

Leah Latorraca*

Oskar Ozolinch

Anton Shelepov

Irina Shelepov*

Jeanine Wynton

To Be Filled

Viola

Samuel Gold
Principal
The Florence Spinks and Charles Jacob Cate and Alma Yondorf and Sylvan Hirschberg Chair

Kurt Tseng
Associate Principal
The Betty Ellen Madry Chair

Brian Sherwood
Assistant Principal

Petra Berényi

Paul Malcolm

Amy Mason
The J. Sidney Kirk Chair

Sandra Schwarcz
The Samuel H. and Anne Latham Johnson Chair

Kirsten Swanson*

Cello

Bonnie Thron
Principal
The June and Tom Roberg Chair

Elizabeth Beilman
Associate Principal
The Sarah Carlyle Herbert Dorroh Chair

Peng Li
Assistant Principal,
Anonymously Endowed

Yewon Ahn
Anonymously Endowed

Sunrise Kim**
The William Charles Rankin Chair

Rosalind Leavell*

David Meyer**
The Nell Hirschberg Chair

Marc Moskovitz*

Lisa Howard Shaughnessy
The Sara Wilson Hodgkins Chair

Nathaniel Yaffe
The Secretary of Cultural Resources Betty Ray McCain Chair

To Be Filled

Double Bass

Leonid Finkelshteyn
Principal
The Martha and Peyton Woodson Chair

Bruce Ridge*
Associate Principal
The John C. and Margaret P. Parker Chair

Craig Brown
The Mark W. McClure Foundation Chair

Erik Dyke
The Harllee H. and Pauline G. Jobe Chair

John Spuller*
The Dr. and Mrs. Preston H. Gada Chair

Flute

Anne Whaley Laney
Principal
The Mr. and Mrs. George M. Stephens Chair

Mary E. Boone
Assistant Principal
The Dr. and Mrs. Shaler Stidham, Jr. Chair

Elizabeth Anderton Lunsford
The Jack and Sing Boddie Chair

Piccolo

Elizabeth Anderton Lunsford
The Jean Dunn Williams Chair

Oboe

Melanie Wilsden
Principal
The Hardison and Stoltze Chair

Joseph Peters
Associate Principal,
The Lizette T. Dunham Chair

Amanda LaBrecque*

Sandra Posch**
The Clarence and Alice Aycock Poe Chair

English Horn

Joseph Peters
The Bruce and Margaret King Chair

Clarinet

Samuel Almaguer
Principal
The Mr. and Mrs. J. Christopher Walker, II Chair

Zhenyu Wang*
Assistant Principal
The Kathryn Powell and Green Flavie Cooper Chair

Bassoon

Aaron Apaza
Principal
The Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald S. Hudson Chair

Wenmin Zhang
Assistant Principal,
The Beethoven Chair

French Horn

Rebekah Daley
Principal
The Mary T. McCurdy Chair

Kimberly Van Pelt
Associate Principal
The Paul R. Villard and Gabriel Wolf Chair

Corbin Castro*
The Roger Colson and Bobbi Lyon Hackett Chair

Tanner West*
The James Marion Poyner Chair

To Be Filled
The Mary Susan Kirk Fulghum Chair

Trumpet

Paul Randall
Principal
The George Smedes Poyner Chair

David Dash*
Associate Principal
The Henry and Martha Zaytoun and Family Chair

Trombone

John Ilika
Principal
The Thomas Warwick Steed, Jr. Family Chair

Jonathan Randazzo
Assistant Principal

The Frances Armour Bryant Chair

Bass Trombone

Matthew Neff
Anonymously Endowed

Tuba

Seth Horner
Principal
The Governor and Mrs. James G. Martin, Jr. Chair

Harp

Anita Burroughs-Price

Vonda Darr

Timpani

Colin Hartnett
Principal
The Patricia R., Steven T. and George F. Hackney III Chair

Percussion

Richard Motylinski
Principal
The Margery and Earl Johnson, Jr. Chair

Rajesh Prasad
Assistant Principal
The Abram and Frances Pascher Kanof Chair

Organ

To Be Filled
The Albert and Susan Jenkins and Family Organ Chair

Library

Stephanie Wilson
Principal Orchestra Librarian
The Mary Colvert and Banks C. Talley Chair

Taylor Troyer
Assistant Orchestra Librarian

*Acting position

**Leave of absence

Carlos Miguel Prieto, Music Director Designate

The Maxine and Benjamin Swalin Chair

Carlos Miguel Prieto, Music Director Designate of the North Carolina Symphony, assumes the role of Music Director beginning with the 2023/24 season. He first appeared with the Symphony as guest conductor in 2011 and has conducted symphonies, choral works, and works by living composers in Raleigh and around the state.

Carlos Miguel Prieto was born into a musical family of Spanish and French descent in Mexico City and is the foremost Mexican conductor of his generation. Since 2006 he has been Music Director of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, where his tenure concludes in May of 2023. He was Music Director of the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de México from 2007 to 2022, and in 2008 he was appointed Music Director of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería, which performs a series of summer programs in Mexico City.

Prieto is in great demand as a guest conductor with orchestras including The Cleveland Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and New World Symphony, and has enjoyed a particularly close and successful relationship with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Recent highlights include engagements with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, Frankfurt Radio Symphony, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and Spanish National Orchestra.

Since 2002, alongside Gustavo Dudamel, Prieto has conducted the Youth Orchestra of the Americas (YOA), which draws young musicians from the entire American continent. A staunch proponent of music education, Prieto served as Principal Conductor of the YOA from its inception until 2011 when he was appointed Music Director. In early 2010 he conducted the YOA alongside Valery Gergiev on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the World Economic Forum at Carnegie Hall. In 2018 he conducted the orchestra on a tour of European summer festivals, which included performances at the Rheingau Musik Festival and Edinburgh International Festival as well as Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie. He has also worked regularly with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and the NYO2 in New York.

Prieto is renowned for championing Latin American music, as well as his dedication to new music. He has conducted over 100 world premieres of works by Mexican and American composers, many of which were commissioned by him. Prieto places equal importance on championing works by Black and African American composers such as Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, and Courtney Bryan, amongst others.

Prieto has an extensive discography that covers labels including Naxos and Sony. Recent Naxos recordings include Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 & Études-tableaux Op. 33, with Boris Giltburg and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, which won a 2018 Opus Klassik award and was listed as a Gramophone Critics’ Choice for 2017, and a recording of Korngold’s Violin Concerto with violinist Philippe Quint and the Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería, which received two Grammy nominations. His recording of the Elgar and Finzi Violin Concertos with Ning Feng was released on Channel Classics in November 2018.

Carlos Miguel Prieto was recognized by Musical America as the 2019 Conductor of the Year. A graduate of Princeton and Harvard universities, Prieto studied conducting with Jorge Mester, Enrique Diemecke, Charles Bruck, and Michael Jinbo.

Carlos Miguel Prieto, Music Director Designate

The Maxine and Benjamin Swalin Chair

The North Carolina Symphony has announced the appointment of Carlos Miguel Prieto as its next Music Director. His initial four-year term as Music Director begins with the 2023-2024 season. He will serve as Music Director Designate during the 2022-2023 season.

Carlos Miguel Prieto was born into a musical family of Spanish and French descent in Mexico City. His charismatic conducting is characterized by its dynamism and the expressivity of his interpretations. Prieto is recognized as a highly influential cultural leader and is the foremost Mexican conductor of his generation. He has been the Music Director of the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de México, the country’s most important orchestra, since 2007. Prieto has also been Music Director of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra since 2006, where he has led the cultural renewal of New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. In 2008 he was appointed Music Director of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería, a hand-picked orchestra which performs a two-month long series of summer programs in Mexico City. In 2022, Prieto was announced as Music Director Designate of the North Carolina Symphony from 2022/23, and will begin his tenure in 2023/24.

Recent highlights include engagements with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, Frankfurt Radio Symphony, the Hallé, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, the Spanish National Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra, and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

Prieto is in great demand as a guest conductor with many of the top North American orchestras including The Cleveland Orchestra and the Minnesota Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Dallas and Toronto symphony orchestras, New World Symphony, and Houston Symphony, and has enjoyed a particularly close and successful relationship with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the North Carolina Symphony.

Prieto has an extensive discography that covers labels including Naxos and Sony. Recent Naxos recordings include Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 & Études-tableaux Op. 33, with Boris Giltburg and the Royal Scottish National Orchesatra, which won a 2018 Opus Klassik award and was listed as a Gramophone Critics’ Choice for 2017, and a recording of Korngold’s Violin Concerto with violinist Philippe Quint and the Orquesta Sinfónica de Minería, which received two Grammy nominations. His recording of the Elgar and Finzi Violin Concertos with Ning Feng was released on Channel Classics in November 2018.

Carlos Miguel Prieto was recognized by Musical America as the 2019 Conductor of the Year. A graduate of Princeton and Harvard universities, Prieto studied conducting with Jorge Mester, Enrique Diemecke, Charles Bruck, and Michael Jinbo.

Grant Llewellyn, Music Director Laureate

Grant Llewellyn is renowned for his exceptional charisma, energy, and easy authority in music of all styles and periods. A native of Tenby, South Wales, Llewellyn won a conducting fellowship to the Tanglewood Music Center in Massachusetts in 1985, where he worked with conducting legends Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa, Kurt Masur, and André Previn. As Assistant Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the early 1990s, he conducted at the Tanglewood Music Festival, and on classical series and Boston Pops concerts.

Llewellyn has conducted many orchestras in North America, most notably the symphonies of Atlanta, Boston, Houston, Milwaukee, Montreal, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Toronto. As Music Director of the Handel and Haydn Society, America’s leading period orchestra, he gained a reputation as a formidable interpreter of music of the Baroque and Classical periods.

Music Director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Bretagne since 2015, Llewellyn has held positions with numerous other European orchestras — including Principal Conductor of the Royal Flanders Philharmonic, Principal Guest Conductor of the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, and Associate Guest Conductor with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. An accomplished opera conductor, Llewellyn has appeared at the English National Opera, Opera North, Spoleto Festival USA, and the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis.

Llewellyn has led NCS in four critically acclaimed recordings, most recently Britten’s Cello Symphony and Prokofiev’s Sinfonia Concertante, both with cellist Zuill Bailey. Deeply committed and passionate about engaging young people with music, Llewellyn regularly leads education activities with NCS and around the world.

Michelle Di Russo, Associate Conductor

The Lucy Moore Ruffin Chair

Michelle Di Russo is Associate Conductor of the North Carolina Symphony where she is responsible for conducting the Symphony’s extensive statewide music education concerts. She has conducted UNC Health Summerfest performances, Young People’s Concerts, and Statewide Holiday Pops concerts with the Symphony. Recently Di Russo conducted the orchestra in statewide classical subscription performances and led the Symphony’s first Holiday Pops concert in Spanish in Raleigh.

A graceful and powerful force on the podium, Michelle Di Russo is known for her compelling interpretations, passionate musicality, and championing of contemporary music. She is an advocate for underrepresented artists and in 2020 co-founded the organization Girls Who Conduct to support younger generations of women and non-binary conductors in overcoming obstacles they face due to their gender.

Di Russo’s artistic journey began in her native country, Argentina, at the age of three with ballet lessons, followed by studies in voice and piano. She has acted on television and onstage. Di Russo holds multiple degrees in Orchestral Conducting from Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, University of Kentucky (M.M.), and Arizona State University (D.M.A.). She is a Freeman Conducting Fellow in Chicago Sinfonietta’s prestigious Project Inclusion program and a recipient of the Concert Artists Guild’s Richard S. Weinert Award.

Previously, Di Russo served as Interim Director of Orchestras at Cornell University, Assistant Conductor for the Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestra, cover conductor and assistant for The Phoenix Symphony and Arizona Musicfest, and as a conducting fellow at the Cortona Sessions for New Music in Italy. She has also acted as cover conductor for the Minnesota Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, and the National Symphony Orchestra. In the summer of 2022, she served as the Joel Revzen Conducting Fellow at Festival Napa Valley.

Michelle Di Russo, Associate Conductor

The Lucy Moore Ruffin Chair

A graceful yet powerful force on the podium, Argentinian-Italian conductor Michelle Di Russo is known for her compelling interpretations, passionate musicality, and championing of contemporary music. Recently appointed as Interim Director of Orchestras at Cornell University, she is a Freeman Conducting Fellow in Chicago Sinfonietta’s Project Inclusion program and The Dallas Opera Hart Institute.

Former posts include serving as Assistant Conductor for the Phoenix Youth Symphony Orchestra and serving as cover conductor and assistant for The Phoenix Symphony and Arizona Musicfest. In addition to her fellowships, Di Russo was the recipient of a 2020 American Austrian Foundation/Faber Young Conductors Fellowship and a Bruno Walter Memorial Foundation Conducting Scholarship at the Cabrillo Music Festival of Contemporary Music, and has served as a conducting fellow at the Cortona Sessions for New Music in Italy.

Recent engagements include her debut with the North Carolina Symphony in two Young People’s Concerts featuring bilingual scripts (English-Spanish) as well as assisting Joseph Young and Sarah Hicks. During the pandemic, Di Russo co-created Girls Who Conduct, dedicated to bridging the gap between women and men in the conducting field and encouraging younger women and non-binary conductors to overcome any obstacles presented due to their gender.

Past highlights include serving as Assistant Conductor for Prague Summer Nights Festival in productions of Le Nozze di Figaro and Die Zauberflöte in the Czech Republic; leading the premiere of Carlos Simon’s This Land at Arizona’s Gammage Memorial Auditorium’s “Beyond the Concert Series;” and serving as cover conductor for Grant Llewellyn with the North Carolina Symphony. Di Russo has guest-conducted the United States “Pershing’s Own” Army Band, the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, University of Kentucky Opera Theatre, the Teatro Colón’s Orquesta Académica, and the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina Orchestra.

Di Russo’s artistic journey began at the age of three in ballet and continued with studies in voice and piano. She has participated as dancer/actress in Argentinian Disney TV shows such as Violetta and Rincon de Luz and was a cast member of a professional musical theatre production, Drácula by Cibrian-Mahler, while an undergraduate.

A native of Argentina, Di Russo holds a doctoral degree in Orchestral Conducting from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Kentucky. She completed her degree in Orchestral Conducting and Music Production of Audiovisual Media from the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, where she was awarded an Ad-Hoc Diploma for the highest grade in Orchestral Conducting.

She has participated in master classes with conductors Cristian Măcelaru, Emmanuel Villaume, Marin Alsop, Carlo Montanaro, and Guillermo Scarabino. Mentors include Mei-Ann Chen, Tito Muñoz, Jeffery Meyer, and Carlos Vieu.

BOARDS

North Carolina Symphony Society, Inc.

The Society Board is the governing, policy, and operating board of the Symphony Society. It secures financial resources, approves program goals, engages in strategic planning, and oversees budgets, continuing the Society’s mission to achieve the highest level of artistic quality and performance standards, and embracing the dual legacies of statewide service and music education.

Mr. Joe Bastian, Chair, Chapel Hill
Dr. Wm. Charles Helton, Vice Chair, Raleigh
Mr. Terry L. Stevens, Treasurer, Raleigh
Mr. David Haines, Assistant Treasurer, Cary
Mrs. Ashley Matlock Perkinson, Secretary, Raleigh
Mr. Don Davis, Past Chair, Raleigh
Ms. Sandi M. A. Macdonald, President & CEO, Raleigh

Ms. Deborah M. Aiken, Raleigh
Dr. Tim Altman**, Laurinburg
Mr. Chip Anderson*, Raleigh
Dr. Trude R. Bate, Cary
Ms. Denise S. Bennett, Raleigh
Mr. Jud Bowman, Durham
Ms. Patty Briguglio, Cary
Mr. Steve Burriss, Raleigh
The Honorable Roy Cooper*, Raleigh
Mr. Jeffrey A. Corbett, Raleigh
Mr. Courtney Crowder, Raleigh
Mr. Jim Datin, Chapel Hill
Mr. Richard L. Daugherty, Raleigh
Mr. Keith Donahue**, Raleigh
Dr. Robert N. Eby, Chapel Hill
Mr. Rick Gardner, Raleigh
Mr. Michael Gering, Raleigh
Mr. Mike Golden, Raleigh
Mr. Donald A. Haile, Raleigh
Mrs. Elaine Bryant Hayes, Fayetteville
Mr. Richard E. Hinson, Chapel Hill
Mr. Kevin Howell**, Raleigh
Mr. L. Dwain Joyce*, Fayetteville
Mrs. Cecelia Eckert Kennedy, Apex
Ms. Rosemary Gill Kenyon, Raleigh
Dr. Robert Lacin, Raleigh
Rev. Dr. Christie Mabry, Raleigh
Mr. Robert MacNeill, Jr., Durham
Ms. Jane Marr**, Wilmington
Mr. Branford Marsalis, Durham
Mrs. Louise A. Miller, Cary
Ms. Ginger Minichiello, Carthage
Mr. James Morgan, Raleigh
Ms. Lori O’Keefe, Wake Forest
Ms. Margaret Smedes Poyner, Raleigh
Dr. Ramachandra P. Reddy, Cary
Ms. Donna Rhode, Cary
Mr. Jason Smith, Raleigh
Mrs. Tracey Fodor Smith, Farmville
Mr. David Sontag, Chapel Hill
Mrs. Linda J. Staunch*, New Bern
Mr. M. Gray Styers, Jr., Greensboro
Ms. Sandy Sully, Cary
Ms. Alison Trapp, Chapel Hill
The Honorable Catherine Truitt*, Cary
Mr. Dereck Whittenburg, Raleigh
Secretary D. Reid Wilson*, Raleigh
Mrs. Darliene S. Woolner, Cary
Mr. Tim Yull, Raleigh

*Ex Officio Member
**Governor’s Appointee

Lifetime Trustees

The Society and Foundation Boards gratefully recognize the individuals listed below as Lifetime Trustees for extraordinary involvement and leadership of the Symphony over a significant period of time.

Dr. Assad Meymandi – 2015 Inductee
Mr. Edward O. Woolner (deceased) – 2016 Inductee
Mrs. Florence Peacock – 2022 Inductee

North Carolina Symphony Foundation

The Foundation Board holds the permanent endowment of the Symphony, solicits additions to the endowment, safeguards and invests assets, and prudently expends funds for the exclusive use and benefit of the Symphony Society.

Mr. Chip Anderson, President, Raleigh
Col. Matt Segal, Treasurer, Cary
Ms. Dianne C. Sellers, Secretary, Raleigh
Mr. Larry Wilson, Past President, Raleigh

Ms. Catharine Biggs Arrowood, Raleigh
Mr. Joe Bastian*, Chapel Hill
Mr. Richard L. Daugherty, Raleigh
Dr. Warner Hall, Raleigh
Dr. Wm. Charles Helton, Raleigh
Mr. Bill Hodges, Raleigh
Mr. D. S. (Steve) Hodges, Durham
Dr. Ted Kunstling, Raleigh
Dr. Emily Mann Peck, Raleigh
Dr. Shaler Stidham, Jr., Raleigh

*Ex Officio Member

North Carolina Symphony Chapter Boards

Craven County

Linda J. Staunch, President

Nancy Alexander
Susan Braaten
Dr. Jim Congleton
Philip Evancho
Dr. Catherine Everett
Hannah B. French
Cille Griffith
John Haroldson
Drew Honeycutt
Christopher McCrudden
Champ Mitchell
Luana Palimetakis
Tom Payne
Lauren Quinn
Pat Rowlett
Karen M. Skipper
Dawn D. Staats
Cindy Turco

Cumberland County

Mr. L. Dwain Joyce, President
Mr. Worth Smith, Vice President

Mrs. Alisa Evans Debnam
Mr. Chima Enwere
Ms. Andretta Hales
Mrs. Elaine Bryant Hayes
Ms. Andrea Kelly
Ms. Ashley Martin
Mr. Calvin Mims
Mr. Alec Powers

Edgecombe County

Ann Warren, President
Nettie Williams, Vice President
Becky Johnson, Secretary

Elizabeth Burns
Joy Chafin
Doneva Chavis
Kerrie Clayton
Nancy Dreier
Ronnie Ellis
Anderson Ferrell
Carol Ferri
Eric Greene
Dr. Gregory McLeod
Johanna Owens
Nina Rountree
Angie Ruffin
Katie Schultz
Suzanne Sharpe
Janet Spiers
Jessie Thorne

Moore County

Ginger Minichiello, President
Deb Swanson, Secretary

Luke Arno
Chris Dunn*
Audrey Kessler
Greg Lundberg
Marie Riedesel
Elaine Sills

*Ex Officio Member

Onslow County

Earl Taylor, President
Val Darner, Vice-President
Lyndsay Russell, Secretary

Elaine Bell
Joli Brooks
Dr. Erin Chaney
Pat Collins
Bill Darner
Susan Edwards
Gloria Goodwin
Dr. Robert Kell
Vickie Kell
Korene Marsh
Marjorie Tredwell

TRUSTEE LISTS CURRENT AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2022

STAFF

President’s Office

Sandi M.A. Macdonald – President & CEO
Email: smacdonald@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.733.2750

Sue Guenther – Executive Assistant to the President & CEO
Email: sguenther@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5455

Artistic Operations

Donald Tippett – Vice President of Orchestra Operations
Email: dtippett@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5464

Samantha Gallup – Interim Personnel Manager
Email: sgallup@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5462

Hsing-I Ho – Director of Orchestra Personnel
Email: hho@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5521

Chris Moore – Stage Manager
Email: cmoore@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 336.561.6324

José Muñiz – Artistic Coordinator
Email: jmuniz@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5465

Bo Osborne – Production Manager
Email: hosborne@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.215.5738

Martin Sher – Artistic Advisor (Consultant)
Email: msher@ncsymphony.org

Kerry Smith – Assistant Vice President of Artistic Planning
Email: ksmith@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5497

Jason Spencer – Director of Education
Email: jspencer@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5461

Taylor Troyer – Assistant Orchestra Librarian
Email: ttroyer@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5470

Stephanie Wilson – Principal Orchestra Librarian (The Mary Colvert and Banks C. Talley Chair)
Email: swilson@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5468

Finance & Administration

Robert Schiller – Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration & CFO
Email: rschiller@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5490

Carol Brown – Accounting & Payroll Manager
Email: cbrown@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5493

Tiffany Debnam – Database & Fulfillment Manager
Email: tdebnam@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5496

Tiffany Haddock – Human Resources & Office Systems Manager
Email: thaddock@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5491

Stan Williams – Public Affairs Contractor
Email: swilliams@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5456

Jan Zimmermann – Assistant Vice President of Finance
Email: jzimmermann@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5494

Marketing & Audience Engagement

Linda Charlton – Vice President for Marketing & Audience Engagement
Email: lcharlton@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5474

Jennifer Blackman – Graphic Designer
Email: jblackman@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5481

Ashley Blankenship – Director of Marketing & Sales
Email: ablankenship@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5505

Maria H. Ewing – Director of Advertising & Corporate Partnerships
Email: mewing@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5480

Arianna Gulisano – Box Office Associate
Email: tickets@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.733.2750

Richard Hess – Communications Project Manager
Email: rhess@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5478

Melissa Holmes – Box Office Associate
Email: tickets@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.733.2750

Jonathan Naylor – Box Office Manager
Email: jnaylor@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5502

Alex Riggs – Box Office Associate
Email: tickets@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.733.2750

Jim Vestal – Box Office Associate
Email: tickets@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.733.2750

Peter Wallace – Assistant Vice President of Sales & Patron Experience
Email: pwallace@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5507

Allison Wilson – Box Office Associate
Email: tickets@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.733.2750

Philanthropy

Lisa Ransom – Vice President of Philanthropy
Email: eransom@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5487

Rebecca Gunn – Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy
Email: rgunn@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5489

Courtney Hamm – Director of Corporate & Foundation Giving
Email: chamm@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5483

Matthew Holt – Corporate & Foundation Giving Coordinator
Email: maholt@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5479

Becca Meier – Annual Giving Coordinator
Email: rmeier@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5492

Emily Wilbourne – Leadership Giving Manager
Email: ewilbourne@ncsymphony.org
Phone: 919.789.5506

EMPLOYMENT

Auditions

Associate Principal Trumpet

Preliminary Auditions: September 10-11, 2023
Semifinal/Final Auditions: September 11-12, 2023

The audition will take place at the North Carolina Symphony’s home, Meymandi Concert Hall, in downtown Raleigh. All rounds will be screened.

The repertoire list for this audition will be available shortly after June 1, 2023.

TO APPLY
Please click here to submit your one-page resume as a PDF attachment. Resumes submitted otherwise will not be accepted.

If you have any questions, please email auditions@ncsymphony.org.

Applications must be received by July 16, 2023.

ABOUT THE POSITION
The 2023/24 season is 40 weeks with a minimum title salary of $1,748.95/week ($71,377.80 annual including EMG) plus 18 optional summer services at the position per-service rate. Benefits include 9% retirement contribution and medical, life, and instrument insurance.

Employment to begin at the earliest mutually agreed upon date, no later than September 2024, with satisfactory USCIS employment eligibility verification.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
Proof of Vaccination: All musicians auditioning for the NC Symphony must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Per the CDC, up-to-date vaccination is defined as administration of a one-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson) plus one booster dose given at least two months later; or administration of a two-dose vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, etc.) plus one booster dose given at least five months later. No exceptions or accommodations will be considered. Anyone who does not provide proof of vaccination will not be permitted to audition.

Face Masks: Face Masks are encouraged but not required.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SYMPHONY

Section Viola

Preliminary Auditions: September 16-17, 2023
Semifinal/Final Auditions: September 17-18, 2023

The audition will take place at the North Carolina Symphony’s home, Meymandi Concert Hall, in downtown Raleigh. All rounds will be screened.

The repertoire list for this audition will be available shortly after June 1, 2023.

TO APPLY
Please click here to submit your one-page resume as a PDF attachment. Resumes submitted otherwise will not be accepted.

If you have any questions, please email auditions@ncsymphony.org.

Applications must be received by July 16, 2023.

ABOUT THE POSITION
The 2023/24 season is 40 weeks with a minimum section salary of $1,589.95/week ($65,018 annual including EMG) plus 18 optional summer services at the position per-service rate. Benefits include 9% retirement contribution and medical, life, and instrument insurance.

Employment to begin at the earliest mutually agreed upon date, no later than September 2024, with satisfactory USCIS employment eligibility verification.

Face Masks: Face Masks are encouraged but not required.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SYMPHONY

Administrative positions

Events Manager

Immediate Opening May 2023

THE POSITION
The North Carolina Symphony seeks an Events Manager to lead and deliver high-quality, successful special events for the North Carolina Symphony, to support the achievement of donor engagement goals and $4 million in annual contributed revenue, including at least $100,000 annually from fundraising events. North Carolina Symphony events include fundraising, cultivation, stewardship, and recognition events. Attendance at events and concerts (evenings and weekends) is required.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

With guidance from the Vice President of Philanthropy and in keeping with the institution’s vision, lead and execute all special events and stewardship activities organized by the Philanthropy and Executive departments each year, including 2-3 large and 2-3 small fundraising events or trips, 5 donor Giving Circle benefit events and 6-8 open rehearsals, donor rooms at 50+ concerts across the state, receptions and intimate dinners with artists, corporate sponsor receptions, and 4-6 board meetings.
- Ensure achievement of desired outcomes for all events including revenue and engagement goals.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with funders, volunteer committee leaders, trustees, and event attendees, through phone calls, face-to-face meetings, and correspondence; track and manage event and meeting RSVPs and attendance.
- Manage and support fundraising event committees, including correspondence, running efficient and productive meetings, and facilitating action steps and fundraising progress.
- Manage all event-related expenses, in accordance with set budget goals.
- Work with colleagues to enter and pull data from the database as needed, and ensure accomplishment of payment processing, acknowledgment letters, and fulfillment for events.
- Maintain comprehensive records; develop and manage all event timelines, briefings, layouts; and manage vendors.
- Manage all event communications, day-of execution, logistics, production, evaluation, and follow-up.
- Print invitations, name tags, signage, event programs, and other collateral; keep inventory of event supplies.
Provide administrative support for the Development Committee, including correspondence, preparing meeting materials, taking meeting minutes, and keeping official records.
Regularly participate in Philanthropy concert duty.
Manage weekly Philanthropy team meetings and prepare agendas and fundraising dashboards.
Manage master events calendar in coordination with other departments, and keep all departments updated monthly through cross-departmental communication.
Research event ideas and venues; keep abreast of other community events that would be of interest to our donors and look for potential conflicts regarding event dates and times.
Serve as back-up to the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO as needed.
Perform other responsibilities or assignments as needed, including general administrative tasks for the department.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

At least three years of strategic experience in fundraising event leadership and management, creating events that added value and increased philanthropic contributions
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to function at a high level under deadline pressure in a fast-paced dynamic environment, and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Exceptional interpersonal skills and excellent judgment and professionalism in working collaboratively with all levels of staff, volunteers, donors, and prospective donors
Demonstrated success partnering with trustees and community leaders of multiple generations to achieve and grow fundraising results
Team-oriented, flexible, proactive, positive, and personable, with professional appearance and demeanor
Ability to support and implement the mission, vision and values of the North Carolina Symphony; knowledge of, and interest in, orchestral music or performing arts
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, desktop publishing, databases, and Zoom
Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends; valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle for reliable transportation required.
Bachelor’s degree required

The North Carolina Symphony values diversity in backgrounds and experiences. Individuals are encouraged to apply if they meet most of the qualifications listed above.

This is a full-time salaried position based in the Triangle region of North Carolina. The salary hiring range is $39,300 to $50,000. The North Carolina Symphony is currently operating on a hybrid work structure with onsite and remote work (after first 90 days). The benefits package includes health insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, long-term disability coverage, life insurance, an employee assistance program and voluntary vision and dental insurance. Enrollees in our optional 403(b) retirement plan receive an employer match and our Health Savings Account offering provides a bi-annual employer contribution.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
Proof of Vaccination: All administrative staff employed with the North Carolina Symphony must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. Full vaccination is defined as two weeks after the date of administration of a one-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson) or two weeks after the date of administration of the second dose of a two-dose vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, etc.), and receiving all recommended boosters, when eligible.

TO APPLY
Email cover letter, resume, and list of three references to:

Lisa Ransom, Vice President of Philanthropy
humanresources@ncsymphony.org

No phone calls, please

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SYMPHONY

Executive Assistant

Immediate Opening

THE POSITION
The Executive Assistant will provide administrative support to the President & CEO as well as the Symphony Society and Foundation Boards of Trustees. The role will also liaise with departmental Vice Presidents. This is a high-level administrative management position requiring proven experience working in a fast-paced environment. Tasks include juggling many different projects simultaneously, and occasionally working nontraditional hours. The ideal employee will possess a willingness to help others and cope with frequent interruptions from various sources. Requisite personal qualities: maturity, good judgment, outstanding people, and high-level communications skills. Strong organizational skills and ability to handle confidential information is critical.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Independently research, develop, and draft letters, memos, or reports as applicable to support messaging and communication from the office of the CEO.
Multi-tasking and managing a high-volume workload, with specific focus on management of multiple calendars, appointments, and schedules.
Executing effective planning methods and time management strategies to host successful in-person and virtual meetings for an array of stakeholders.
Organizing and maintaining files in accordance with Office Systems Management Policies.
Preparing charts, graphs, and narrative information for incorporation in reports, presentations, and meetings from material provided by the CEO
Serving as the primary point of contact for organization Trustees as well as internal and external stakeholders, to relay and exchange information, provide support, and resolve concerns.
Providing accurate and comprehensive meeting minutes/note taking in support of executive staff the CEO.
Exhibiting strong verbal communication skills as a representative of the senior staff to high-level donors and governmental officials.
Coordinating teams and serving in a leadership capacity for event planning, special events, donor meetings/engagements, and concert staffing.
Extending exceptional customer service support, particularly as a concierge to Trustees for all ticket needs, donations, and other pertinent requests.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES, DESIRED SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Trusted Executive Level Relationships
Demonstrated experience with executive support
Strong Leadership and Engagement
Proficient MS Office Technology Application Use (including TEAMS, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint)
Attentive meeting facilitator for executives and donor stakeholders
Exceptional scheduling and calendar management skills with little oversight
Proven experience successfully coordinating domestic and global travel
Standard ability to read and prepare Budget and Expense Reports
Keen understanding of non-profit organizations
Exhibited professionalism in a business setting
Ability to mitigate risk through secure record keeping, access management, and adherence to other confidentiality measures
Clear and Effective Communication
Highly organized and attentive to details
Performs other responsibilities or assignments as required, including concert duty

QUALIFICATIONS

College degree plus 3-5 years’ experience preferably in executive support roles.
A minimum of one-year on the job training is required to become fully able to perform the duties and responsibilities of this position.
Strong interpersonal skills as well as administrative support skills including computer knowledge (Microsoft Office Suite) and event planning experience.
Knowledge of office procedures and protocol. Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
A background in and appreciation for classical music and knowledge of orchestra industry are helpful.

The North Carolina Symphony values diversity in backgrounds and experiences. Individuals are encouraged to apply if they meet most of the qualifications listed above.

This is a full-time salaried position based in the Triangle region of North Carolina. The salary is competitive, with a starting hiring range of $35,788 to $62,628 or commensurate with experience. The North Carolina Symphony is currently operating on a hybrid work structure with onsite and remote work. The benefits package includes health insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, long-term disability coverage, life insurance, an employee assistance program and voluntary vision and dental insurance. Enrollees in our optional 403(b) retirement plan receive an employer match and our Health Savings Account offering provides a bi-annual employer contribution.

TO APPLY
Email cover letter, resume, three references to:

Executive Assistant Hiring Committee
humanresources@ncsymphony.org

No phone calls, please

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SYMPHONY

Box Office Sales Associate

Immediate Opening

DEPARTMENT: Marketing
REPORTS TO: Box Office Manager
CLASSIFICATION: Full Time/Exempt

Under the direction of the Box Office Manager, the Box Office Associate will provide exemplary customer service both internally and externally and operate in a professional and efficient manner, supporting all box office activities to maximize ticket sales and enhance patron loyalty. It is paramount that this position always serves as an excellent representative of the North Carolina Symphony.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
BOX OFFICE SALES: 60%
Striving for continuous improvement of patron service achieving premier service and advancing patron loyalty initiatives.

Monitor events on a consistent basis from event creation until after the show occurs to ensure tickets are selling correctly; correct holds remain in place, inventory control, etc.
Assist Box Office Manager in creating scaling maps, map changes, promo changes and submit events into the ticketing system in an accurate manner.
Support ticketing system event building, ticket and promotion configuration, ticket design and proofing. Assist in preparation of ticket sales audits and reports related to revenue and attendance at events.
Attend to ticket sales during regular business hours and during performances via phone, in person, by mail and by email.
Increase earned income through cross-sale and up-sale opportunities, assist with group sales.
Demonstrate the ability to balance multiple projects, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively in a frequently flexible and quick-moving environment.
Assist the Box Office Manager with front of house set-up and oversight.
Handle all transactions with fastidious attention to detail and security and maintain professional behavior handling confidential information.
Actively seek out new enhancements and alternatives to enhance patron value and customer service.
Work closely with the Group Sales Coordinator to ensure accuracy of sales and patron loyalty.
Follow proper cash handling procedures and reconcile daily transactions.
Maintain a positive attitude and a genuine interest in helping others.
Contribute to the environment of the box office in a manner that is conducive to customer service, sales promotion, and quality of work life.
Provide the highest level of customer service.
Maintain quality database entry practices when completing regular database maintenance projects.
A commitment to be available for work evenings and weekends is required.

AUDENCE DEVELOPMENT AND SALES: 30%
Achieves annual statewide earned income, new to file and retention audience development goals.

Provide feedback in regard to customer entertainment preference and purchasing habits.
Maintain knowledge of subscriptions and concerts currently available to patrons.
Advance patrons to the next strategic growth step by participating an inbound/outbound call room.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES – 10%
Perform other responsibilities or assignments as required, including evening and weekend concert duty across the state.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of basic cash handling procedures, including PCI compliance
Ability to initiate and build relationships with customers and interact via telephone and in person with customers
Possess high standards of integrity, credibility, and reliability
Works well independently and in a group setting, a true team player
Ability to maintain a high level of poise and professionalism in all circumstances
Ability to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings, and weekends
Passion for and/or experience in the performing arts
Takes initiative and uses innovation; has passion and perseverance; is self-motivated and goal-oriented
Proficiency in Word, Excel, OneDrive, Outlook, and PowerPoint
Ability to travel in North Carolina
Bachelor’s degree required
Proof of COVID-19 full vaccination required

THE ORGANIZATION
We are an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religious persuasion, marital status, political belief, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions.

TO APPLY
Send cover letter, resume by email to:

Jonathan Naylor, Box Office Manager
jnaylor@ncsymphony.org

No phone calls, please

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SYMPHONY

Part-Time Box Office Associate (20 hours/week)

Under the direction of the Box Office Manager, the Box Office Associate will provide support services and operate department in a professional and efficient manner, supporting all box office activities to maximize ticket sales and maintain a high level of customer service.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities for this multi-faceted role include: answer incoming calls and transfer to specific extensions; process ticket orders both in person and via phone, fax, mail, and online; process ticket exchanges; increase earned income through cross-sale and up-sale opportunities; assist with group sales when needed; perform general administrative office duties such as filing and photo copying and other duties as assigned by the Box Office Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to organize, manage, and complete multiple projects and tasks simultaneously with accuracy, timeliness, and enthusiasm
Experience handling money, ideally in a box office setting
Excellent oral and written communications skills and highly developed organizational skills
Willingness to perform outbound calling to sell tickets
Motivated and enthusiastic, with the ability to own projects while asking for assistance when needed
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
Willingness to work outside of traditional business hours and to work a flexible schedule that requires statewide travel and evening and weekend concert work
Provide exemplary customer service, including the ability to maintain a positive attitude, be flexible, and resolve problems under pressure
Experience working in retail or phone sales preferred
Experience with any ticket system preferred

TO APPLY
Send cover letter, resume by email to:

Jonathan Naylor, Box Office Manager
jnaylor@ncsymphony.org

No phone calls, please

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SYMPHONY

Director of Communications

Immediate Opening

THE POSITION
The Director of Communications serves as a vital member of the Marketing & Audience Development Department with primary responsibilities of strategic institutional storytelling, press outreach and cultivation, social media, new audience development and patron retention. The Director of Communications is an integral resource to the President & CEO on discreet projects. Responsibilities include planning and executing robust and effective internal and external communications plans to ensure the achievement of revenue, new audience growth, and engagement.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
INSTITUTIONAL STORYTELLING – 40%

Responsible for the achievement of annual statewide audience development goals as well as national press for NCS programs and artists by generating measurable annual earned media

Develops press plans
Cultivates press relationships
Creates and deploys press releases, alerts, and media announcements
Serves as point person for press inquiries and activity
Serves as a spokesperson for the organization as needed; prepares staff and artists with talking points for media interviews
Shares significant press achievements internally

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT & PATRON LOYALTY – 15%
Achieves annual statewide new to file and retention audience development goals through creation and engagement of digital content:

Directs paid and organic social media strategy, developing content that resonates with target audiences
Directs creation of streaming concerts, education, promotional and institutional videos
Serves in a director role for streaming concerts, virtual education products, and other virtual content

SUPPORT COMMUNICATIONS INITIATIVES WITH THE PRESIDENT & CEO – 15%
Annually set communications goals to support cross-institutional priorities in

D&I
Digital innovation
Artistic leadership

Achieves annual statewide integrated diversity goals through the acquisition and cultivation of diverse audiences of age, race, color, and other as determined by the institution’s D&I leadership —leading toward the development of tailored messaging, programming, and Symphony experiences for target audiences.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES – 10%

Provides weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly reporting towards the achievement of goals
Manages communications expense budgets
Prepares and reports communication updates in Board and committee meetings
Performs other responsibilities or assignments as required, including concert duty

QUALIFICATIONS

At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in communications and public relations, preferably with a performing arts or cultural institution
Experience successfully managing integrated social media campaigns to achieve revenue and engagement goals
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Exceptional attention to detail
Excellent judgment and professionalism
Team-oriented, flexible, positive, personable attitude with a willingness to learn and continually strive for excellence and improvement
Takes initiative and uses innovation; has passion and perseverance; is self-motivated and goal-oriented
Proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
Ability to travel in North Carolina and work outside regular office hours
Bachelor’s degree required

The North Carolina Symphony values diversity in backgrounds and experiences. Individuals are encouraged to apply if they meet most of the qualifications listed above.

This is a full-time salaried position based in the Triangle region of North Carolina. The salary is competitive, with a starting hiring range of $34,000 to $57,500. The North Carolina Symphony is currently operating on a hybrid work structure with onsite and remote work. The benefits package includes health insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, long-term disability coverage, life insurance, an employee assistance program and voluntary vision and dental insurance. Enrollees in our optional 403(b) retirement plan receive an employer match and our Health Savings Account offering provides a bi-annual employer contribution.

TO APPLY
Email cover letter, resume, three references to:

Linda Charlton, Vice President for Marketing & Audience Development
humanresources@ncsymphony.org

No phone calls, please

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SYMPHONY

About the North Carolina Symphony

The North Carolina Symphony is an equal opportunity employer that maintains a policy of nondiscrimination with respect to all employees and applicants for employment including hiring, promotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay, selection for training, and recruitment. All considerations are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status. Employment decisions, subject to the legitimate business requirements of NCS, are based solely on the individual’s qualifications, merit, experience and performance. NCS is proud to be a partner orchestra of the National Alliance for Audition Support.

Founded in 1932, the North Carolina Symphony (NCS) is a vital and honored component of North Carolina’s cultural life. Each year, more than 300 concerts, education programs, and community engagement offerings reach adults and schoolchildren in all 100 North Carolina counties—in communities large and small, and in concert halls, auditoriums, gymnasiums, restaurants, clubs, and outdoor settings. NCS is proud to expand access to audiences around the globe through concerts and educational offerings available through the digital space.

NCS’s state headquarters venue is the spectacular Meymandi Concert Hall at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh. The Symphony’s service across the state includes series in Chapel Hill, Wilmington, New Bern, Southern Pines, and Fayetteville, as well as the Summerfest series at its summer home, the outdoor Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. NCS brings some of the world’s greatest talents to North Carolina and embraces home-state artists from classical musicians to bluegrass bands, creating live music experiences distinctive to North Carolina. NCS is dedicated to giving voice to new art and has presented more than 50 U.S. or world premieres in its history.

Committed to engaging students of all ages across North Carolina, NCS leads one of the most extensive education programs of any symphony orchestra in the country—serving over 100,000 students each year. In alignment with the curriculum set by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the Symphony provides training and resources for teachers, sends small ensembles into classrooms, and presents full-orchestra in-person and online Education Concerts that bring the fundamentals of music to life. Music Discovery for preschoolers combines music with storytelling, and at the middle and high school levels, students have opportunities to work directly with NCS artists and perform for NCS audiences.

The first state-supported symphony in the country, NCS performs under the auspices of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, D. Reid Wilson, Secretary.

Founded in 1932, the North Carolina Symphony (NCS) is a vital and honored component of North Carolina’s cultural life. Each year, the North Carolina Symphony’s 300 concerts, education programs, and community engagement events are enjoyed by adults and schoolchildren in more than 90 North Carolina counties—in communities large and small, and in concert halls, auditoriums, gymnasiums, restaurants, clubs, and outdoor settings. The Symphony’s full-time professional musicians perform under the artistic leadership of Music Director Laureate Grant Llewellyn.

NCS’s state headquarters venue is the spectacular Meymandi Concert Hall at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh. The Symphony’s service across the state includes series in Chapel Hill, Fayetteville, New Bern, Southern Pines, and Wilmington, as well as the Summerfest series at its summer home, the outdoor Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. NCS brings some of the world’s greatest talents to North Carolina and embraces home-state artists from classical musicians to bluegrass bands, creating live music experiences distinctive to North Carolina.

Committed to engaging students of all ages across North Carolina, NCS leads the most extensive education program of any symphony orchestra—serving nearly 70,000 students each year. In alignment with the curriculum set by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, the Symphony provides training and resources for teachers, sends small ensembles into classrooms, and presents full-orchestra Education Concerts that bring the fundamentals of music to life. Music Discovery for preschoolers combines music with storytelling, and at the middle and high school levels, students have opportunities to work directly with NCS artists and perform for NCS audiences.

NCS is dedicated to giving voice to new art and has presented more than 50 U.S. or world premieres in its history. In 2017, NCS appeared at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., as one of four orchestras chosen for the inaugural year of SHIFT: A Festival of American Orchestras—an honor that recognized the Symphony’s creative programming and innovative community partnerships.

The first state-supported symphony in the country, NCS performs under the auspices of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

THE AREA
The Symphony’s home base of Raleigh is the state’s capital, located in the Piedmont (central) region of North Carolina. Raleigh is the largest city in a 3,500-square mile metropolitan area known as the Triangle (Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill) and is among the fastest-growing cities in the US. Raleigh is located approximately 140 miles from the Appalachian highlands and 130 miles from the Atlantic Coast, making the ease of a day trip to the mountains or the beach a unique benefit of living here. Located within the area is Research Triangle Park, home to several corporate and regional headquarters: Fidelity Investments, Duke Health, IBM, Red Hat, SAS, GlaxoSmithKline, and Cisco all have large presences, to name a few.

The home of many creative and well-educated citizens, Raleigh has been lauded as a “Best City for Business and Careers” by Fortune magazine and a “Best Place to Live in America” by Money magazine. It provides its people and businesses with a world-class combination of economic vitality, low unemployment, tremendous educational opportunity, environmental quality, and exceptional quality of life. The park system offers a vast network of recreational greenway trails that connect neighborhoods, and the housing market continues to be strong compared to national averages.

Thirteen institutions of higher education provide affordable and premium educational opportunities for adult and extension classes and a well-educated citizenry of students, graduates, and faculty. The Triangle is also an area of tremendous resources where cultural and performing arts organizations thrive. Other major institutions include the North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina Museum of History, Carolina Ballet, North Carolina Opera, American Dance Festival, Ackland Art Museum, Nasher Art Museum, Marbles Kids Museum, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Morehead Planetarium, and Carolina Performing Arts at UNC-Chapel Hill. There are film, music, dance and crafts festivals, local theater groups and touring Broadway shows. Raleigh is also the current home of the IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival.

The Triangle is also a vital sports center. It is host to the NHL’s Stanley Cup-winning Carolina Hurricanes, minor league baseball’s Durham Bulls, and the sports programs of ACC members Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University.

OUR PEOPLE

MUSICIANS

Violin I

Violin II

Viola

Cello

Double Bass

Flute

Piccolo

Oboe

English Horn

Clarinet

Bassoon

French Horn

Trumpet

Trombone

Bass Trombone

Tuba

Harp

Timpani

Percussion

Organ

Library

CONDUCTORS

Carlos Miguel Prieto, Music Director Designate

The Maxine and Benjamin Swalin Chair

Carlos Miguel Prieto, Music Director Designate

The Maxine and Benjamin Swalin Chair

Grant Llewellyn, Music Director Laureate

Michelle Di Russo, Associate Conductor

The Lucy Moore Ruffin Chair

Michelle Di Russo, Associate Conductor

The Lucy Moore Ruffin Chair

BOARDS

North Carolina Symphony Society, Inc.

Lifetime Trustees

North Carolina Symphony Foundation

North Carolina Symphony Chapter Boards

Craven County

Cumberland County

Edgecombe County

Moore County

Onslow County

TRUSTEE LISTS CURRENT AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2022

STAFF

President’s Office

Artistic Operations

Finance & Administration

Marketing & Audience Engagement

Philanthropy

EMPLOYMENT

Auditions

No positions have been announced at this time.

Associate Principal Trumpet

Section Viola

Administrative positions

No positions are available at this time.

Events Manager

Executive Assistant

Box Office Sales Associate

Part-Time Box Office Associate (20 hours/week)

Director of Communications

About the North Carolina Symphony

No positions are available at this time.