Dear CSO Family,

I wanted you to be the first to know that I have renewed my contract as music director of the Charlotte Symphony through the 2015-16 season. I renewed with one year remaining on my current contract for several reasons.

The Charlotte community wants the Charlotte Symphony to succeed. As a public face for the orchestra, I see it more and more everyday. At the grocery store, on the street, people approach me and are excited about the music we make and for what we offer to our community. Our ticket sales continue to climb.

It is my privilege to share the stage with the fine musicians of the Charlotte Symphony. Our musicians are wonderfully talented and lend their musical talents to reach out to diverse audiences through all of our concert offerings. Not only do they give their all in every rehearsal and performance, but they share my dedication to teaching and mentoring Charlotte's next generation of musicians.

My wife Rosemary and I look forward to continuing our education programs, such as the Winterfield Elementary initiative, and expanding our reach into the community. I also look forward to creating and growing initiatives, like the KnightSounds series, to attract a new and broader audience to the Charlotte Symphony.

Still, the work ahead is great. I know many of you may feel disheartened after the announcement of Jonathan Martin's departure, but I'm committed to continuing the momentous work that he started with the Charlotte Symphony. I look forward to many more steps forward as we all work together to further engage and inspire our community, and through that humanity, with the power of music.

Below is a copy of the press release* that will be circulated tomorrow announcing my contract renewal.

Sincerely,

Christopher

*Click HERE to view CSO press release