Celebrating 75 Years of Service

Founded in 1950, The Symphony Guild of Charlotte, Inc. (The Guild) has a rich history deeply ingrained in the Charlotte community and continues as a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting symphonic music.

Mission Statement

The Guild's mission is to provide financial and volunteer support to the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO), and to further music appreciation and education.

Major Milestones

• 1950:                  Founded as the Charlotte Symphony Society Women's Division
• 1953:                  Charlotte Symphony Women's Association (CSWA) officially established
• 1955 - Present:  Young Artists Competition
• 1972 - 2010:       Symphony Guild Designer House
• 1972 - 2018:       Funded Youth Orchestra resident camps
• 1980 - 1992:       Sponsored *The Nutcracker Suite* performances
• 1987 - 2018:       Youth Festival
• 1990 - 2020:        Musical Petting Zoo
• 1992:                   CSWA incorporated as 501c3 as The Symphony Guild of Charlotte, Inc.
• 1999 2011:          Guild Fashion Shows (or start in 2004, not 1999?)
• 1999 2011:          Marie R. Rowe Award established for Charlotte's Outstanding Volunteer for the Arts
• 2000:                   Education Endowment Fund created
• 2008 - 2022:        Overture Luncheon
• 2011:                    Received "Best of the Best" Award by League of American Orchestras (LAO)
• 2015 - Present:    Heart of the Home Tour
• 2015 - Present:    Silent Auction
• 2020 - 2021:        Beat Beethoven 5K Race
• 2021:                   TopGolf Birdie for Beethoven Tournament
• 2021:                   Gold Award of Excellence for Beat Beethoven 5K Virtual Race by LAO
• 2022:                   Innovator Award for Music Major College Preparation Seminar Series by AMSOV

Financial Support and Impact

In maintaining The Guild's mission to provide financial support to the CSO, the organization has contributed more than $3.5 million throughout its 75-year history. In addition to unrestricted grants to the CSO Annual Fund, highlighted gifts include:

• $100,000 in 2000, endowing the Youth Orchestra conductor
• $80,000 for the principal oboe chair in 1987
• A CSO van and office computer equipment in 1984
• Instruments including two timpani sets, fine violin, bass clarinet, contrabassoon, and piano

Looking Forward

Sharing in the joy of symphonic music, Guild members collaborate to foster an enriched arts culture and deepen their music appreciation. The Symphony Guild of Charlotte, Inc. continues to cultivate a diverse, vibrant community of volunteers who champion music education and inspire future generations across the Charlotte region.

To read more details about The Guild's 75-year history, click HERE.