Music is the universal language, uniting humanity in a shared mental and emotional connection. Throughout history, people have understood music's innate ability to heal. In the Charlotte Symphony's debut performance at Sandra Levine Theatre at Queens University, experience a range of musical selections written about challenging topics with the hope for healing. Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees leads the performance, featuring Principal Cellist Alan Black soloing on the orchestral premiere of Leonard Mark Lewis' "I Will Wade Out," a work that reflects on the universal human experience as we work toward collective healing. In this performance, Alan is celebrating his final solo appearance with the CSO as he ends his tenure as Principal Cellist and begins the 2022-23 season as Principal Cello Emeritus. "For me, the work is meant to encapsulate triumph over adversity, to stir the spirits of fortitude, to swim out of the depths of despair, yet to realize one has always been on a path to awakening." ~ Leonard Mark Lewis Christopher James Lees, conductor Alan Black, cello KINAN ABOU-AFACH Speak PHILIP HERBERT Elegy - In Memorium Stephen Lawrence SAINT-GEORGES Symphony No. 2 DAVID T. LITTLE haunted topography RAVEL Le Tombeau de Couperin, IV. Rigoudon LEONARD MARK LEWIS "I Will Wade Out" MICHAEL ABELS Global Warming Please note: This performance will not have an intermission.