How Conductor Christopher James Lees Is Innovating Classical Music at the Charlotte Symphony
Christopher James Lee
Christopher James Lees, the resident conductor of the Charlotte Symphony, embodies a unique blend of tradition and innovation, embracing both the history of classical music and the challenges of an ever-evolving digital landscape. His journey from an inspired child listening to his father play hymns on the piano to conducting the New York Philharmonic in a revitalized David Geffen Hall reveals a career marked by a dedication to artistry, community, and the power of music to transcend time and place.
Lees’s initial fascination with music began at four years old, at the piano. This fascination soon expanded to encompass the pipe organ, where he served as a church organist for a decade. Yet, it was a pivotal moment during his freshman year at the University of Michigan, performing in Verdi’s Requiem, that sparked his desire to conduct. “I was swept up in the explosive, Mount Vesuvius-like eruptions of the ‘Dies Irae,’” Lees recalls, realizing that if conducting was the way to be a part of such grandeur, he needed to pursue it.
From there, his path led him through some of the most prestigious music programs in the country, including the Aspen Music Festival and a Dudamel Fellowship with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. It was during his time in Aspen, studying with Robert Spano, that Lees experienced his first major breakthrough. Winning the James Conlon Conducting Prize and the Aspen Conducting Prize in consecutive years opened doors that would eventually lead him to Los Angeles and beyond. Working with Gustavo Dudamel at the LA Phil was an emotional and transformative experience. “To be able to soak in the molecular change that happened when these great artists and thinkers contributed their spirit to a common vision—it was revolutionary to me,” Lees shares.
His influences range from iconic conductors like Carlos Kleiber, whose ability to spin musical phrases and shape time captivated Lees, to modern luminaries like Michael Tilson Thomas and Gustavo Dudamel, each of whom has left an indelible mark on his approach to conducting. “Every person that has the opportunity to share who they are on the podium is an opportunity for a conductor to learn something new,” Lees emphasizes, reflecting his deep respect for the lineage of apprenticeship that defines conducting.
One of Lees’s most significant performances came in November 2022, when he conducted the New York Philharmonic’s first Young Person’s Concert at the newly renovated David Geffen Hall. The program, which included Stravinsky's Firebird and featured a collaboration with hip-hop breakdancers from the Bronx, symbolized a merging of old and new—an homage to tradition while embracing the cultural vibrancy of today. “It was incredibly special to breathe the same air and be in the same space where Leonard Bernstein once stood, and to bring together these different art forms in such a meaningful way,” Lees says. This performance exemplified his commitment to making classical music relevant to contemporary audiences.
As the resident conductor of the Charlotte Symphony, Lees has brought creativity and community engagement to the forefront of his work. Conducting around 70 concerts a year, Lees oversees a diverse range of programming that includes classical subscriptions, pops, movie concerts, and even a brewery series—performing Mozart and Beethoven in local taprooms. “It’s important to dive into repertoire meaningfully while also being a part of the community,” Lees notes. Living in Charlotte, he is frequently recognized and approached by families who attend the symphony’s concerts, allowing him to foster a direct and personal connection with the audience.
Lees is deeply aware of the challenges facing classical music in an age of dwindling attention spans and the omnipresence of digital distractions. He sees these challenges as opportunities to highlight the genre’s unique qualities. “Classical music is an avenue to come back to a centered, present, experiential art form in a world that constantly pulls us toward the next shiny thing,” he says. His approach to promotion is about storytelling—linking the narratives of classical music to today’s world, and showcasing that the tradition is alive and well, shaped by living composers and resonating with current societal issues.
Looking forward, Lees is committed to broadening access and creating a more inclusive space for classical music. He believes in showcasing a diverse array of artists, conductors, and composers, ensuring that the stage reflects the community it serves. “We have an obligation to make sure the doors are wide enough for folks that might not have historically been invited in,” Lees states, emphasizing the importance of inclusion in both programming and outreach.
When it comes to long-term goals, Lees is driven by a desire for constant growth. Inspired by luminaries like Herbert Blomstedt, who continues to conduct at 97 years old, Lees believes in the lifelong journey of deepening his artistry and expanding his impact. “There’s no end to what I can learn, no end to the level of depth I can bring to the podium,” he says. For Lees, success lies not in specific accolades or achievements, but in maintaining a sense of curiosity and striving to be better each day—aiming for balance and presence in all aspects of his life, whether on the podium, in rehearsals, or in his community.
Christopher James Lees’s career is a reflection of his belief that music is both timeless and timely—an art form that, when approached with curiosity and courage, has the power to resonate deeply with people from all walks of life. His dedication to broadening the reach of classical music, combined with his ability to adapt and innovate, ensures that his work will continue to inspire and transform audiences for years to come.
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