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Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Adds Third Christmas Performance to Meet Demand

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The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s upcoming annual Christmas performances of Festival of Carols have attracted audiences larger than expected, and the 76-year old institution will add an unprecedented third performance. The new matinee performance is on Saturday, Dec. 22, 3 p.m. at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. Tickets range from $20 to $38 and may be purchased at www.indychoir.org or by calling the Palladium at (317) 843-3800.

The Sunday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m. performance at the Scottish Rite Cathedral is sold out, and fewer than 25 tickets remain for the Saturday, Dec. 22, 8 p.m. performance at the Palladium. “While Festival of Carols always draws a big audience, this year’s demand came as a pleasant surprise. Christmas came early,” quips Michael Pettry, Executive Director of the Symphonic Choir. “With four weeks remaining before the added performance, it is likely to draw a large audience as well.”

Festival of Carols performances feature arrangements of “Joy to the World, “Away in a Manger,” the “Hallelujah” chorus, in addition to other pieces as performed by 150 members of the Symphonic Choir. As part of the Choir’s educational programming, the Greenfield Central H.S. Madrigal Singers will perform side-by-side with the Symphonic Choir singers on three pieces at both performances.

Acknowledging the institution’s innovative patron experience initiative, Executive Director Michael Pettry adds, “Christmas carols are timeless. The Symphonic Choir’s performances provide the chance to create new holiday memories, like few other arts organizations can deliver. From carolers in the lobbies with cocoa and cookies, to lighter moments and dramatic climaxes throughout the show, I’d wager the Symphonic Choir’s holiday performances are among the best in the entire state.”

For performance details, audio preview links and ticket information, visit www.indychoir.org.

Indianapolis Symphonic Choir opens new season with jazz

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The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir launches its 76th season with two performances titled Mood Indigo, featuring jazz classics from the American Songbook. Under the direction of Assistant Artistic Director Michael Davis, the 24-voice Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Chamber Singers presents performances at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the Indiana Landmarks Center on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. Tickets for the cabaret-style performances (which include appetizers) range from $20 to $35, and are available at www.indychoir.org or by calling the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir at (317) 940-9057. Tickets are unlikely to be available at the door due to an anticipated capacity crowd.

“I can honestly say that this style of music is right up there next to classical music by Bach, Brahms and all the greats,” states Assistant Artistic Director Michael Davis. “It’s no mistake that these songs made popular by legends like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Dean Martin continue growing in popularity through today’s artists like Michael Bublé, and the resurgence of cabaret shows. This music is some of the best ever created.”

While the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is most commonly known as a presenter of classical repertoire, to more completely serve the Indianapolis community and to further expand its audience reach, the institution presents seasons that include classical masterworks, as well as vocal jazz, gospel music and new commissioned works.

These Mood Indigo performances are made possible by title sponsor Deloitte.

 

Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Performs Berlioz Requiem

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The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir marks its 75th anniversary season with a performance of the Berlioz Requiem. In terms of performing forces, this piece is among the largest musical compositions for choir and orchestra and summons to the stage over 200 singers, a large orchestra, tenor soloist and four off-stage brass bands.

The performance is on Saturday, May 5, 2012, 8:00 p.m. at Hilbert Circle Theatre. Tickets are available at www.indychoir.org or by calling the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Box office: (317) 639-4300. Ticket prices range from $20-$70, and student and group rates are available.

“We wanted to do something big for the Choir’s 75th, something that few others could tackle,” states Artistic Director Eric Stark. “Bingo! The Berlioz Requiem really is of such epic proportions. This Choir should be exceedingly proud of its role in the choral pantheon: performing newly commissioned works as well as these timeless musical gems all in one season. Perhaps at no other time in the Choir’s history has it enjoyed such notable success, and especially paired with a bright future.”

This performance unites the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Butler University Choir and University Chorale, tenor soloist Joseph Shadday, under the direction of Eric Stark.