Naptown Buzz

Your source for all things Indy™

Indianapolis Symphonic Choir

Indianapolis Symphonic Choir to perform Mendelssohn’s Elijah on Saint Patrick’s Day

by

Often proclaimed “one of the greatest choral works ever,” the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir will commemorate their 80th anniversary with a rare performance of Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elijah at the Palladium at the Center for Performing Arts in Carmel on Friday, March 17 at 8 p.m.

On the heels of a major performance at the famed Carnegie Hall in October 2016, the upcoming performance will celebrate the Symphonic Choir’s milestone anniversary while representing its dedication to a rich tradition of masterful choral pieces.

“In the arts and entertainment world, institutions and individuals often become associated with a particular piece of music or song,” states Eric Stark, Artistic Director and conductor of the Symphonic Choir. “In the case of the Symphonic Choir, this stunning composition, Elijah, by Felix Mendelssohn would be one of our most signature works.”

Adds Executive Director Michael Pettry, “Although the Symphonic Choir performs music from so many different genres and styles, when you boil it down, this organization especially excels when performing major, large-scale works like Elijah. Put another way: Elijah is solidly in our institutional wheelhouse and is sure to impress.”

The 2017 performance of Elijah features the 170 voices of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir (among the largest and oldest choruses in the nation) joined by the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. The performance will feature soprano Christina Pier, mezzo-soprano Kate Maroney, tenor Thomas Cooley, and baritone Christòphern Nomura playing the role of Elijah.

Tickets are on sale now and range from $20-$60. They may be purchased at indychoir.org or by calling the Palladium box office at (317) 843-3800. Student tickets are available for a special rate of only $15.

Elijah is made possible by presenting sponsor Barnes & Thornburg.

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

Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Announces Christmas Carol Commission Competition

by

Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. Palladium- Carmel, IN. (Photo/Tom Russo)
Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. Palladium- Carmel, IN. (Photo/Tom Russo)

The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir announces the 7th annual Christmas Carol Commission Competition as part of its commitment to the future of choral music. Submitted works must be original, unpublished, and have not been publicly performed; between 3 and 5 minutes long; written for SATB, mixed adult choir; and may be a cappella or utilize keyboard accompaniment. Text and language are at the discretion of the composer, and should be suitable for a Christmas/holiday performance.

Recent commissions by the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir include works by composers Mohammed Fairouz, Molly Ijames, Dan Locklair, James Mulholland and others. Winners of the Commission Competition have been published by these and other publishers: EC Schirmer, Shawnee Press, Beckenhorst Press.

“Inspiring composers to create new, beautiful choral music is among the greatest obligations of a leading chorus today,” states Artistic Director Eric Stark. “Elementary as it may appear initially, we are wise to remind ourselves that all music was once new. It is imperative that recognized musical institutions like the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir are at the fore of commissioning new works, consistently expanding the body of choral music.”

Adds Executive Director Michael Pettry, “With more than 35 million Americans singing in a chorus, more people participate in choral music than are involved with any other art form. Bringing to life a new work for chorus is an avenue to reach a large, impressive number of artists and audiences alike.”

Composers 35 years of age or younger (as of September December 1, 2016) who are United States citizens or legal residents may submit one composition via email (PDF) to the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir by 11:59 p.m. (EST),August 31, 2016. Compositions must be in PDF format and emailed to commission@indychoir.org. No consideration will be given to entries received after the deadline. Submitted materials will not be returned. Questions may be emailed to commission@indychoir.org. There is no entry fee, although a submission form must accompany the composition.

Text and language are at the discretion of the composer, with the following requirements: the text should be suitable for a Christmas or holiday (secular texts are permitted) performance, and the text should be from a non-liturgical tradition (for example, contemporary poetry) or verse (secular or sacred), hymn texts and the like are permitted, while texts such as “Ave Maria,” “Gloria” or “Hodie Christus Natus Est” are discouraged.

The winner will be notified by September 30, 2016 and the selected composition will be performed by the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir at its five annual Festival of Carols performances in Indianapolis. A cash prize of $1,000, plus travel and lodging for the world premiere in December 2016, will be awarded to the winning composer. Full details are available at indychoir.org.

SOURCE: Indianapolis Symphonic Choir

Tickets going fast for Indy Symphonic Choir’s signature holiday event

by

(Photo/Tom Russo)
(Photo/Tom Russo)

Annual Festival of Carols December 8 and 22

Festival of Carols, the annual holiday show from the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, returns for the season following a sell-out run in 2012. Performances will feature arrangements of holiday favorites including “Joy to the World, “O Holy Night,” the “Hallelujah Chorus” and more. Festival of Carols is sponsored by Simon Property Group. Tickets are still available for the Sunday, December 22 performances at the Palladium in Carmel beginning at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The Sunday, December 8 show at the Scottish Rite Cathedral is now sold out.

The 150-voice Indianapolis Symphonic Choir will be joined by special guests including soprano Maria Jette (as heard on NPR’s Prairie Home Companion), Butler University’s all-male a cappella group Out of the Dawg House and the city’s finest bell choir, the Circle City Ringers. As part of the Choir’s educational initiatives, students from the choirs at Franklin Central High School and Fishers High School will join for the December 8 and 22 performances respectively.

Tickets range from $20-$38 and can be purchased online at www.indychoir.org. There may be a limited number of tickets available at the door. Group sales and student discounts are available. For performance details, audio preview links and ticket information, visit www.indychoir.org or call 317-940-9057.

Indianapolis Symphonic Choir wraps season with special guest

by

ISC LogoINDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s final performance of the 76th season combines a choral classic with a newer composition by a much-celebrated living composer. J. S. Bach’s Magnificat and Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna will be performed by the 180-voice Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and guest soloists all with Hoosier connections on Friday, April 12, 2013, 8 p.m. at Clowes Memorial Hall. Tickets range from $15 to $75 and are available at www.indychoir.org, in-person at the Clowes Memorial Hall box office, or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787. Limited tickets may be available for purchase at the door, beginning one hour prior to the performance.

Title Sponsor Barnes & Thornburg LLP presents the annual Sacred Masterworks series of performances, which includes California-based composer Morten Lauridsen’s most famous choral work, Lux Aeterna. On the faculty at University of Southern California, and having served as the composer-in-residence for the Los Angeles Master Chorale (a sister organization to the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir), Lauridsen will serve as the scholar-in-residence in Indianapolis for the week leading up to the performance. He will teach master classes at Butler University, workshops with area churches and community choirs, and will participate in pre-concert activities open to the audience.

“We’ll unite two compositional gurus. The musical minds of Bach and of Lauridsen are stunning: writing music that invigorates the performer just as much as it sets aflame the hearts of the audience,” says Eric Stark, Artistic Director of the Symphonic Choir. “On top of it all, these composers know precisely how to write for the voice, for a chorus. Total choral mastery.”

Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Adds Third Christmas Performance to Meet Demand

by

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 Performs Berlioz Requiem

by

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.