Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra facts for kids

The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra (ICO) is a special group of musicians. They play classical music together. This orchestra is a nonprofit organization. This means they use their money to support their mission, not to make a profit. They are based at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. In the 2019–2020 season, the orchestra celebrated its 35th year of performing.

The Story of the Orchestra

How the Orchestra Started

The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra was started by a music expert named David Urness. He first called the group "Musicians of the Cloister." This name came from a beautiful garden at Trinity Episcopal Church in Indianapolis. Mr. Urness wanted the ICO to be like another famous orchestra, the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

New Name and Growth

The orchestra officially became a group in 1985. They changed their name to the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra in 1987. This new name helped people know who they were. In 2004, the orchestra joined with the Indianapolis Youth Wind Ensemble. This was part of a plan to reach out to more young people.

Where They Performed

The orchestra played its first concerts in 1985. These shows were held at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. During the 1986–87 season, they performed at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Then, in 1988, the orchestra moved to Clowes Memorial Hall. This hall is located at Butler University.

Today, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra performs at the Howard L. Schrott Center for the Arts. This is also at Butler University.

Meet the Music Directors

Kirk Trevor became the music director for the ICO in 1988. He led the orchestra for many years. He retired at the end of the 2014–15 season.

In July 2015, Matthew Kraemer was chosen as the new Music Director. He is also the Principal Conductor. He leads the orchestra in their performances.