Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra |
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| Orchestra | |
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in 2019
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| Short name | ISO |
| Founded | 1930 |
| Concert hall | Hilbert Circle Theatre |
| Principal conductor | Jun Märkl |
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) is a big music group in Indianapolis, Indiana. It's the largest performing arts group in Indiana. The orchestra started in 1930. They play their concerts at the Hilbert Circle Theatre in downtown Indianapolis. This theater is located on Monument Circle.
Contents
History of the ISO
How the Orchestra Started
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra began in 1930. A local violin teacher named Ferdinand Schaefer started it. He had help from Leonard A. Strauss. Mr. Strauss became the first president of the ISO.
In 1937, Fabien Sevitzky became the orchestra's first music director. The musicians became full-time professionals. They were paid a weekly salary for a 20-week season. The orchestra quickly became famous across the country. They made many recordings on RCA Victor and Capitol Records. These recordings were made in the 1940s and early 1950s. Some of their first recordings have been released again.
New Directors and Tours
In 1956, Izler Solomon was chosen as the music director. The orchestra traveled around the country. They also performed a series of international concerts. This concert series won an award from the US State Department.
The orchestra played in places like Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University. They also performed at Caleb Mills Hall.
Moving to a New Home
John Nelson became the music director in 1976. During his time, the orchestra moved to the Hilbert Circle Theatre. This theater is in downtown Indianapolis. It was renovated and opened again on October 12, 1984.
Nelson helped the ISO get back on the radio and TV. They were heard on NPR and seen on PBS. They also played concerts at Carnegie Hall in 1989 and 1991. They performed at the Kennedy Center too. In 1987, the orchestra went on its first trip outside the country. They toured Germany with concertmaster Hidetaro Suzuki.
New Music and More Tours
Raymond Leppard took over from Nelson as music director in 1987. Under Leppard's leadership, the orchestra started a 52-week season. They also made many recordings for the Koss Classics label. Leppard took the orchestra back to Europe for two more tours. These tours happened in 1993 and 1997. Leppard became the orchestra's conductor laureate in 2001. This means he was honored for his past work. In 2009, the ISO announced its first group-in-residence. This group was called Time for Three.
Recent Leaders
In April 2010, Krzysztof Urbański was a guest conductor for the orchestra. He was asked to come back in June 2010. He conducted at the orchestra's summer series, "Symphony on the Prairie." Because of these two performances, the ISO named Urbański their 7th music director. He started on September 1, 2011, with a four-year contract. In May 2019, the orchestra announced that Urbański would finish his time as music director at the end of the 2020–2021 season.
In May 2021, the orchestra announced that Jun Märkl would be their artistic advisor. He served in this role for the 2021–2022 season. Märkl first conducted the orchestra as a guest in August 2000. That was at a "Symphony on the Prairie" concert. On January 23, 2024, the orchestra announced Märkl as their next music director. He will start with the 2024–2025 season. His first contract is for five seasons. Märkl immediately took the title of music director-designate.
Music Directors
- Ferdinand Schaefer (1930–1937)
- Fabien Sevitzky (1937–1955)
- Izler Solomon (1956–1975)
- John Nelson (1976–1987)
- Raymond Leppard (1987–2001)
- Mario Venzago (2002–2009)
- Krzysztof Urbański (2011–2021)
- Jun Märkl (2024–present)
Principal Pops Conductors
- Erich Kunzel (1982–2002)
- Jack Everly (2002–present)
See also
- List of symphony orchestras in the United States
- List of attractions and events in Indianapolis
