There are lots of things to love about Indianapolis, and our strong network of arts organizations is one of them! To tune in on all things music, we interviewed James Johnson, GIPC Member and Chief Executive Officer of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, to learn more about the exciting events coming to the ISO in 2024! (Photo: ISO)
Access member profiles from previous months here. Have news you want shared? Let us know!
What all is new for the ISO this year?
This is the ISO’s 94th year but it feels like a rebirth. In January, we announced Jun Märkl as the orchestra’s next music director (only the eighth person to hold the position in our history). He is a familiar face to the orchestra and our audience, having conducted here annually since 2000. The news of his appointment followed a record-setting run of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration in December. The ISO is continuing that momentum in 2024 with large and enthusiastic audiences at our historic Hilbert Circle Theatre for our classical music programs, pops series concerts, and film presentations. Our Uncharted Series that combines classical landmarks with music of contemporary hit makers (Tchaikovsky and Drake, anyone?) has been literally off the charts in enthusiasm since we launched it two years ago. I sense a shift in the momentum for downtown and I’m excited to see the ISO playing our part in this downtown renaissance.
What events do you look forward to most every year?
I love hearing this orchestra play every night. The vitality and quality of the 76 professional musicians of the ISO should make everyone in Central Indiana as proud of this top-tier orchestra as they are of our sports teams. The versatility of the musicians is simply astounding – going from one night playing Beethoven to the next playing the music of the Beatles, then accompanying a Star Wars movie with the John Williams score played live. There is music here for everyone, all of it played superbly.
Can you speak on the Symphony’s music education programs?
When the ISO is not playing concerts that reach nearly 200,000 listeners each year, we bring music to thousands of students throughout the region through numerous education programs. I like to single out the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, our youth and family development program that provides life-changing musical and skill-building experiences to kids and their families. It is much more than a youth orchestra as it provides young people with the tools they need to succeed in life. The MYO is led by Krystle Ford, one of the original MYO members when Betty Perry founded it nearly 30 years ago. Incidentally, another MYO alum, Sharif Ibrahim, achieved a milestone when he was selected in a competitive audition to join the ISO – a first for an MYO graduate.
How can GIPC members become involved with the Symphony?
Every GIPC member has a standing invitation to join me at Hilbert Circle Theatre for a concert. Email me at jjohnson@indianapolissymphony.org for a pair of tickets. I would like you to hear what the buzz is all about. You might find that the ISO is a surprisingly attractive way to broaden your company’s reach through a corporate sponsorship.
Anything else you would like to add?
During this time of renewal and reenergizing, the ISO is looking to see how we can be a more welcoming and more inclusive part of a vibrant downtown. We are in the midst of a comprehensive planning exercise to establish a path for long-term growth from our home in the heart of downtown. We are grateful to be part of a city and state on the rise and cannot wait for the good news that lies ahead as we plan for our centennial in 2030!
View all 2024 Events with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra