I can’t believe summer is almost over. I can’t believe Marsh Symphony on the Prairie is ending. But I do believe that we will see the 100,000th patron enter those Conner Prairie gates this weekend.
In 2009, we celebrated with Debra Fleetwood, as she was the lucky 100,000th patron to arrive.
If patron number 100,000 walks through our gates (we think on Thursday evening), it will be the third time in history that we have achieved that feat. What helped bring us to this magic number? Amazing crowds at this year’s Fourth of July concerts, amazing crowds at the Classical Mystery Tour (Beatles) weekend, amazing acts like Marvin Hamlisch, the John Denver tribute band and the Duke Ellington Orchestra, amazing performances of Pictures at an Exhibition and Tchaikovsky’s Fifth by our own Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and amazing weather (only a handful of weather-related delays and one rainout—knock on wood for this weekend!).
Symphony on the Prairie is more than an attendance number. As we close out the series this weekend, I thought I would reflect upon some highlights this summer.
A debut and an adieu
On July 23 & 24, singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile debuted with the Indianapolis Symphony and performed many of her hits to a large crowd of adoring fans. After the concert, we said adieu to ISO Associate Conductor Sean Newhouse. Sean moved to the east coast and now serves as an assistant conductor with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Bravo Sean!
Up, Up and Away
Our very own ensemble-in-residence Time for Three performed their signature genre-bending mix of music for their thousands of devoted fans. Afterward, the boys went on a Conner Prairie balloon ride—they don’t seem to have stage fright…but do I sense a little fear of heights?
It was a Thriller, for sure
Brent Havens, creator and conductor of the Michael Jackson Tribute show and other orchestrated rock tributes such as Pink Floyd, Queen and Led Zeppelin, hit a homerun by including wonderful orchestrations of the King of Pop’s greatest hits. I’ve never seen that many people dancing at Symphony on the Prairie. One patron noted that she left “ticked off that I never got to see [Michael Jackson] in concert for real and I’m convinced no one else will ever come close to being as spectacular as he is/was.” Another patron sent in this message: “This was a wonderful event. The ISO and the band that performed were excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed this concert. I love live music!”
He got what he asked for!
After joking about the large amount of insects buzzing around his head on stage, prolific American songwriter Marvin Hamlisch was given several bug repellent options at intermission from his fans—everything from spray, sticks, gels to bug repellant jewelry. During the second half of Marvin’s concert, our very own Principal Librarian Mike Runyan made us all weep when he played the theme from Schindler’s List on harmonica.
Photographs also tell the story
I don't need to go on and on with highlights in writing. I can also tell a story in pictures. Here are some of my favorite photos from this season at Symphony on the Prairie.






Don’t forget! The Music of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper on September 2 & 3 and the every-popular River City Brass on September 4 & 5. See you one final time at the Prairie!
"For me, the best music is the music that inspires. The ISO is doing several great works, including
Hi Everyone:
Even though we musicians have just begun our vacation, I'm already looking forward to our exciting 2010-2011 season! Starting Monday, Aug. 23, you can begin purchasing single tickets to next season's Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra concerts. What would I recommend? Choosing just one favorite concert is too difficult, so I have pared it down to 3. There is just so much to choose from!
As I've reported in previous blogs, I'm gradually familiarizing myself with Classical music and I'm grateful to report it has acquired a permanent residence in my musical landscape. Classical compositions now make up a respectable share of my IPod library and at least half of my work week is comprised of listening to 
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I'd like to introduce Bob Schultz, senior account director at Borshoff Strategic Communications, a fan of the ISO and a good buddy of mine. Bob recently told me he how much he and his family loved John Denver's music, which the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is performing this weekend in concerts at Marsh 

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Have you ever had one of those days when you wonder where the time went? Well, that happened to me today. I was in my practice room looking over the music I have to prepare for a number of upcoming concerts, which is fairly substantial, and felt a sudden panic. Staring back at me from my stand are symphonies of Beethoven, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich, and concertos of Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky. All of which are to be performed with the ISO in next few weeks. When you add in my regular practice regime and a looming recital on the horizon, that is a lot of notes to learn in a short amount of time.