"Fallon Around" -- End of Week 1

Friday, January 27, 2012 by Jessica Di Santo
I just got back from my daily backstage visit to document the process of turning the Hilbert Circle Theatre into the Jimmy Fallon Show set during the Super Bowl week.  Here's what I overheard as I was taking this picture:
Fallon Show setup

Look folks, this carpet has to fit over this area *perfectly.* These measurements should be exact...this carpet should be taut, and I mean *perfectly* taut...no room for any error here.  I need it *perfect*. Did I say *perfect?* I mean absolutely *perfect.*

Perfection is good.

I'v...Read More »

"Fallon Around" - Day 1-2 of Behind-the-Scenes at the Hilbert Circle Theatre

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 by Jessica Di Santo
Here we go.

Preparations for Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis are in full swing. Roadways are closed off.  Massive tents have been erected all around town.  The two football teams have been selected.  And Jimmy Fallon gave Indianapolis a shout-out on his show (come on Indiana - submit a video!).





And speaking of the Jimmy Fallon Show, we are proud to be a part of the preparation madness.

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has moved its performances to Clowes Memorial Hall this weekend in order...Read More »

The ISO - A Great Night Out, Easy on the College Kid's Wallet

Friday, December 9, 2011 by Shannon Draucker

College girls at the ISO!
Me and my friend Gwen at the ISO in October!

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my transition to downtown Indy from the hills of rural New Hampshire, it’s that city living is alarmingly pricey.  Marsh groceries, City Market lunches and (a few too many) trips to the Fashion Mall add up at an alarming rate, leaving scant any funds for recreational pursuits. However, while swanky clubs and fancy restaurants might be out of the monetary question, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has taken...

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It's a tradition!

Thursday, December 1, 2011 by Everyone's a Critic
Since purchasing discount Yuletide tickets through Franklin College in the middle 90s, I have made it a tradition to attend Yuletide to get into the Christmas spirit. It is always such a wonderful show. Of course, as soon as my daughter was old enough, I had to share Yuletide with her. In 2007, she was four at Christmastime. It had been a particularly difficult year for our family, including my father's death. The holidays were going to be hard for us. A friend who new how much I have always...Read More »

Family

Monday, November 28, 2011 by Everyone's a Critic
More than 15 years ago, my family attended our first Yuletide Celebration. The family included my mother, sister, her three young children and myself. We did not have much money, however, we bought holiday attire and were enchanted by the entire show. The children are now in their 20's and we are once again attending this year. The ISO has become a part of our family tradition and I still can see the joy on the faces of my neice and nephews that I saw that first night. They still have their...Read More »

Make Us Laugh

Monday, October 3, 2011 by Jessica Di Santo
I bet you have a friend or relative who likes to forward funny emails.  You know, the ones that say "Funniest Church Signs," "10 Things Never to Say to Women," (I can think of more than 10), "Priceless Wedding Invitation from Mother of the Groom," or "Awkward Family Photos."

Don't tell my mother-in-law (because she's the sender!), but I usually disregard or delete most of these emails; however, the Awkward Family Photos website is a must.  I picked a few of my holiday-themed favorites below.

The Classic
The...
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Ode to Joy: The Story of Brad Humphrey

Thursday, September 29, 2011 by Jessica Di Santo
Music can entertain us. Music can bring us to tears. Music can make us exercise longer. Music can make us cheer. Music can help us remember. Studies show that music can even heal.

And music has the power to distract, in a good way.

Zach De Pue and Brad Humphrey

That's what Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Zach De Pue was reminded of when he visited Brad Humphrey in the hospital. Brad is a teenager who plays tennis and the violin. Tragically, Brad was one of many severely injured during the Indiana State...
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"Carmina Burana" in Pop Culture

Thursday, September 22, 2011 by Shannon Draucker
New Communications InternHello, everyone!

My name is Shannon Draucker, and I'm the new Communications Intern for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. I am so excited to be here - meeting great people, listening to wonderful music, and learning a lot about the organization!

After I was hired, I immediately visited the ISO's website to peruse the program for this season.  When I saw that the ISO, joined by the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and Children's Choir, would be performing Carl Orff's masterwork Carmina Burana, I...Read More »

A New Season

Wednesday, September 21, 2011 by David Glover
David Glover
Wow, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's season is off to a big start! We're coming off our first week with new music director, Krzysztof Urbanski, as well as our Opening Night Gala with performances by Garrick Ohlsson and Time for Three.  We've just started off a one week sale of all remaining tickets at $28 dollars (Krzysztof's current age!), and our first Symphonic Hits concert is coming up this weekend.  

I'm excited to be continuing as the host of Sound Off, the pre-concert event before...
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Maestros. Mansions. Memory. Music. Oh, and Jimmy Fallon.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011 by Jessica Di Santo
If you asked me what's been happening this week, this is how I would sum it up. Maestros. Mansions. Memory. Music. And Jimmy Fallon.

Our new Music Director, Krzysztof Urbanski ("just call me Krzys") arrived late Sunday evening. It's been a privilege for me to host our maestro around town, especially to venues like Lucas Oil Stadium for a photo shoot on Monday (Krzys will be appearing on the cover of the winter edition of the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association's 4/c visitor guide)....Read More »

Music al fresco

Thursday, July 14, 2011 by Jessica Di Santo
This week is one of those unusual weeks in the ISO calendar when the orchestra players are just, well, everywhere. Four outdoor locations to be exact. Welcome to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra - al fresco style!

On Thursday, July 14, we travel west to the lovely town of Danville, Indiana and perform at the picturesque amphitheatre in Ellis Park. Danville boasts just over 8,000 residents and to my naked eye, it seems like at least half of these friendly folks enthusiastically attend this...Read More »

Memories

Thursday, June 23, 2011 by Symphony Stories
My husband and I have been going to the Symphony on the Prairie since before we got married. We have been married for 8 years. Though the last few years we had not been able to go. We were really sad about that. We have a 4 year old daughter. Last year we decided we would like to take our daughter. She loves music. We went to te Beatles tribute. We had a blast with her. She danced and loved that we had a picnic at night. We love the prairie it is so peacful and relaxing. We would love to come...Read More »

family fun

Thursday, June 16, 2011 by Symphony Stories
My husband and I bought tickets to go to the music of Queen. It was the first time we had attended an event there and we were hooked! We ended up buying ticket packets and taking our family. We have been to several shows since then with our son, and parents. I love being able to sit around and visit with family and friends, enjoy a picnic and great music. We are so happy we found out about this! We are excited every year to get the schedule in the mail! Can't wait for summer time!

Name: Jillian...Read More »

Behind the Scenes for Cirque de la Symphonie

Thursday, June 9, 2011 by Jessica Di Santo
I simply went backstage for a picture or two.  Two hours later, I learned more about rigging than I ever wanted to know and gained even a greater appreciation for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's crazy-smart stage crew.

Cirque de la Symphonie is this weekend (and few tickets are left - hurry!), and there's more to this show than meets the eye.  When I learned that the aerialist was in the house and that the crew was installing his pulley system, I had to snap a few photos.  Here's the...Read More »

Spotlight 2011

Friday, April 29, 2011 by David Glover
This year, I am honored to be conducting the Indianapolis Symphony at Spotlight 2011, the Indianapolis Performing Arts Community's annual benefit for HIV education and prevention in Indiana.  Created by David Hochoy of Dance Kaleidoscope and Rob McPherson formerly of IRT 18 years ago, Spotlight has grown over the years and now encompasses most of Indianapolis' major arts organizations, all of whom volunteer their time for this project.  

Tonight, the Indianapolis Symphony string section will be...Read More »

Symphonic Hits and a Conductorial Debut

Friday, March 25, 2011 by David Glover
For the next Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Symphonic Hits Concerts (April 1 and 2 at 7:30), we welcome up-and-coming British conductor Michael Francis, who was brought on board just a couple weeks ago, replacing Mark Wigglesworth who is expecting a child back in England.  Michael Francis has made quite a reputation stepping in at the last minute.  In fact he launched his conducting career in 2006 by stepping out of the bass section of the London Symphony and into a rehearsal of Shostakovich's...Read More »

A Season of Excitement!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011 by The Intern-al Report
AndreaIt's finally here!

The 2011-2012 season has arrived and it is filled with concerts that will arouse great memories, take you on a tour of the world and challenge the musicians to perform at their highest level. Live music in Indianapolis seems to get better with every season at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra!

Three concerts have me particularly excited! Urbanski Conducts Smetana, March 29-31, will be Bohemian perfection. I was fascinated to learn that Smetana composed most of this...Read More »

Meet Dan Kamin, Star of The Classical Clown

Friday, February 18, 2011 by The Intern-al Report

Andrea

On Feb. 27, Dan Kamin will bring side-splitting, family-friendly comedy to Hilbert Circle Theatre--without saying a word. In a performance of "The Classical Clown" with the ISO and conductor David Glover, Kamin will play a mischievous clown who battles the conductor for control of the orchestra. His masterful physical comedy is sure to delight everyone from toddlers to their grandparents.

Kamin's comedy resume is impressive--he trained Johnny Depp and Robert Downey, Jr. for their acclaimed...

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Three in Three

Friday, February 11, 2011 by The Intern-al Report

AndreaWow. I cannot believe that I've been the communications intern at the ISO for three weeks now! It has been a great experience so far and I'm sure it will only continue to get better.

To commemorate my first three weeks at the ISO, I'm sharing "Three in Three," three things I've learned about the symphony in my first three weeks--and three things that you should know, too!

1. The ISO's music is truly phenomenal. I must ashamedly admit that I had never been to an ISO performance before starting my...

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Ten things you might not know about Dvorak

Monday, January 31, 2011 by David Glover
This week on the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's Symphonic Hits series we're presenting three works by the great Czech composer, Antonin Dvorak. I am also very excited that we are recording the entire concert for later release on CD! While all three works on the program have interesting backgrounds, I thought that here on the blog we could get to know Dvorak, the person, a little bit better. Many people know that he lived for a short time in America, but I hope on the following list you'll...Read More »