Indianapolis Symphony

Intern Ben Luttrull is feeling the momentum now, as we near the home stretch for the planning of the Circle the City for the Symphony event on Aug. 7. 

If my internship was with the Indianapolis 500, we would be at about lap 350 right now: over halfway through and time to start really focusing on pushing as hard as possible down the stretch.

Some exciting things are happening with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's Circle the City event presented by Finish Line on Aug. 7.  For example, our course through downtown Indianapolis is all set! We will begin and end the race(s) on Monument Circle, and the course will take you through some of the prettiest scenery and neighborhoods in Indy.  And don't forget, ISO musicians will be scattered along the way and serenading you!

But that's not all! Remember the big surprise I talked about last time? Well – here it is:

The first 1,000 registrants for Circle the City for the Symphony will receive a FREE Combo Pass to Indiana Beach Amusement Resort in Monticello, Indiana. Unlimited theme park and water park ride access for one whole day is now included alongside your free ticket to a Marsh Symphony on the Prairie concert. This is across the board –  if you want to walk or run in the Symphony's 10K, 5K, Stroll or Junior Jog, you will receive the free pass while supplies last!  

Time is running out though!  Click here to register and claim your free tickets!

Are you interested in participating in the Circle the City for the Symphony activities, but don’t feel like running or walking? We’re looking for volunteers to help us out in making sure the events all go as smooth as possible. We need volunteer help for water stations, court marshals, and general race and participant support. If you volunteer, we will give you a free volunteer-exclusive Circle the City t-shirt and a ticket to a Marsh Symphony on the Prairie concert. Click here to sign up for a volunteer post.

Speaking of Symphony on the Prairie:  I will be at Sci-Fi Spectacular this weekend giving out information and taking registrations for Circle the City. I am infinitely more of a Star Wars fan than Trekkie, but I’m still super-excited to see George Takei. If you’re coming out to Conner Prairie this weekend, look for me at the top of the hill with the mountains of Circle the City brochures!

ISO Development intern Ben Luttrell gives us another glimpse into planning for the ISO's Circle the City for the Symphony event Aug. 7.

Between Conner Prairie trips, Circle the City for the Symphony duties, internship adventures and the dreaded “professional development," I’d say I’m having quite the summer so far at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The honeymoon of “Wow, I have my own phone line!” has faded into the “I’m expected to do real work” feeling, but I’m quite excited to report that my internship has been everything but the coffee-fetching, errand-running busywork life that some had expected me to lead.

One part of my job that bucks the “intern does the busywork” stereotype is participating in Circle the City for the Symphony committee meetings. I love planning and coming together to talk strategy, and this road race is certainly the biggest event I’ve ever been on a steering committee for.  The full committee has met a few times now, and it’s been quite an adventure each time. Updates, brainstorming, planning, logistics, marketing, sponsorships all make regular stops on our agendas, as well as everything down to the minutest of details to be planned.

We’re working hard to not only put together the best event possible, but also get as many people as can to learn about Circle the City for the Symphony and register to participate in it. We set a goal to have 2010 people participate in Circle the City this year in downtown Indianapolis (with “2010 in 2010” being the appropriate slogan). We really want this event to be fun for the whole family, from the most competitive of runners to anyone looking for a safe walk around the city. To do that, we’ve expanded on two of our events aimed at those who aren’t looking to earn a time or a medal but rather a safe and fun way to support the Orchestra while enjoying a beautiful day.



First: the Symphony Stroll is back and better than ever. The Stroll is a one-mile walk through downtown Indianapolis aimed at all ages, abilities and activity levels. Unlike the competitive 5K/10K courses, the Stroll course is open to baby strollers and the family pet. The course will feature several of our wonderful Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra musicians playing for you as you walk by, and the end of the course will land right in the middle of our Post Race Party. All Stroll participants also get a free ticket to a Marsh Symphony on the Prairie concert!

Second: we’ve expanded on the Junior Jog from last year. The event is only open to children under the age of 10 and is a one-lap run around Monument Circle. Each of the runners will receive a bib, shirt and medal for taking part in the event, as well as their own Symphony on the Prairie ticket. Note that, unlike in years past, there is a fee for the Jog this year.

Right now, we’re bringing something together that is going to be big-time news for families regarding Circle the City for the Symphony. I can’t divulge anything until we have the answers to every possible question (something my supervisor is very keen on reminding me!), but I can say that it is a fantastic opportunity regarding the Symphony Stroll and Junior Jog. Keep posted to the ISO Blog, and I’ll be sure to let the cat out of the appropriate bag when the time is right.

Mark Newman is the ISO's Vice President of Marketing and Communications. I've turned my blog over to him so that he can remind you about the ISO's user-friendly Your Season~Your Way flexible subscription packaging. 

 The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is changing . . . evolving more accurately.  Much of the impetus for this evolution has been you—our patrons, fans and friends—and your changing lifestyle.  For some time, we’ve known that a traditional fixed subscription package didn’t fit everyone.  In response to that, we created Your Season~Your Way, a flexible alternative that allows you to create your own personalized concert package to fit your music preferences, schedule and wallet.

Your Season~Your Way suits all kinds of people with all sorts of lifestyles.  Here are a few examples:

Eclectics - If you’re the kind of music lover who enjoys both the ISO’s Classical and Pops series, then Your Season ~ Your Way is for you.  It lets you mix and match from both series as well as our new line-up of casual Classical programs, Symphonic Hits.  Imagine bundling Joshua Bell, Andre Watts, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, the music of Paul McCartney and Cirque de la Symphonie in one concert series!  It doesn’t get much more eclectic than that.

Snowbirds - Say you spend part of your winter down south and can no longer make all the concerts in your traditional fixed package.  You should consider Your Season~Your Way as an option.  It allows you to fit ISO concerts into your busy travel schedule.

Power Brokers – Are you used to power lunches and power meetings?  How about a power concert series?  Your Season~Your Way is your ticket to the most inspiring music the ISO has to offer.

Workaholics - Maybe your work schedule is such that you only have select Fridays or Saturdays available for play.  Your Season~Your Way allows you to pick the concert dates that fit best with your hectic calendar. 

Penny Pinchers - Perhaps you just don’t want to make as big a financial commitment as a traditional fixed package typically requires.  The beauty of Your Season~Your Way is that you can pick as few as five concerts or as many as you like.  Regardless of how many concerts you choose, the one constant is that you’ll always save with Your Season~Your Way. 

To get a full taste of what we have in store for next season, I invite you to visit our website. I also invite you to go to our website to sign up for Your Season~Your Way.  Or, you might consider calling one of our Customer Care Representatives at 317.639.4300.  They’ll help you construct the perfect package. 

One thing we know for sure at the ISO is that life is better with music, and we feel we do a pretty good job of creating it.  I hope you’ll consider joining us next season at the Hilbert Circle Theatre!  What would be your perfect concert package?  Feel free to comment!
 

So I got one of those calls that comes in every once in a while about someone wanting to make a sizable donation to an ISO education program, and you think, will this really come through?  Maybe, maybe not.  I want to play it cool and steady, but there's a part of me that gets really excited even though they may not pan out.  =)

About 20 years ago I worked as a telemarketer for a regional theatre company selling subscriptions. It was difficult work, but I believed in the product - live theatre.  My boss would tell me that a certain percentage of people who commit over the phone and tell you they'll send in a check, don't.  Instead, I was encouraged to collect a credit card number on the spot to avoid the possibility of amnesia or minds changing.

A Maestro Open committee member had called me to say he made a contact with a guy at Guitar Center who said he may have some instruments to donate to the ISO.  I called up Randy Jaunzemis, VP of Logistics with Guitar Center, that same day to follow up on the lead and in fact, Randy told me that he had some instruments, but didn't know what kind or how many instruments he would have. He then said he would call me when they came in from Maryland.

Some time passed and I got that call, so I drove to the big Guitar Center distribution center in Brownsburg and walked in to a conference room filled with string instruments.  Wow!  Some needed repairs, but many were ready to be placed in the hands of a child.  At that time Randy couldn't commit to which instruments would be coming our way because he had some schools coming by for a look later that week.  He did allow me to take one full sized violin with me that day to hand over to one of our Metropolitan Youth Orchestra students still using an instrument too small for the growing boy.  I was ecstatic!  If we ended up with just the one, that OK, but maybe he might have 5 instruments out the many he had in that room for us?  We had to wait and find out.

That next week, Randy and his colleagues dropped off the instruments at Symphony Centre.  It was a TRUCK LOAD!! We had a concert about a week later and I asked some of the parents to help me catalog the generous gift - 26 instruments in all (roughly $11,000 worth!)

“When one of my contacts put me in touch with the orchestra, I was surprised by the excitement and need for the instruments,” said Jaunzemis. “Putting instruments in the hands of aspiring musicians fits perfectly with our company anthem, ‘we help people make music.’”

Thank you to Guitar Center, Inc. and Randy Jaunzemis for their generous donation to the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra program of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.  This youth and family development program uses string instruction to reach inner city youth and many students have no means to acquire an instrument.  Their gifts will be well used!

THE METROPOLITAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA

Founded in 1995 by Betty Perry and managed by the ISO since 2008, the MYO is the only youth orchestra in the city designed to serve socioeconomically challenged students in an urban setting and does not require an audition to participate. The program provides a safe, structured and positive learning environment for at-risk and underserved youth and their families; builds students’ musical skills through free and reduced-tuition music instruction; teaches them life skills and exposes them to nurturing adult role models; and encourages them to graduate high school. More than 150 socially, economically and racially diverse students in grades K-12 from area schools participate in the 35-week program.

The MYO program is also supported by the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust; National Endowment for the Arts; a Community Crime Prevention Grant; American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009; Christel DeHaan Family Foundation; The Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF affiliate; Back Home Again Foundation; Indianapolis Chapter of the Links, Inc.; The Glick Fund, a fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation; Shaw-Burckhardt-Brenner Foundation; Sheila Fortune Foundation; The Rotary Foundation of Indianapolis; and Stewart & Irwin P.C.

James Joyce once said that if the town of Dublin were ever erased from the planet, it could be rebuilt brick by brick from the detailed descriptions in his own novel Ulysses. Conceivably he was not talking about structural designs or the type of brick and mortar that formed its walls, but in a word, its essence. It is that which is unsaid, unspeakable, and indescribable, and many artists struggle to capture the spirit of their inspiration. Few artists actually attain this goal, though perhaps its comprehensibility is left up to the listener, reader or viewer to make that judgment. For me, Mahler’s Second Symphony is the culmination of so many emotions: ferocity – serenity – chaos – cynicism – peace – the sublime. It portrays the unspoken possibility of existence after death and seems to create its own philosophy within its ninety-minute span.

The term "Resurrection" is taken from the title of a hymn by German poet Friedrich Klopstock, the first eight lines of which Mahler uses in the final movement of this symphony. Mahler was inspired to use this hymn while attending the funeral of friend and fellow conductor Hans von Bülow in 1894. In addition to Klopstock’s lines, Mahler added a few of his own, too.

As any biographer of Mahler will tell you, Mahler was conflicted throughout his life regarding his religious views. Raised in a Judaic household in what is now Jihlava, a small village in modern-day Czech Republic, he later converted to Catholicism, but only as a means to an end: to become conductor of the Vienna State Opera in 1897. Even though Mahler wrote Christian-based music in his Second, Third, Fourth and Eighth Symphonies, Mahler never denied his Jewish upbringing; instead he embraced it and incorporated klezmer-style fragments into them as well.
 
In Mahler’s mind (and perhaps for many of us), death is the ultimate unknown, and he seems to use this symphony as his idealistic journey to a religious awakening. From the first movement funeral march (a Totenfeier, or Death Celebration), the soul witnesses many different realms in both life and death throughout the symphony. The second movement, based on the joyous German waltz-like ländler, is more tender and contemplative; perhaps remembering the gentle (and not so gentle) moments of earthly life. The third movement, based on Mahler’s own song Des Antonius von Padua Fischpredigt (St. Anthony of Padua’s Sermon to the Fish) recalls those in life who remain brainless despite council from those who offer wise encouragement. In the fourth movement (the first time a voice is heard in any of Mahler’s symphonies), we hear an individual who pines for a more heavenly existence.

The fifth movement alone culminates the essence of the symphony for me. If I were ever stranded on an island, this would be the music I would take with me. Its triumphant, regal and heart-stopping drama somehow speaks to me. You will hear off-stage horn calls throughout the movement, announcing the arrival of a seemingly unearthly power. The climax of the movement, beginning around the fifteen minute mark, is first heralded by a soft two-note trombone "sigh" (foreshadowing the mezzo soprano’s plaintive cry O glaube – or I believe – later in the movement) and dramatically builds energy, complete with off-stage brass band, rumbling timpani, triple-tongued figures in the horns and screaming piccolos until the entire orchestra explodes into its grandest and most powerful registers for the ultimate apocalyptic climax. And just as suddenly as it all began, it abruptly pauses – causing every heart in the auditorium to stop simultaneously. The sound of that silence is captivating, and is one of few moments in music that lifts me up and breaks me down at the same time. Mahler excels at this. He captures the essence of life, religion, nature and human emotion in his music so remarkably well that he brings the listener one step closer to illumination.

Enjoy this symphony – revel in every movement. Close your eyes and listen for Mahler’s voice to speak.  I’ve been listening to this symphony for years, and I promise you it’s there.

Personally, I owe tremendous gratitude to the artists that will work together to create this memorable weekend on May 21-22, 2010: Juanjo Mena, conductor; Karina Gauvin, Soprano; Susanne Mentzer, mezzo-soprano; the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir led by Dr. Eric Stark, and most importantly to former Music Director Mario Venzago, whose idea it was to program this glorious work again after 23 years. Vielen Dank, Maestro.

(This blog is dedicated to my graduate professor Bruce Bellingham [1938-2010] from the University of Connecticut, who taught me how to listen to Mahler’s music not just as a musician, but as a human being.)
 

The month of May in Indianapolis...what can I say.  Thousands of gearheads, casual fans and a slew of out-of-towners descend upon our city for the greatest spectacle in racing. 

And so do the journalists.

It's the media folk who interest me the most. I especially enjoy those who have never been to Indianapolis before.  Or the ones who haven't been here in 10-20 years.  After touring Indy, they usually say to me:   "I had no idea Indy had culture."

[Yes, we aren't just hoops, open-wheel racing and a Super Bowl team Mr. Broadcaster.]

I had the chance to make this point last weekend on "Rudy Maxa's World"--an hour-long radio call-in show on the CBS all-talk station in Los Angeles.  Rudy's show is broadcast on more than 95 stations coast to coast every Saturday morning.  This time, he hosted his show from the Indianapolis 500 racetrack.



Before my interview, Rudy (middle) and his co-host Chris (in the pink) had a lineup of interviews with all sorts of city representatives.  Racing was definitely a hot topic.  When my turn arrived, I was there to tell his listeners that Indy had some more to add to the sports formula. 

So the next question for me was..."What does Indy offer by way of arts and culture?"

[Gimme that microphone]








Of course, I started with the finest musical traditions in this city, Marsh Symphony on the Prairie.








 









And the ISO, one of only 17 full-time orchestras in the country...


















And the IMA, the fifth largest general art museum in the nation.

And the Indiana Repertory Theatre, the very best in professional theatre.

And my daughters would hate me if I forgot the Indianapolis Zoo, with its renowned Dolphin Pavilion and animal conservation efforts.

Oh, and White River State Park, home to the Central Canal, Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana State Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions and public sculpture.

And...

I ran out of time.  A 15-min. radio interview goes too fast.  I needed an hour to get through what Indy's cultural community has to offer.  I'll pick up where I left off for next year's radio show (Hey Rudy...would love an invitation to return).

For 16 years, Indianapolis' arts institutions have come together for one night and staged an incredible concert experience -- all for the benefit of the Indiana AIDS Fund.

Held at Clowes Memorial Hall on the campus of Butler University, the event is called "Spotlight Indianapolis." And it's the one place where you can see and experience the cultural side of Indy.

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has been a part of this great tradition for many years. Tonight, 21 ISO musicians have volunteered to open Spotlight Indianapolis with Mascagni's "Intermezzo" from Cavalleria Rusticana. 



Other performers include: Actors Theatre of Indiana, Asia LaBouche of "The Ladies of Legend at Talbott Street," Brenda Williams and the Pride of Indy Jazz Band, Dance Kaleidoscope, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Indianapolis Children's Choir, Indianapolis Civic Theatre, Indianapolis Opera, Indianapolis Men's Chorus, Kenyetta Dance Company, Meridian Song Project, Phoenix Theatre, (Re)Collective Dance Company, and Tasha Jones, Poet. 

Tickets for general seating are just $15. Don't miss Spotlight Indianapolis 2010!





 

Hi All:

Just returned home from a sold out Pink Floyd Tribute Band concert with the ISO.  The light show was dazzling.  And I believe the ISO received at least three standing ovations from the appreciative (of ALL) ages audience. Possibly you were there and will comment.

I loved the outfits worn by our audience.  Walking in from the convenient parking garage I saw a couple that looked like they were dressed for a prom while many others were in jeans. One can always be comfortable at the Hilbert Circle Theatre.

My passion for this orchestra and music in general causes me to challenge those reading my blog that attended the Music of Pink Floyd concert. Have you ever attended one of our Classical Series concerts? Here is my suggestion for a night on the town.

For one of our 8pm Classical Series programs, begin with dinner at one of many wonderful downtown restaurants or at Dinner at the Symphony. These concerts have an intermission and you can have a drink and discuss the first half (possibly the world famous soloist or the intriguing music you just heard). By the way:  I often see young couples in the audience dressed to kill - so to speak.  What fun! (casual is ok also)  After the concert head to a local bar for shots (maybe tequila, but please don't drink and drive).  Or to a local jazz club.   Indianapolis offers so much.

On a personal note a "Jazz Master" in town, pianist Claude Sifferlen, passed away this past week.  Some of us in the orchestra know him from the Jazz Chatterbox Club on Mass. Ave.  Claude and clarinet/sax giant Frank Glover performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 25 years at this bar. They would always be there playing at "the next level."  Frank being much younger must have started playing with Claude at age 18 or 19.  Claude was a beautiful human being. He will be missed. Through the years the ISO has had as featured soloists (with the orchestra, not as a single act) such greats as Buddy Rich and the Modern Jazz Quartet.  When we think of Claude we put him at that level.  Someone who could live in LA or NYC but we were fortunate he stayed home.

I am proud to say that among my colleagues over the years, and presently, we have that kind of talent in a classical style and our audiences recognize that. And so this week we play for thousands of school age kids during our Discovery Concerts and then next weekend, THE WIZARD OF OZ with Orchestra!

While shopping at the Mall across the street from Hilbert Circle Theatre, a salesman told me he was in the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and they were rehearsing for Mahler's "Resurrection Symphony" in May.  As a student at Miami University he recalled when the ISO performed this masterpiece with John Nelson conducting and Benita Valente singing.  If you have never heard MAHLER - be there!  I had the honor of performing this work with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Leonard Bernstein conducting - and I was paid!!! I could discuss the rehearsals and performances for hours.

Bye for now.

Congratulations Betty!!

Betty Perry, ISO staff member and music director of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, is a finalist for the Inspire 2010: Power of Mentoring Awards to be presented by College Mentors for Kids, Inc. on February 24^th at 11:30am at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. She was nominated by Donna Proctor at Marian University.

This "Mentor of Excellence" award is presented annually to individuals who have dedicated themselves to mentoring and inspiring excellence. 

About MYO: The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra is a youth and family development program that uses string music instruction to reach inner city youth in a unique after-school setting.  The MYO model offers positive use of free time; sequential, structured learning activities; a process of learning to set personal goals and strinve for personal best; exposure to positive, caring adult role models; and healthy peer interaction.  As a result, the high school strudents who participate and stay engaged in MYO have significantly higher graduation rates than their peers and matriculate to college.  The program serves students in grades k-12.

While the program has been around since 1995, MYO has been a program of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra since July 2008.  ISO Director of Education Carol Baker manages the program and Betty Perry is Music Director.  There are 17 part-time teachers who support the program as well as a significant partnership with Butler Community Arts School.

Betty, we are proud of the work you have accomplished!  Congratulations again!

We also thank the following extraordinary sponsors for making the MYO program a reality!

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust
Shaw-Burckhardt-Brenner Foundation
Sheila Fortune Foundation
The Glick Fund, a fund of the Central Indiana Community Foundation
Back Home Again Foundation
Indianapolis Chapter of the Links, Inc.
The Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF affiliate
Rotary Foundation of Indianapolis
Christel DeHaan Family Foundation
The Arts Council of Indianapolis
Indiana Arts Commission
National Endowment of the Arts
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009