The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra (ICO) is a classical music ensemble based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1984 by conductor Kirk Trevor, the ICO has become one of the premier chamber orchestras in the United States, known for its innovative programming and high-quality performances. Kirk Trevor, a British conductor, came to Indianapolis in 1984 to take up a position as the conductor of the Butler University Symphony Orchestra. He soon realized that there was a need for a professional chamber orchestra in the city, and he founded the ICO with the help of a group of local musicians and music lovers. The ICO's first concert was held in October 1984, and it was an immediate success. The ensemble's first season included performances of works by Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven, as well as contemporary composers such as John Adams and Philip Glass. Over the years, the ICO has grown in size and reputation. Today, it is a full-time professional orchestra with a core of 34 musicians. The ensemble performs a wide range of repertoire, from Baroque and Classical music to contemporary works by living composers. One of the ICO's main strengths is its commitment to innovative programming. The ensemble regularly performs works that are rarely heard in concert halls, such as the music of African-American composers and women composers. The ICO has also commissioned new works from composers such as David Baker, James Beckel, and Frank Felice. The ICO has performed in many prestigious venues throughout the United States, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the Ravinia Festival in Chicago. The ensemble has also toured internationally, performing in Europe, Asia, and South America. The ICO has received many awards and accolades over the years. In 1990, the ensemble was awarded the Indiana Governor's Arts Award for its contributions to the cultural life of the state. In 2008, the ICO was named the "Best Chamber Orchestra" by the Indianapolis Star, and in 2014, the ensemble was awarded the Classical Music Indy Award for "Outstanding Ensemble." One of the ICO's most notable achievements was its performance of the complete cycle of Beethoven's symphonies in 2010. The cycle was performed over the course of four concerts, and it was hailed as a major achievement by critics and audiences alike. Another highlight of the ICO's history was its collaboration with the Indianapolis Opera in 2016. The two organizations joined forces to present a production of Mozart's opera "The Marriage of Figaro," which was praised for its high-quality performances and innovative staging. The ICO has also been involved in many educational and outreach programs over the years. The ensemble has worked with local schools and community organizations to bring classical music to underserved communities, and it has also provided opportunities for young musicians to perform with the orchestra. Today, the ICO continues to be a vital part of the cultural life of Indianapolis and the surrounding region. The ensemble's commitment to innovative programming and high-quality performances has earned it a reputation as one of the finest chamber orchestras in the United States.

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