Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) is a classical music ensemble based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1930, the ISO has become one of the most respected and renowned orchestras in the United States. The ISO was founded by Ferdinand Schaefer, a German conductor who had previously led the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Schaefer was hired by the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce to establish a professional orchestra in the city. The ISO gave its first concert on November 20, 1930, at the Murat Theatre in downtown Indianapolis. The ISO's early years were marked by financial struggles, but the orchestra persevered and gradually built a reputation for excellence. In 1937, the ISO hired Fabien Sevitzky as its new conductor. Sevitzky, a Russian-born conductor who had previously led the Indianapolis Symphony Society, brought a new level of professionalism and artistic vision to the ISO. Under Sevitzky's leadership, the ISO began to attract world-class soloists and guest conductors. In 1941, the ISO performed with legendary pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff, who praised the orchestra's musicianship and professionalism. The ISO also began to tour extensively, performing in cities across the United States and Canada. Sevitzky remained the ISO's conductor until 1955, when he was succeeded by Izler Solomon. Solomon, an American conductor who had previously led the Houston Symphony Orchestra, continued to build on the ISO's reputation for excellence. He introduced new works by contemporary composers and expanded the orchestra's repertoire. During Solomon's tenure, the ISO also began to perform at the newly-built Clowes Memorial Hall on the campus of Butler University. The hall, which opened in 1963, provided the ISO with a state-of-the-art performance space and helped to solidify the orchestra's position as a cultural institution in Indianapolis. In 1976, the ISO hired John Nelson as its new conductor. Nelson, an American conductor who had previously led the Caramoor Festival Orchestra, brought a new level of energy and enthusiasm to the ISO. He expanded the orchestra's outreach programs and introduced new initiatives to engage with the community. Under Nelson's leadership, the ISO also began to record extensively. The orchestra's recordings of works by American composers such as Samuel Barber and Aaron Copland received critical acclaim and helped to raise the ISO's profile on the national stage. In 1987, the ISO hired Raymond Leppard as its new conductor. Leppard, a British conductor who had previously led the Indianapolis Opera, brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the ISO. He continued to expand the orchestra's repertoire and introduced new works by European composers. During Leppard's tenure, the ISO also began to collaborate with other arts organizations in Indianapolis. The orchestra performed with the Indianapolis Opera, the Indianapolis Ballet, and the Indianapolis Children's Choir, among others. In 2002, the ISO hired Mario Venzago as its new conductor. Venzago, a Swiss conductor who had previously led the Basel Symphony Orchestra, brought a new level of artistic vision and innovation to the ISO. He introduced new works by contemporary composers and expanded the orchestra's outreach programs. Under Venzago's leadership, the ISO also began to tour internationally. The orchestra performed in Europe, Asia, and South America, receiving critical acclaim for its performances.

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