Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra

The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra (ICO) is a prominent musical ensemble based in Indianapolis, Indiana, with a rich history and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). Founded on November 18, 1984, as Musicians of the Cloister, the ICO held its debut performance at Trinity Episcopal Church in Indianapolis. The orchestra's first Music Director was David Urness. In 1987, the ensemble adopted its current name, and the following year, Kirk Trevor was appointed as the Music Director and Conductor, a position he held for 27 years until his retirement at the end of the 2014-2015 season. The ICO has been involved in various innovative projects and partnerships. In 2007, the orchestra became the Orchestra-in-Residence at the Indiana State University Contemporary Music Festival. This partnership includes sponsoring a national competition for new chamber orchestra compositions and performing the winning work during the festival. The ICO also began a weekly radio broadcast on WFYI 90.1 FM in 2009, which continues to air on Sundays at 9:00 PM. During the 2012-2013 season, the ICO became the professional Orchestra-in-Residence for the Schrott Center for the Arts at the Butler Arts Center. That same season, James Aikman was hired as the ICO's first Composer-in-Residence. In May of the 2014-2015 season, the ICO released its first commercial CD, "Momentum 21." The following season, Matthew Kraemer joined as the Music Director and Conductor. Under his leadership, the ICO commissioned "Peacemakers" by James Aikman, a piece commemorating Indiana's bicentennial and the contributions of Kirk Trevor. The ICO's commitment to community engagement and education is reflected in its establishment of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee and the adoption of a DEI policy during the 2020-2021 season. In July 2020, Dana Stone was appointed as the new executive director, succeeding Elaine Eckhart, who had led the organization for 15 successful years. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICO demonstrated resilience by hosting a safe, free outdoor performance at Holliday Park, leading the City of Indianapolis to proclaim September 24th as ICO Day in September 2020. The orchestra's adaptability was further evidenced by the success of its virtual Christmas program, "A Baroque Christmas," which reached international audiences and garnered nearly 20,000 views. In March 2021, the ICO recorded three virtual education programs to support music education in Indiana, benefiting over 8,000 students. The ICO's virtual education program, "What Makes Music American," premiered on WFYI on Thanksgiving Day in November 2021. Recognition of the ICO's dedication to DEI initiatives came in February 2022, when it was awarded the Catalyst Incubator Grant from the League of American Orchestras. In April 2022, Joshua Thompson was hired as the Creative Partner-in-Residence to lead the development of culturally relevant and inclusive artistic programming, education, and community involvement. As the ICO looks forward to celebrating its 40th Anniversary Season in 2023-2024, it continues to uphold its mission, vision, and DEIA commitment through its concerts, events, education programs, partnerships, and engagements. The organization remains a vital part of the cultural fabric of Indianapolis, contributing to the evolution of the classical arts and fostering a love of music within the community.