Mocktails & Masterpieces

What does it take to embody one of history’s most extraordinary artists? In this episode, violinist Brendon Elliott takes us inside his role as Joseph Bologne in The Chevalier—a musical play that brings to life the brilliance, complexity, and resilience of the famed 18th-century composer and virtuoso. Elliott shares how he approaches portraying the musical components of a real historical figure whose talents spanned music, fencing, and social influence. From mastering the Chevalier’s virtuosic style to connecting with the deeper themes of identity and recognition, this conversation offers a compelling look at the artistry behind the performance and Brendon's career. Don’t miss The Chevalier, presented by the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra on May 16 at the Madam Walker Legacy Center. Buy Tickets & Learn More - https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/the-chevalier-a-musical-play/

Step inside the story behind The Chevalier in this engaging conversation between host Joshua Thompson and playwright, director, and performer Bill Barclay. Together, they explore the spark that ignited this vibrant musical play and the remarkable true life of Joseph Bologne—a virtuoso violinist, champion fencer, and groundbreaking figure in 18th-century France. Barclay shares how history, music, and storytelling intertwine to bring the Chevalier’s journey to the stage, along with insights into the work’s development and its growing success with audiences. The conversation also reflects on themes of identity, artistry, and justice that make this story resonate today. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look ahead of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra’s presentation of The Chevalier on May 16 at 7:30 PM at the Madam Walker Legacy Center. Learn more and get Tickets

In this episode of Mocktails & Masterpieces, Matthew Kraemer sits down with Dance Kaleidoscope Artistic Director Joshua Blake Carter and choreographer Sean Aaron Carmon to explore an exciting upcoming collaboration between the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and Dance Kaleidoscope. Together, they dive into the artistic process of merging live orchestral performance with contemporary dance, highlighting a program centered on American composers. The conversation spotlights the driving energy and hypnotic textures of minimalist icons Philip Glass and John Adams, whose music forms the backbone of this innovative production. Listeners will get an inside look at how choreography takes shape alongside music, including a special discussion of Joshua Blake Thomas’s work set to Shaker Loops—with an exclusive excerpt from the piece. This episode offers a compelling glimpse into the collaborative spirit, creative challenges, and artistic vision behind bringing music and movement together on stage. Performances April 17, 18 & 19 at the Schrott Center for the Arts Learn More & Purchase      

In this episode of Mocktails & Masterpieces, ICO Music Director Matthew Kraemer sits down with composer Stacy Garrop to explore the vibrant stories behind her new work CHROMA. Inspired by the fascinating histories of colors—from the luxurious spice of saffron to the sinister beauty of Scheele’s Green and the celestial calm of cerulean blue—Garrop shares how these vivid narratives became musical sounds. Together, Kraemer and Garrop discuss the process of transforming color into orchestral sound, as well as the storytelling at the heart of Garrop’s music. Listeners will gain insight into the creative journey behind this imaginative work ahead of its world premiere with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. 🎨🎶   Tickets are available for this concert at https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/gardens-of-spain/ March 21, 2025 at the Schrott Center for the Arts - Gardens of Spain

On this episode of Mocktails & Masterpieces, ICO Music Director Matthew Kraemer welcomes Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Martinez for a vibrant conversation about her background as a fifth generation female pianist and Falla's work and connnection to impressionism. Gabriela shares reflections on her musical upbringing, her international career, and the influences that have shaped her distinctive voice at the keyboard. At the heart of the episode is her upcoming performance with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra of Nights in the Gardens of Spain by Manuel de Falla—a work that shimmers with Andalusian atmosphere, rhythmic vitality, and poetic nuance. Together, Matthew and Gabriela explore the piece’s evocative landscapes, its folkloric roots, and the collaboration between soloist and orchestra that brings these “gardens” to life. Join us for an engaging conversation that blends musical insight with personal storytelling, offering a behind-the-scenes look at an unforgettable performance. Get Tickets at icomusic.org Concert on March 21st at 7:30, Schrott Center for the Arts

In this special episode, we step behind the scenes of Orchestration as the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra transforms the event into a circus spectacular on March 7th at Crane Bay. We sit down with our featured aerial silk artist, Lindsay Montgomery at Aerial Annex, to explore the strength, artistry, and storytelling behind this breathtaking art form—and what it’s like to soar above a live orchestra. From rehearsal insights to the creative collaboration between music and motion, this conversation offers a thrilling preview of an unforgettable night where classical music quite literally takes flight. Tickets for Orchestration - https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-0018000000euDndAAE/events/vevt:230714f8-1d8a-47ff-904b-ea55273ac45b/home/story

On this episode of Mocktails & Masterpieces, ICO Music Director Matthew Kraemer sits down with acclaimed violinist and composer Tim Fain for a wide-ranging conversation about musical curiosity and creative evolution. Tim shares his journey from piano to violin, his early experiences singing in a children’s choir, and how those influences shaped his expanding voice as a composer and violin soloist. The episode also features a special performance of Tim’s own violin concerto, composed and performed by the artist himself. Tune in for an intimate look at a versatile musical life—and hear more about Tim’s upcoming appearance with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra for the world premiere of Michael Shapiro’s Violin Concerto, By the Shore of the Sea on January 31 at the Schrott Center for the Arts. Tickets are available at https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/shore-of-the-sea-featuring-tim-fain-violin/

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed Venezuelan soprano María Brea, a rising force on today’s operatic stage whose performances have been praised for their “virtuosity,” “luxurious polish,” and magnetic theatrical instinct. From her celebrated roles in Zorro, The Magic Flute, and Carmen to her vibrant advocacy for Latin American artistry, María shares the story of her musical journey from Caracas to major stages across North America. We explore how her heritage shapes her artistry, the roles and collaborations that have influenced her, and her work uplifting Latina voices in opera. Warm, insightful, and full of passion for the craft, María offers an inspiring look at life behind the scenes of a modern opera career. Join us for a rich and intimate conversation with one of today’s most compelling young sopranos. Hear María with the ICO on December 13 and 14th at Indiana Landmarks for A Classical Christmas.  Tickets at www.icomusic.org

In this engaging episode, Maestro Matthew Kraemer sits down with world-renowned guitarist Sharon Isbin to discuss her artistry, passion for new music, and the evolution of her performances. Together, they reflect on how her recent concerto—first premiered in 2024—has grown and transformed through subsequent performances, capturing new dimensions of sound and expression. Isbin also shares an inside look at the recording sessions at St. Luke’s, offering a glimpse into the precision and creativity that define her approach to the studio. The conversation delves into her deep commitment to commissioning and performing new works, while also honoring the classical guitar’s rich standard repertoire—a balance she has masterfully maintained throughout her celebrated career. Listeners will enjoy an inspiring dialogue about artistry, innovation, and the ever-evolving voice of the guitar in today’s classical music world. Buy Tickets for "Miami in Motion" with Sharon Isbin on November 22 at 7:30 at the Schrott Center

In this episode, Maestro Matthew Kraemer hosts a captivating conversation with acclaimed composer Karen LeFrak and world-renowned guitarist Sharon Isbin. Together, they explore the creative journey behind LeFrak’s new concerto, from its origins and inspirations to the intricate details of the compositional process. Listeners gain insight into what it’s like to compose for a specific soloist—especially one as distinctive and expressive as Isbin—and how collaboration shapes the final work. LeFrak and Isbin share personal reflections on their artistic partnership, as well as the evolution of the concerto since its premiere. Blending musical insight, creative storytelling, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, this discussion offers an intimate look at how great collaborations bring new music to life. Buy Tickets for "Miami in Motion" on November 22 at 7:30 at the Schrott Center  

The Music Library  Explore one of the hidden parts of the concert machine—the music library—where scores are prepared, marked, and delivered to musicians long before you hear the music on stage. Executive Director, Dana Stone, and Operations Coordinator, Tucker McGrew, provide an inside look at the process with comments and stories from past concerts.

Explore the music of Franz Waxman and Miklós Rózsa in this new podcast episode of Mocktails & Masterpieces. Music Director, Matthew Kraemer, discusses their iconic film and concert works and reveals the strong bond between the concert hall and the silver screen. Fun fact: Miklós Rózsa composed the Ben-Hur 1958 score. This episode was originally released in video format only on August 6, 2020. Experience Carl Davis' score for Ben-Hur 1925 on October 18th when ICO performs it live on stage to the film. Learn more and get tickets here: https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/ben-hur-1925/

Join Executive Director, Dana Stone, and Operations Coordinator, Tucker McGrew, and discover the intricate choreography behind the scenes, from stage changes to rehearsal schedules, and how every logistical detail ensures the show goes on.

From Score to Stage is a three-part podcast and video series that takes you inside the fascinating journey of turning a musical idea into a live performance with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. Each episode pulls back the curtain on a different chapter of the process—blending artistry, strategy, and behind-the-scenes magic. Episode 1 – Programming & Commissions (August) Step into the conductor’s world with Matthew Kraemer and learn how concert programs are crafted—what pieces are chosen, why certain works are paired together, and how brand-new compositions make their way to the stage.  

Learn about ICO's upcoming parks' concerts with partner guests Rachel Osterhouse and Patricia Altamirano. This year's performances  Riverside Park, Taggart Amphitheatre - August 28, 2025 at 7:30PM Featuring Global Prep Academy Choir and Suzuki Academy, plus Invoke Yoga Holliday Park, at the Ruins - August 29, 2025 at 7PM Featuring Choir and Suzuki Academy and Invoke Yoga

A look back at ICO Parks Partnerships that continue still today. Learn about ICO's upcoming parks' concerts with partner guests Rachel Osterhouse and Patricia Altamirano. Don't miss this year's parks' concerts at Riverside and Holliday Park! Riverside Park, Taggart Amphitheatre - August 28 at 7PM Featuring Global Prep Academy Choir, Amabel & Juan (Ballet Folklórico), and Suzuki Academy Violin & Cello Students Holliday Park, at the Ruins - August 29 at 6:30PM Featuring Global Prep Academy Choir and Suzuki Academy Violin & Cello Students

Join us for a special episode as the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra welcomes Michael Shapiro, our 2025–2026 Composer-in-Residence. Music Director Matthew Kraemer sits down with Michael to discuss his creative process, inspirations, and what’s ahead this season. You’ll hear exclusive clips from Violinist, Tim Fain, with Shapiro conducting, and Tim Fain performing Shaprio's Peace Variations. Join the ICO in January for two premiere performances of Michael Shapiro: the high-energy Zoomies and the lyrical By the Shore of the Season, a violin concerto written for and performed by acclaimed violinist Tim Fain.   Discover the music, the stories, and the artistry behind the season in this behind-the-scenes conversation. Learn More

Get to know Suliman Tekalli, ICO's next Concertmaster! Enjoy a interview with Executive Director, Dana Stone, as they discuss the role of concertmaster, what Suli is looking forward to next season, and a performance by Suliman and Jamila Tekalli, his sister, pianist!

Maestro Matthew Kraemer and Executive Director Dana Stone discuss the recent announcement of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra's 42nd Season - In Motion. Learn more at icomusic.org

ICO's first composer-in-residence, James Aikman, discusses the compositional process and inspiration for his new work Alarm! The mocktail will feature excerpts from Aikman's saxophone concert and Emmy Award Winning, Peacemakers.   **Fun Fact** The musical introduction for Mocktails and Masterpieces is a short excerpt from Alarm!

Jump back to April 2021 with this special interview with violinist, Rubén Rengel. Rubén played with the ICO at our first indoor concert with audience at the tail end of the pandemic in April 2021 which was at the Palladium in Carmel. ICO's next concert "Celebrate the Songbook" with Michael Feinstein is also at the Palladium and is our first time returning since 2021. Classic American - Rubén Rengel joins the ICO on Samuel Barber's Violin Concerto. He shares insights about this career, the Sphinx Organization, and more.

Join us as we dive into the creative mind of Venezuelan-American composer Reinaldo Moya, discussing his powerful multi-media work, Dark Earth, which the ICO premiered in November 2021. In this re-aired episode originally recorded in 2021, Moya shares the inspirations behind the piece and multi-media collaborative project with Michael Hallerz. Learn about his collaborative process, the fusion of music and visuals, and how Dark Earth brings stories to life in a unique and immersive way. Full concert recording of Dark Earth - https://youtu.be/Zkwv1LQU6aY Moya's upcoming premiere Hone, Run Away from Me is April 5, 2025 at the Schrott Center for the Arts  Tickets  - https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/land-in-the-music-featuring-ico-chorus/

Reinaldo Moya, composer and longtime ICO collaborator, shares compositional and personal connections to his newly ICO commissioned work, Home, Run Away from Me. The piece is a song cycle centered around the universal experience of a person who must leave their homeland.     Moya and ICO Music Director, Matthew Kraemer, discuss his compositional style and past collaborations. Stay listening for an excerpt of ICO's commission with Reinaldo from 2020, Dark Earth.   Hear this work and Haydn's Mass in the Time of War and Martinu's Sinfonietta La Jolla on April 5th at 7:30 PM Get tickets and learn more - https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/land-in-the-music-featuring-ico-chorus/

Maestro Matthew Kraemer and Executive Director, Dana Stone, discuss Charles Chaplin's "The Gold Rush." The film is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. Maestro Kraemer discusses the film's evolution, the musical influences, and the rehearsal process.     ICO will present "The Gold Rush" on March 8th at 7:30 at the Schrott Center for the Arts. The concert is currently sold-out.

Music Director, Matthew Kraemer, is joined by Butler Film Professor, Allison Harthcock. They discuss the impact of Metropolis on film, German Expressionism, the dawn of science fiction, and Maestro Kraemer discusses the Huppertz score.   This podcast is released in celebration of the upcoming ICO presentation of Charles Chaplin's "The Gold Rush" with live orchestral score on March 8, 2025 at the Schrott Center for the Arts. Get Tickets & Learn More!: https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/charlie-chaplins-the-gold-rush/

The Internationa Violin Competition of Indianapolis (IVCI) and ICO will co-present "Solidarity Symphony" on February 1, 2025 featuring Sirena Huang, Gold Medalist.  In this interview, Sirena shares her prepartion process, her love for Beethoven, and much more!   Get Tickets and Learn More: https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/joyful-solidarity-featuring-sirena-huang-violin/ 

Get to know the CMI composition winner, Jorge Muñiz. Jorge has composed "Solidarity Symphony" for premiere and recording with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra on February 1, 2025. This piece centers around the inspirational texts and poetry of Pope Francis, Maya Angelou, Gwendolyn Brooks, and Langston Hughes.   Learn more and Get Tickets: https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/joyful-solidarity-featuring-sirena-huang-violin/

Join us for a look back at a recent collaboration with past IVCI (International Violin Competition of Indianapolis Laureate), Bella Hristova.  ICO Executive Director, Dana Stone, talks with with Bella about her career, connection to Indiana, and her love of Prokofiev. Don't miss our next partnership with IVCI on February 1, 2025 with 2023 Gold Medalist, Sirena Huang. Sirena will join the ICO with Beethoven's Violin Concerto on the "Joyful Solidarity" concert. This concert also features a world premiere by Jorge Muñiz.  Tickets and Information - https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/joyful-solidarity-featuring-sirena-huang-violin/  

Join ICO Executive Director, Dana Stone, and ISC Artistic Director, Eric Stark, for a conversation about artistic collaborations. ISC and ICO's most frequent collaboration is Festival of Carols which is coming up later in December. 

A look back on our first concert with chorus master, Eric Schmidt, with Maestro Matthew Kraemer. Learn about choral preparation, Messiah vs. Bach Christmas Oratorio, and its role in the Christmas repertoire in the USA and Europe.    Don't miss this year's Classical Christmas on Saturday, December 14 (7PM) at Indiana Landmarks and the Sing-Along on Sunday, December 15 at 3PM. Classical Christmas - https://ci.ovationtix.com/36694/production/1199550?performanceId=11462812 Sing-Along - https://ci.ovationtix.com/36694/production/1199552?performanceId=11462813 Combination Packages  - https://ci.ovationtix.com/36694/store/bundledPackages/143116  

ICO Music Director, Matthew Kraemer, sits down with ICO Principal Oboe and our next concert's soloist, Leonid Sirotkin. Learn more about the concert and get tickets for November 23 at 7:3pm https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/autumn-sketches-vaughan-williams-mozart-and-leonid-sirotkin/

A throwback episode to this interview from October 2022 with Kenny Broberg, the most recent winner of the APA Classical Competition.   We're celebrating our APA partnerships as ICO kicked off the 2024 Classical Competition earlier this month.   Check out the APA concert lineup this season, featuring the ICO: https://lnkd.in/gS6fS7Jk

ICO welcomes guest artist and Mezzo-Soprano, Ashley Dixon, to discuss her background, love for Berlioz and the Barqoeu music. Maestro Matthew Kraemer interviews. Enjoy a performance by Ashley, Rossini "La Cenerentola" Non piu mesta.   Don't miss Summer Nights with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra on October 19 at 7:30 pm.  Tickets & Info: https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/summer-nights-with-ashley-dixon/

Learn about the new ICO education field trip program created by Carnegie Hall: Link Up. ICO is offering this culminating concert and educational curriculum for free to schools in Indianapolis. If you want to bring your class, sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSePg8NWXvCUUHDYM7HZHGp9AZq1jAGIP--QVTOhYk0Svgni_Q/viewform New Virtual Education Program: Black Keys the Evolution of the Black Classical Arts is available for free after October 1, 2024. Sign up for classroom access here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddJRRcHvYqUTrF4o6xGfAK6f3COGVMK53KgkL0Wn7aRToIxw/viewform

Enjoy this re-aired interview with Rob Dixon, Dan Tepfer, and Matthew Kraemer from May 2021. They discuss their collaboration during James Aikman's "Peacemakers." A performance is included!

Learn more about the program that earned a 2024 ARTI from the Indy Arts Council for its work in community partnerships towards diversity and equity!  

An interview with Matthew Kraemer, Music Director, and ICO Principal Oboe, Leonid Sirotkin, from 2020.   Leonid will solo with the ICO In 2024 - Autumn Sketches on November 23 Learn more https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/autumn-sketches-vaughan-williams-mozart-and-leonid-sirotkin/ 

ICO Principal Bass, David Murray, interviews Wendy Muston, Prinicpal Harp and founding member of the ICO. Enjoy a live performance from pandemic outdoor concert with Wendy Muston and Marjie Hanna!

Actor and Narrator, Ty Stover, together with Dana Stone, ICO Executive Director, discuss the virtual education module, Tall Tales and Long Tails. This program is free for all students in Indiana with accompanying curriculum guides. Teachers can request free access: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSddJRRcHvYqUTrF4o6xGfAK6f3COGVMK53KgkL0Wn7aRToIxw/viewform

Get to know our principal bassist, David Murray, with this interview and performance from May 17, 2021. Bonus content includes the Octabass!

Join Maestro Matthew Kraemer and Executive Director, Dana Stone, as they discuss the 24-25 Season "Land in the Music" and ICO's education and community engagement. Be sure to join us for the Building Community Through Music Day on June 11!!!  https://ci.ovationtix.com/36694/store/donations

On the heels of the end of our 40th season, we are sharing an interview with Maestro Matthew Kraemer and now Artistic Director Emeritus, David Hochoy, of Dance Kaleidscope. This interview was in anticipation of the 2022 collaborative concert, Music Moves!    Learn more about the ICO at icomusic.org

Get to know the artistic minds at work for the collaborative performance New World with Dance Kaleidoscope and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra on May 17, 18, 19, 2024! Guest Conductor, Andrés Lopera, DK Artistic Director, Joshua Blake Carter, and DK Associate Artistic Director, Stuart Lewis, discuss the collaboration, artistic decisions, choreography, inspirations, and more!

Learn about ICO virtual education module launched in 2021, What Makes Music American, with its hosts Matthew Kraemer and Joshua Thompson. Project support from: Central Indiana Community Foundation: CICF   This episode originally aired on youtube on May 14, 2021. 

ICO's Creative Partner in Residence and concert curator, Joshua Thompson, discusses the classical programming and artistic collaborations with Maestro, Matthew Kraemer.  “Black Keys,” weaves together dance, powerhouse vocals, and world-class artistry and featuring fellow artists Psywrn Simone, Kenyetta Dance Co., and Jared Thompson. The repertoire includes masterpieces composed by Black contributors in classical music that span over three centuries: William Grant Still, Joseph Bologne, Nina Simone, Duke Ellington, Harry Burleigh and Margaret Bonds. This concert is sold out, but learn about other ICO concerts at icomusic.org 

Get to know Joshua and Jared Thompson twin brothers and artistic collaborators on "Black Keys: The Evolution of the Black Classical Arts."  Black Keys will have its first live performance to a sold-out audience on April 20, 2024 at the Schrott Center for the Arts with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.    Learn more: https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/black-keys-the-evolution-of-the-black-classical-arts/     

Learn about ICO's signature fundraising event, Orchestration.  Orchestration 2024 is March 16, 2024 at Crane Bay, so many of the details discussed in this interview hold true for the 2024 event.   Tickets https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-0018000000euDndAAE/events/vevt:f097d10f-c3b9-4392-9d4a-93fe7c40abc7/home/story 

ICO Music Director, Matthew Kraemer, interviews composer, Richard Einhorn. Einhorn composed the oratorio "Voices of Light" for chorus, soloist and orchestra to accompany the classic silent film, "The Passion of Joan of Arc." ICO will present Voices of Light on March 9, 2024 at the Schrott Center for the Arts. DePauw University Choirs and professional soloists will join the orchestra for this collaborative performance!   https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/the-passion-of-joan-of-arc-voices-of-light-film/

Music Director, Matthew Kraemer, is joined by Butler Film Professor, Allison Harthcock. They discuss the impact of Metropolis on film, German Expressionism, the dawn of science fiction, and Maestro Kraemer discusses the Huppertz score.