December 26, 2023
My mission in writing this column is to shine a spotlight on Central Indiana performing arts organizations and artists. In that spirit, I offer the following list, in alphabetical order, of individual performing arts figures. It is my distinct pleasure to honor this accomplished group... read more
December 2, 2023
On Friday at the opening night performance of AES Indiana “Yuletide Celebration,” presented by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, affable host Ben Crawford posed a question to the audience during his introductory comments. Commenting that the last time he hosted “Yuletide” was in 2014 and delighted... read more
November 6, 2023
In an attempt to put a face on the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the organization features photos and brief bios of members on banners located in the Hilbert Circle Theatre lobby. The musicians are also spotlighted in video profiles that are projected onstage above the orchestra... read more
September 27, 2023
At the conclusion of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Opening Night Gala concert, Grammy-winning violinist Joshua Bell, a Bloomington native, acknowledged his “hometown orchestra,” remarking that “They “never sounded better.” Now fifty-five, and still youthful looking, the renowned virtuoso made his professional debut with the ISO... read more
February 2, 2023
Saturday, I attended the “ISO Spotlights Musicians” Pop Series concert, led by Jack Everly. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Pops Series concert was special on so many levels — the arrangements, the guest artists, the ISO musician solos, the participation of Metropolitan Youth Orchestra musicians, and... read more
December 10, 2022
I felt like I had died and gone to heaven the time I saw the late, great tenor Luciano Pavarotti perform at the former Market Square Arena sometime in the late 90s. That same distinctive emotional response returned Wednesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse where... read more
October 12, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Pops concert “Leading Men of Broadway,” presented Saturday at Hilbert Circle Theatre, on so many levels. First of all, musicals are my favorite performing arts form. Secondly, no one interprets the Broadway repertoire better than ISO Pops maestro... read more
February 9, 2022
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Jack Everly, will present a Pops Series concert of popular romantic music featuring Canadian jazz singer Denzal Sinclaire. An abbreviated Coffee Pops concert will be held on Friday, February 11 at 11 a.m.... read more
