Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Held Annual Meeting on Nov. 16

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra re-caps artistic highlights of its 2008-2009 season which includes several world premieres in both classical and pops series

ISO’s Marsh Symphony on the Prairie posts all-time attendance record

ISO’s Learning Community reaches 123,000 people of all ages through a wide range of programs including the newly-adopted Metropolitan Youth Orchestra; MYO students perform at Annual Meeting

ISO releases financial data and makes commitment to endowment fundraising, earned revenue and controlling operational expenses for the next several years

Indiana Symphony Society elects new members to its Board of Directors

INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana Symphony Society held its 2009 Annual Meeting on Monday, Nov. 16, at the Hilbert Circle Theatre and highlighted the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s artistic achievements, outreach into the classroom and community, its successes with several sell-out performances, and its commitment to attracting new audiences to concerts and programs during the Orchestra’s 2008-2009 season.

“The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is an organization that pursues incredibly high artistic ideals, embraces the needs of the 21st century audience and understands and steps up to meet the key issues of the city,” said Simon Crookall, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. “Although this has been a challenging year for us financially, we have tremendous optimism about our future.”

During the 2008-09 season, the ISO performed nearly 200 classical, pops, family and special concerts at the Hilbert Circle Theatre and at Marsh Symphony on the Prairie and at other locations throughout the central Indiana community. The ISO recorded a total attendance of more than 350,000. Highlights of the year included:

• Sell-out crowds for Opening Night Gala featuring violinist Joshua Bell; Guys and Dolls in October; Valentine’s Day Weekend concerts; Gabriela Montero playing Rhapsody in Blue in February; and André Watts’ performance of Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto and Cirque de la Symphonie in March.

• World premieres featuring composer Jennifer Higdon’s Violin Concerto written for Hilary Hahn; composer Gabriela Lena Frank’s Peregrinos (Pilgrims) which brought to life the stories of Indianapolis’ Hispanic community; and the production Irving Berlin: From Ragtime to Ritzes as part of the Symphonic Pops Consortium founded by the ISO’s Principal Pops Conductor, Jack Everly.

• Collaborations with Dance Kaleidoscope for Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade and the critically-acclaimed production of Wagner’s Das Rheingold with the Indianapolis Opera.

• The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra’s (MYO) adoption into the ISO’s Learning Community department. Led by founder Betty Perry, the MYO provides children with reduced-tuition music instruction and ensemble performance opportunities. The Learning Community also provides educational programs that specifically address state-mandated standards in the arts and other curricular areas and plans concerts, master classes, events and other educational programs that reached approximately 123,000 people this season.

• More than 40,000 patrons for the annual Duke Energy Yuletide Celebration, which featured Tony Award-nominated singer and songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway and special guests Daniel Okulitch and the Capitol Quartet.

• Capacity crowds for performances of Handel’s Messiah at Clowes Memorial Hall and the annual Classical Christmas concert led by ISO Conductor Laureate Raymond Leppard.

• A new all-time attendance record of 107,281 for its Marsh Symphony on the Prairie season, exceeding the previous mark of 107,245 set in 1999.

• In August, the ISO became one of only four orchestras in the country with its own iPhone application, which offers free and inexpensive downloadable music and information from the Symphony. The ISO also has the most extensive digital music library of any orchestra available through InstantEncore.com.

The Society announced financial data for the 2008-2009 fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2009. Crookall reported that fiscal year 2009 expenses exceeded revenue by $2.8 million on a budget of $28.3 million. Income was lower than the previous year in all categories, particularly from the ISO Foundation and from large, one-time gifts. However, through a series of cost-cutting measures affecting operational and department expenses, total expenditure was down from the previous year. More cuts in expenses, including a new agreement with the ISO musicians that represents $4 million in savings over the next three years, and salary cuts for ISO staff, were put in place in the beginning of this fiscal year. The endowment’s balance as of Aug. 31, 2009 was $85 million (down from $110 million in 2008). Since 2003, the ISO’s endowment draw amount has remained flat.

“Now more than ever, our financial future is reliant on companies and individuals buying tickets, sponsoring performances and supporting our activities,” said Crookall. “Moving forward, the ISO staff and musicians have already made significant contributions back to the organization through salary reductions. The next phase will be growing our endowment for long-term stability, growing our audience base and being good stewards of the generous support we currently receive by controlling expenses.”

“We have this valuable inspirational asset called the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, which adds so much to Indiana’s cultural and economic climate,” said Robert Kaspar, outgoing chairman of the ISO Board of Directors. “Even under these extraordinary economic challenges, management is making prudent business decisions now to address a new financial reality. Additional support from the community will be necessary in both annual gifts as well as significant contributions to its foundation to stabilize the ISO’s short term financial situation. The next two years will be critical in making progress.”

The Society elected the following new Board members for three-year terms:
Deborah Ware Balogh, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Indianapolis
Andrea Cranfill, Vice President, FlashPoint
John R. Gibbs, Co-Founder/Retired, Interactive Intelligence
Holly M. Pantzer, Tax Advisor, BKD
J. Daniel Philpott, Senior Vice President, Fifth Third Private Bank
Marcia Raab, Chief Marketing Officer, Defender Direct
Marianne Williams Tobias, Program Book Annotator, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Ralph V. Wilhelm, President & Founder, Wilhelm Associates

The following Board members were re-elected for a second term:
Don Altemeyer
Carolyn S. Hardman
Tomisue Hilbert
Alvin E. Kite Jr.
Kay F. Koch
Bruce C. McCaw
Alexander David Mih, M.D.
Kenneth L. Renkens M.D.
Christopher A. Slapak
Pete Ward
David E. Wilcox, P.E.

The following outgoing Board members were recognized for their service:
Robert A. Anker
Rollin M. Dick
Margot L. Eccles
Megan Fowler
Bradley S. Fuson
Kathy L. Humphrey

The Society also recognized first violin Vladimir Krakovich and Vice President and General Manager Thomas R. Ramsey for 25 years of distinguished service and presented the “Outstanding Staff Award” to Joanne Bennett, Director of Facilities and Audience Services, for extraordinary service to the ISO.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Acclaimed String Trio Tiime for Three Establish Three-Year Relationship

"CLASSICALLY-TRAINED GARAGE BAND" BECOMES ISO'S FIRST ENSEMBLE-IN-RESIDENCE AND WILL TAKE A LEAD ROLE IN THE SYMPHONY'S NEW AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES AND STUDENT MENTORSHIP

INDIANAPOLIS—For the first time in its 79-year history, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has created a residency program tied to an ensemble group rather than an individual artist or composer. As the new ensemble-in-residence for the Indianapolis Symphony, the dynamic string trio Time for Three will bring its unique sound and innovative approach to composing and performing music on stage and throughout the community beginning in November of this year and ending with the 2011-2012 season.

Time for Three members—Zach De Pue, violin and ISO Concertmaster, Nick Kendall, violin, and Ranaan Meyer, double bass—began playing together as students at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and formed the group after discovering their affection for improvisation and blending jazz, classical, bluegrass and country western music in new and different ways. The self-described "classically-trained garage band" has appeared with the ISO on multiple occasions at the Hilbert Circle Theatre, Marsh Symphony on the Prairie and at other select events. As the Orchestra's official ensemble, the group plans to bring its music to new audiences and new venues throughout Indiana; establish relationships with and inspire student musicians from selected residency schools; develop a leadership role with programming for, and performances in, the ISO's Stella Artois Happy Hour at the Symphony series; and together with the ISO musicians and artistic staff, create new opportunities that attract the next generation to the performing arts.

"I am excited about the possibilities that our partnership with Time for Three opens up for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra," said Simon Crookall, President and CEO of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. "We have seen what a dynamic affect the group has on our audiences, who are charmed and invigorated by their amazing talent, enthusiasm and charisma. Building on the relationship that Zach has already established with the Orchestra and with the public, it is wonderful to welcome Nick and Ranaan to the ISO family! There is no better way to reach out to new audiences in Indianapolis than by collaborating with this dynamic trio."

Time for Three's concert schedule with the ISO includes Lilly Classical Series performances Nov. 5-7 and in February and May of next year for Happy Hour at the Symphony. Working with the ISO's Learning Community, the group will be scheduling appearances and community events and developing official relationships with Broad Ripple and Perry Meridian high schools in order to work one-on-one with students in the music programs. More up-to-date information on the residency and events associated with the group will be available at a new web site, www.ISOTf3.org beginning Nov. 1.

"Being invited to partner with the ISO is a thrill for us, a career highlight, and an inspiring opportunity to be a part of an institution we strongly believe in," said Nick Kendall. "The ISO is a foundation for us, and together with the musicians and creative leadership of the Orchestra, we hope to provide additional energy to the already mighty strength of this organization. We want to evolve the art form and spread the word in a heartland community we are quickly falling in love with."

Time for Three Community Events and Concerts in 2009-2010

Time for Three: Roots and Wings
Monday, Nov. 2, 2009
7 p.m.
Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation
Explore the creative process of the dynamic trio, Time for Three. The group will demonstrate its approach to adapting existing melodies by experimenting with some songs from the Jewish tradition.
Public welcome; free

Young Professionals Breaking Boundaries
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Hilbert Circle Theatre Wood Room
A presentation, short performance and a question and answer session for members of IndyHub and Lacy Leadership Association.

Symphonic Hits Powered by Lilly
Time for Three Performs Jennifer Higdon's Concerto 4-3
Nov. 5, 11 a.m.
Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at www.IndianapolisSymphony.org or (317) 639-4300.

Spirited Chase
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009
WFYI
9 a.m.
Time for Three will help kick off this annual signature event of the 2009 Spirit and Place Festival.
Public welcome; free

Time for Three: World View, One Sound
February 2010 (exact date to be determined)
7 p.m.
Marian University Chapel
Hear the sound that's breaking down musical barriers and discover how this trio is defying the limits of their instruments and industry one note at a time.
Free; open to the public.

Stella Artois Happy Hour at the Symphony featuring Time for Three
Feb. 18 & May 6, 2010
Hilbert Circle Theatre
Happy Hour begins at 5 p.m.; Concert starts at 6:30 p.m.
$20/person
Tickets can be purchased at www.IndianapolisSymphony.org or (317) 639-4300.

For a complete calendar of information, go to www.ISOTf3.org.

ISO Residency Programs

The ISO has collaborated with four artists-in-residence—pianists Barry Douglas, Pascal Rogé and André Watts and baritone Nathan Berg—all during former Music Director Raymond Leppard's tenure. In addition, Gabriela Lena Frank just completed a residency program in the 2008-09 season with the premiere of Peregrinos (Pilgrims), and David Ott joined the ISO in 1990 as a composer-in-residence and created five works—Music of the Canvas (1990), Indianapolis Concerto (1993), Improvisations on the "Clara Songs" from Egmont (1994), Garden of Secret Thoughts (1996) and Triple Concerto (1997).

About Time for Three

What started as a trio of musicians who jammed together backstage while students at Philadelphia's Curtis Institute for Music evolved into Time for Three -- a charismatic ensemble with a reputation for limitless enthusiasm and no musical boundaries. The members -- Zach De Pue, violin; Nick Kendall, violin; and Ranaan Meyer, double bass -- carry a passion for improvisation, composing and arranging, all prime elements of the ensemble's playing. Zach De Pue and Nick Kendall first discovered their mutual love of fiddling in the country western and bluegrass styles. Bassist Ranaan Meyer then introduced them to his deep roots in jazz and improvisation. After considerable experimentation, the three officially formed Tf3. The ensemble gained instant attention in July 2003 during a lightning-induced power failure at Philadelphia's Mann Music Center. While technicians attempted to restore onstage lighting, Ranaan and Zach, who were both performing with The Philadelphia Orchestra, obliged with an impromptu jam session that included works as far afield from the originally scheduled symphony as "Jerusalem's Ridge," "Ragtime Annie," and "Orange Blossom Special." The crowd went wild.

Tf3 sets itself apart not only with its varied repertoire performed with astonishing technical acuity, but also through its approach. Its high-energy performances are free of conventional practices, drawing instead from the members' differing musical backgrounds. The trio also performs its own arrangements of traditional repertoire and Ranaan Meyer provides original compositions to complement the trio's offerings. Tf3 has performed on many of the nation's important stages, including the Mann Music Center, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and Joe's Pub in New York. In addition to their albums, they have been seen and heard frequently on various television and radio broadcasts throughout the country, including numerous times on Public Television and NPR, and were featured in a documentary film about Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square directed by Robert Downey, Sr. The group also recorded the soundtrack to the History Channel's production, The Spanish-American War.

The ensemble has begun a major commissioning program to expand its unique repertoire for both symphony orchestras and concert series. One of these projects has involved a new work written by celebrated composer Jennifer Higdon, premiered in six performances by Tf3 with The Philadelphia Orchestra and Christoph Eschenbach in January 2008. Future commissions will include works by Chris Brubeck and William Bolcom. In addition to its demanding performance schedule, the trio is committed to reaching younger audiences and has participated in a number of educational residencies and outreach concerts including Paul Newman's Hole In The Wall Gang Camp (for which they have helped raise over $8 million along with Whoopi Goldberg, Alec Baldwin, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Joanne Woodward); The Fox Channel's "Good Morning Philadelphia" telecast from the Kimmel Center; the Liberty Awards Ceremony honoring Colin Powell; and the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce's morning debate banquet for gubernatorial candidates Edward Rendell and Mike Fisher. Tf3 was also featured in the Pennsylvania Society's televised annual gala from New York's Waldorf-Astoria.

The 2009-10 season finds Time for Three continuing a rigorous North American performance schedule. Highlights include appearances with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under Marin Alsop; Fort Worth Symphony under Miguel Harth-Bedoya; Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra; and a debut of a Chris Brubeck commission with the Boston Pops under Keith Lockhart. Also in 2009-10, the group furthers its commitment to outreach by launching a multi-year residency with the Indianapolis Symphony and makes its Carnegie Hall debut on the Family Concert Series.

Indianapolis Symphony Sets New Attendance Record of 107,281 for Summertime Marsh "Symphony on the Prairie" Series

Attendance Tops 100,000 Mark for Only 2^nd Time in 28-Year History of Outdoor Series

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra announced that it set a new all-time attendance record of 107,281 for its Marsh Symphony on the Prairie season of outdoor concerts this summer, exceeding the previous mark of 107,245, set in 1999. This marks only the second time that the ISO surpassed the 100,000 attendance milestone in its 28-year history of presenting the popular outdoor concert series at the Conner Prairie Amphitheater.

Among the notable attendance marks established this summer were:

· Total season attendance of 107,281, the largest full-season crowd to attend the series.

· Single night attendance record for a Pops concert featuring the ISO with 8,145 people enjoying the Classical Mystery Tour Beatles tribute program on Aug. 1

· Second largest non-July 4 weekend attendance of 14,304 July 31-Aug 1, just missing the all-time record of 14,829 (Aug. 27-29, 1999 - Big Band)

· Fourth largest single concert attendance of 12,291 on July 3

Commenting on the new record, ISO President and CEO Simon Crookall said, “We are grateful for the loyal supporters who have, in ever-increasing numbers, chosen to enjoy the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in wonderful concerts at its summer home at Conner Prairie, especially in these challenging economic times. Outstanding weather, plus the casual concert atmosphere and the wide variety of musical genres that we presented, from rock ‘n’ roll to classical, made for a delightful summer of entertainment for central Indiana music lovers.”

“We also thank our partners, Marsh Supermarkets and Conner Prairie, who have worked closely with us to build this Series from its humble beginning in 1982, when we performed eight concerts for a total audience of about 25,000 people to where it is today. The popularity of the series has blossomed over the years with the continued support of our two partners and we look forward to even greater success with them in the future,” he added.

On Saturday, September 5, Debra Fleetwood of New Palestine was honored as the 100,000^th person to enter the gates this season for a Marsh Symphony on the Prairie Series concert. Fleetwood received a certificate for two Value Packs (each containing 10 tickets) to the 2010 Series, a $100 Gift Card from Marsh Supermarkets, and the ISO will donate two seven-concert Lilly Classical Series subscriptions to a local charitable organization in her name. Her party also was escorted to a reserved table near the front of the amphitheater where they enjoyed the concert by the River City Brass Band and a fireworks finale in this final weekend of the summer season.

The Orchestra’s Marsh Symphony on the Prairie Series has grown to become a key part of the Orchestra’s year-round season. Over the years, the Series has featured pops, rock, jazz, patriotic, and classical programming performed within a casual atmosphere where concertgoers from throughout Indiana and tour groups from surrounding states can enjoy orchestral music while picnicking in the open-air amphitheater. In 1996, three weeks of Prairie Pops! were added to feature guest ensembles in musical styles that were outside the ISO’s normal repertoire.

ISO Announces Remaining Guest Conductors for 2009-2010 Season

Roster of nine includes one debut appearance; repertoire additions include Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony on Oct. 16 & 17 and the ISO's first-ever performance of Fauré's Requiem on January 29 & 30

INDIANAPOLIS—The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra today announced the guest conductors who will take the podium for 10 of the 20 classical concerts previously scheduled for Mario Venzago in the 2009-2010 season. The season's original schedule of major works and featured artists remains intact; however, additional works such as Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 and the ISO's first-ever performance of Fauré's Requiem were added to enhance the classical concert offerings.

"We're delighted to be able to present such a strong roster of new and returning conductors to our stage," said Simon Crookall, President & CEO of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. "These conductors are among the best in the field, and we are looking forward to a great year of music-making with them."

Lilly Classical Series
In the ISO's Lilly Classical Series, Juanjo Mena will return to the podium and conduct concerts featuring the works of Felix Mendelssohn, including the popular Violin Concerto with the ISO's Principal Guest Concertmaster Alexander Kerr on Oct. 8-10. Mena also will lead the orchestra in Mahler's "Resurrection" Symphony with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir on May 21 & 22. A native of Spain, Mena has been Principal Conductor and Artistic Director of the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra since 1999 and debuted with the ISO for the 2008-2009 finale featuring Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition.

On Nov. 13 & 14, Ludovic Morlot will conduct the program showcasing violin superstar Joshua Bell performing Ravel's Tzigane, Massenet's "Meditation" from Thaϊs and Bruch's Scottish Fantasy. Morlot first appeared with the ISO in 2007 for concerts featuring HK Gruber's Frankenstein!!, and the complete ballet music from Ravel's Mother Goose. As one of the leading conductors of his generation, Morlot recently appeared with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Dresden Staatskapelle, Tonhalle Orchestra in Zurich, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Budapest Festival Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic and the Seoul Philharmonic.

Pietari Inkinen, the recently appointed Music Director of the New Zealand Symphony, debuts with the ISO and the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir on January 29 & 30. The previously scheduled Walton's Belshazzar's Feast will be replaced with Mahler's song cycle Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of a Wayfarer) with baritone Hugh Russell and the ISO's premiere performance of Fauré's Requiem—the composer's most recognized choral orchestral piece. Inkinen has won unanimous praise from audiences and critics for his performances in New Zealand and for his recordings with the orchestra on the Naxos label. In November 2010, he leads the New Zealand Symphony on a major tour of Europe with violinist Hilary Hahn. Inkinen will assume the post of Principal Guest Conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra later this month.

Returning to the ISO podium for his fourth appearance, Gilbert Varga will lead concerts on Feb. 5 & 6 featuring Schumann's Symphony No. 3 ("Rhenish") and Brahms' Violin Concerto performed by world renowned virtuoso Christian Tetzlaff. Varga is the son of the celebrated Hungarian violinist, Tibor Varga. He has held positions with and guest conducted many of the major orchestras in Europe and the United States including the Orchestre de Paris, Hungarian National Philharmonic, the Berlin Konzerthaus Orchester, and the orchestras of Minnesota, Philadelphia, Dallas, Detroit and St. Louis. Varga previously conducted the ISO in 1994, 1999 and 2008.

Carlo Rizzi will return for concerts on May 14 & 15 and lead the ISO in the world premiere of Principal Trombone James Beckel's newest work, In the Mind's Eye: Images for Horns and Orchestra featuring the five members of the ISO's horn section, and works by Mozart, Wieniawski and concluding with Stravinsky's Firebird Suite as previously scheduled. Rizzi's first appearance with the orchestra was in May 2009 during the ISO's popular "Russian Nights" program. Rizzi is Music Director of the Welsh National Opera, and is a regular conductor at the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera Covent Garden, Opéra de Bastille, Zurich Opera and at La Scala in his hometown of Milan.

Symphonic Hits Powered by Lilly

Introduced for the 2009-2010 season, the new Symphonic Hits Powered by Lilly concerts feature the orchestral masterpieces by some of the most recognized names in classical music. Symphonic Hits programs begin at 7:30 p.m. (rather than the usual 8 p.m. start time) and include Sound Off, a pre-concert, multimedia presentation with musicians and special guests and Reverb, a post-concert meet-and-greet with patrons and members of the orchestra. Symphonic Hits can be purchased individually or through the flexible options of Your Season Your Way and Symphony on Demand voucher packets.

Returning to the ISO podium after nearly a decade, Matthias Bamert leads the orchestra in the first Symphonic Hits concert on Oct. 16 & 17 with renowned pianist Garrick Ohlsson performing Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2. In addition, Shostakovich's Festive Overture and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 will replace works by Liszt and Offenbach. Bamert's most recent performance with the ISO was in March 2000 which featured Sibelius' Symphony No. 5. Bamert's career began at the Cleveland Orchestra, and he has since held Music Director positions with the Swiss Radio Orchestra, London Mozart Players and most recently at the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

Noted American conductor Michael Stern returns to the ISO for his fifth appearance to conduct the second Symphonic Hits program on Nov. 5-7. These concerts will premiere prolific American composer Jennifer Higdon's Concerto 4-3, written for and performed by Time for Three, the trio featuring ISO Concertmaster Zach De Pue. Other works on the program include Beethoven's Leonore Overture No. 3 and Mozart's Symphony No. 41 ("Jupiter"). Stern's previous ISO engagements occurred in 1995, 2002, 2003 and 2006. Stern is in his fourth season as Music Director of the Kansas City Symphony and has just completed his first season as Principal Guest Conductor of Orchestre National de Lille, France. In addition, Stern is founding Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the IRIS Orchestra in Germantown, Tennessee.

Jun Märkl makes his fourth appearance with the ISO in concerts on May 7 & 8 featuring the originally scheduled program of Saint-Saëns' Africa (Fantasy for Piano and Orchestra), Brahms' Symphony No. 2 and Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 2 with guest artist Marc-André Hamelin. Born in Munich, Märkl has been Music Director of the Lyon National Orchestra since 2005, and became Principal Conductor and Artistic Director of the MDR Sinfonieorchester (Leipzig Radio Symphony) during the 2007-08 season.

Special Event

On Thursday, Oct. 1, Jeffrey Kahane will conduct the ISO's one-night-only special concert featuring world renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma (sold out). This is Kahane's third appearance with the ISO, as he previously led the orchestra in classical concerts in 2001 and 2002. A native of Los Angeles, Kahane is in his 13th season as Music Director for the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and his fifth season as Music Director for the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. As a pianist, Kahane has enjoyed a long musical friendship with Yo-Yo Ma, collaborating with the cellist in recitals around the world.

Opening Weekend

As previously announced, ISO Conductor Laureate Raymond Leppard will open the ISO's 2009-2010 Lilly Classical Series season on Friday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. and will host its annual Opening Night Gala on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. Leppard will conduct a program of works by American composers titled A Musical Portrait of America which includes Aaron Copland's Lincoln Portrait with narration by Academy Award-winning actor F. Murray Abraham and John Williams' Air and Simple Gifts (which was premiered at President Obama's inauguration) with pianist Gabriela Montero (who also performed in the premiere) and ISO principal musicians Alexander Kerr (violin), David Bellman (clarinet), and Perry Scott (cello). Montero also will present George Gershwin's popular Rhapsody in Blue, and the Orchestra will perform music by Leonard Bernstein and Indiana native Hoagy Carmichael to round out the program.

For more information, visit www.IndianapolisSymphony.org.