Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra Announces 43rd Season

ICO proudly unveils its 43rd season, Story Lines: A Soundtrack to the Past & Present. This coming season, embark on a musical journey that explores the power of narrative through sound. From the timeless tales of love and drama in Shakespeare & Love (featuring APA Winner Adam Golka), to the vibrant rhythms that capture the Pulse of life, each concert weaves a unique story.

Experience the beauty of Nature & Soul through Schubert and Mahler, a Spectrum of color and emotion with a world premiere, and the playful energy of classic cinema brought to life with live accompaniment set to Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928). The season culminates in an exhilarating celebration of contemporary music with iconic singer-songwriter Ben Folds, blending orchestral mastery with modern flair. We invite you to discover the stories music can tell. Before the season begins, ICO invites you to bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy the sounds of classical favorites at two free outdoor concerts August 27th (Riverside Park) and August 28th (Holliday Park).

New season information and tickets can be found at www.icomusic.org.

The 2026-2027 Season in Detail:

8.27.26-8.28.26 - Riverside & Holliday Park Concerts

The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra will perform free, family-friendly concerts in Riverside Park at Taggart Amphitheatre (Thurs. Aug. 27 at 7pm) and Holliday Park at the Ruins (Fri. Aug. 28 at 7pm)! Experience a live orchestra under the evening glow. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy the sounds of classical favorites. Open to the whole community to enjoy an evening of classical favorites in the park. Please register for weather related updates. https://ci.ovationtix.com/36694/production/1273269.

10.17.26 8:00pm - Shakespeare & Love - Adam Golka, Piano

Step into a world of romance, wit, and enchantment with Shakespeare and Love, where music brings the Bard’s most beloved stories to life. From the sparkling magic of A Midsummer Night’s Dream Overture to the passion and drama of Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466, featuring acclaimed pianist Adam Golka, this program weaves together humor, heartache, and timeless love. Suites inspired by Love’s Labour’s Lost and Much Ado About Nothing complete an evening of elegance, charm, and theatrical delight. Schrott Center for the Arts * Tickets at icomusic.org.

11.21.26 7:30pm Pulse - Melissa White, Violin

Feel the rhythm of PULSE, a program alive with energy, lyricism, and American spirit. From the vibrant colors of Concertino Cusqueño by Gabriela Lena Frank to the soaring beauty of Barber’s Violin Concerto featuring Melissa White (Christel DeHaan Legacy Artist), this concert moves with intensity and grace. The world premiere of Limerance by Tucker Fuller, and the timeless warmth of Copland’s Appalachian Spring Suite complete a program that captures the heartbeat of a nation in honor of America250.Schrott Center for the Arts * Tickets at icomusic.org.

12.12.26 7:30pm - A Classical Christmas - Handel’s Messiah in Full

Let us wrap you and your loved ones in the spirit of the season. For the first time in 10 years, the ICO, together with our professional chorus and renowned soloists, will present all three parts of Handel’s Messiah. Witness this powerful and uplifting story in the historic Indiana Landmark’s Center. Indiana Landmarks Center * Tickets at icomusic.org.

12.13.26 - 3:00pm Messiah Sing-Along + Christmas Carols

The ICO Christmas Sing-Along returns with a festive afternoon of music! Gather family and friends to join in singing the Christmas portion of Handel’s Messiah alongside beloved holiday carols in this joyful, interactive tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned singer or simply love the spirit of the season, bring your voice and celebrate the warmth of music together. Indiana Landmarks Center * Tickets at icomusic.org.

01.16.27 7:30pm Nature & Soul - Schubert and Mahler

Explore the profound beauty of the natural world and the depths of the human spirit in Nature & Soul. From the radiant lyricism of Schubert’s Symphony No. 3 in D Major to the sweeping, transcendent emotions of Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde in Farrington’s evocative chamber orchestra arrangement, this program celebrates music that moves both heart and mind with soul-stirring intensity. ICO welcomes guest artists Olga Perez Flora, Alto and Jamie Flora, Tenor. Schrott Center for the Arts * Tickets at icomusic.org.

03.13.27 7:30pm - Spectrum - Beethoven, Anna Clyne, James Lee III

Experience the full range of sound and emotion with music that spans tradition and innovation. Hear the world premiere of Chamber Symphony by acclaimed composer James Lee III, the vibrant textures of Anna Clyne’s Color Field, and the timeless brilliance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major. From contemporary commissions to classical mastery, this concert celebrates the dazzling diversity of orchestral music. Schrott Center for the Arts * Tickets at icomusic.org.

04.17.27 7:30pm Steamboat Bill, Jr. - Silent Film with Live Score

Set sail for a cinematic adventure with Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928), featuring Carl Davis’s dynamic score live on stage. Experience Buster Keaton’s classic silent film like never before, as the orchestra brings every gag, chase, and stunt to life in real time. A perfect blend of film history and live music, this event promises laughter, thrills, and unforgettable entertainment for the whole family. Schrott Center for the Arts * Tickets at icomusic.org.

05.07.27 8:00pm Ben Folds Live with the ICO

ICO joins Emmy-nominated singer-songwriter, Ben Folds, who has built a remarkable career blending pop,

rock, and classical music. From his work with Ben Folds Five to solo albums, holiday releases, and acclaimed

collaborations, Folds is known for his genre-defying style. Folds performs worldwide both as a pop artist

and alongside some of the world’s leading symphony orchestras. The Payne & Mencias Palladium * Tickets at thecenterpresents.org.