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 wh...

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, a...

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, high...

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 musica...

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 v...

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 orchestr...

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 solo...

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 C...

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...

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—especi...

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....

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 condu...

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...

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 th...

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 Renge...

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 mu...

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...

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.