The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir will commemorate its 80th anniversary with a performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s oratorio “Elijah” at the Palladium at the Center for Performing Arts in Carmel at 8 p.m., March 17.
“In the arts and entertainment world, institutions and individuals often become associated with a particular piece of music or song,” Artistic Director and Conductor of the Symphonic Choir Eric Stark stated in a press release to Current.
Stark stated that in the case of the Symphonic Choir, “Elijah,” is one of the choir’s most signature works.
“Although the Symphonic Choir performs music from so many different genres and styles, when you boil it down, this organization especially excels when performing major, large-scale works like ‘Elijah,’” Executive Director Michael Pettry stated.
The performance of “Elijah” will feature the 170 voices of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir joined by the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and the Indianapolis Children’s Choir. The performance will feature soprano Christina Pier, mezzo-soprano Kate Maroney, tenor Thomas Cooley and baritone Christòphern Nomura playing the role of “Elijah.”
For tickets, visit indychoir.org.
Current asked: How has the choir changed and grown in the last 80 years?
“It feels like the Choir has really come into its own in recent years. Artistically, we undertake projects of such scale that few other choirs in the nation have the ability to, and financially we’ve matured to a point of solid stability thanks to strong ticket growth and a committed donor base.”
– Eric Stark, who is marking his 15th anniversary as artistic director of the Symphonic Choir.
“Over the past 40 years, the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir has grown from a volunteer choir to a professionally run organization. While dedicated singers have been the constant, dramatic change has occurred through organizational structure, outstanding artistic and executive leadership, and the capacity to perform in the community’s best musical venues in concert with soloists of national and international renown.”
– Dennis Tackitt, board member with 30-years perspective of the organization, as a singer, and then as a board member.
“Back in the 1970s my dad began singing with the choir (Called the “chorus” then!), and I joined my freshman year at Butler, making it a small family affair. Now, after making the rounds to four other cities, 35 years later I’m back in the Indy Choir alto section and feel very honored to share my musical journey with old and new friends, all the while being buoyed by my parents, who continue their faithful and loving support.”
– Becky Peterson, alto in the choir for the past two years.
