indianapolis symphonic choir 2013-2014 | 77 season

G I V I N G V O I C E T O C L A S S I C A L M U S I C

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I N D I A N A P O L I S S Y M P H O N I C C H O I R

MISSIONThe Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is dedicated

to excellence in the performance of choral music, to creating and performing new choral masterworks,

and to community outreach and education.

S E A S O N S P O N S O R

The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s 77th season included notable milestones and high-water marks. From presenting some of the finest choral music ever written and performing it at unparalleled levels of excellence, to producing meaningful and timely educational opportunities in our community (not to mention the strongest financial position the Choir has enjoyed in its 77-year history) the 2013-2014 season provided much to celebrate.

At the heart of the accomplishments enjoyed by this outstanding institution is its commitment to the artistic product. The Choir’s fundraising successes, marketing achievements, and notable financial growth are due to our unwavering commitment to always put the art first. Our dedicated Board of Directors, visionary staff, and corps of gifted singers breathe life into a unique and timeless art form. Singing, by its very nature, is a personal, meaningful, and rewarding experience for performers and audiences alike. A commitment to great art leads to even greater institutional stability and growth.

Just over 25,000 persons benefited from the Symphonic Choir’s programs in the recently-completed season through concerts, outreach initiatives, recordings, and broadcasts. The generosity of individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations allows the Choir to produce consistently impressive choral experiences, which are among the most respected in the nation.

We are grateful for your support of this cherished choral institution. With your continued involvement, we look forwardto a promising future, as we give voice to classical music.

M I C H A E L P E T T RYE X E C U T I V E D I R E C TO R

E R I C S TA R KA R T I S T I C D I R E C TO R

2013-201477TH SEASON

Handel’s oratorio Messiah, performed in December at Clowes Memorial Hall, has become an annual holiday tradition for the Indianapolis community. Presenting a different perspective than previous performances of the Baroque favorite, the

2013 iteration featured a smaller ensemble of Symphonic Choir singers and ISO musicians, for a lighter, dance-like performance that received high praise.

“…impeccable blend, intonation, diction and expression were evident in the performance of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, under artistic director, Eric Stark…” - TOM ALVAREZ, THE EXAMINER

With the world celebrating the 200th anniversary of the composer’s birth, the Symphonic Choir joined the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for two performances of the operatic Verdi Requiem. Maestro Krzysztof Urbański conducted these

two October performances reaching capacity audiences at Hilbert Circle Theatre.

“Under the direction and preparation of Eric Stark, the Symphonic Choir showed itself to be in top form throughout this difficult, challenging work.” - TOM ALDRIDGE, NUVO

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Festival of Carols featured the Symphonic Choir and an all-star cast of special guests, creating new holiday memories for persons of all ages, and reached new, broader audiences. Special guests included soprano Maria Jette, as heard on “A Prairie Home Companion,” Butler University’s “Out of the Dawg House” all-male ensemble, Circle City Ringers handbell choir, and gifted choirs from Franklin Central H.S. and Fishers H.S. Festival of Carols attracted sold-out audiences at all three performances in 2012 & 2013.

TITLE SPONSOR:

Opening the 77th season, Mood Indigo featured the 22-voice Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Chamber Singers with conductor Michael Davis in two sold-out performances at the Indiana Landmarks Center. The cabaret-style performances also included a salute to Les Paul and Mary Ford, two of America’s 20th century music icons, in an intimate, one-of-a-kind setting.

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PERFORMANCES

F E S T I VA L O F C A RO L S

V E R D I ’S R E Q U I E M

H A N D E L’S M E S S I A H

M O O D I N D I G O

The performances of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s 77th season spanned the spectrum from classic works by Verdi and Handel, to Festival of Carols, vocal jazz, and the epic Britten War Requiem. Nearly all performances drew capacity audiences in the 76th & 77th seasons. Audience attendance rates across the Choir’s 2013-2014 season averaged an incredible 98%.

Not performed in Indianapolis since 1968, the Symphonic Choir joined the ISO and contemporary dance company Dance Kaleidoscope for two performances of Daphnis et Chloé at Clowes Memorial Hall. The collaborative performances of this impressionist composition, which has been called one of Ravel’s greatest works, concluded the Choir’s 77th season.

The Choir’s black-tie fundraiser Gala Bel Canto went British in preparation for the epic performance of Britten’s War Requiem. Gala Bel Canto | Rule Britannia: An Evening at the Proms moved to the city’s premier venue, The Conrad, and once again sold out, raising over $45,000 for the Choir’s educational and outreach initiatives. Alongside a performance in the Indianapolis ArtsGarden featuring the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as “Rule Britannia” and “Zadok the Priest,” audiences also enjoyed a stylish dinner, dancing, and a unique silent auction experience.

The War Requiem performance was “sensitively rendered…” - JAY HARVEY | “Five Stars” - RITA KOHN, NUVO

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Few choruses in the nation have the ability to bring to life Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem. The epic piece requires a large and able chorus, two orchestras, three soloists and children’s choir – it is both musically challenging and no small

financial undertaking. Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the composer’s birth and the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s ability to successfully present works of especially large scale, this performance attracted a sold-out

audience at The Palladium in Carmel. Joining the Symphonic Choir were the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Children’s Choir, Indianapolis Men’s Chorus, and Butler University Chorale.

ENHANCINGTHE PATRON EXPERIENCE

The Choir employed unique media tools to enhance the overall patron experience in many performances. These included a YouTube video “The Audition” surrounding the Festival of Carols performances and a recorded, theatrical monologue that

immediately preceded the War Requiem performance, setting the tone for what the audience was about to experience.

VISIT INDYCHOIR.ORG AND CLICK ON “VIDEOS” T O E X P E R I E N C E T H E S E A N D O T H E R C O M M U N I C AT I O N S T O O L S

WWW.INDYCHOIR.ORG/ABOUT/VIDEOS

G A L A B E L C A N TO

DA P H N I S & C H LO É

WA R R E Q U I E M

With more than 35 million Americans singing in a choir, more people participate in choral music than are involved in any other art form. In fact, the Symphonic Choir believes choral music is an art form by the people, for the people and of the people: An effective tool for providing a complete education. Access to choral music is a vital component of a balanced education and should be available to persons of all ages and backgrounds. In addition to the magic that happens on the concert stage, the Choir changes lives in the classrooms, in community centers, and for families throughout the city.

EDUCATION PARTNER:

H A R M O NY O F VO I C E SFor six seasons, the Symphonic Choir has served as the official choral partner of the Indianapolis Public Schools. In this capacity, IPS receives fully-subsidized concert tickets for students, their families, and music teachers. Education begins in the classroom, but continues into the family and home. Additionally, the Choir brings mobile performances to area schools featuring the Symphonic Choir Chamber Singers, and in response to a lack of continuing education opportunities for choral and general music teachers, the Symphonic Choir is pleased to provide workshops and master classes for teachers as well as students.

EDUCATION &COMMUNITY

OUTREACH

S C H O L A R - I N - R E S I D E N C ENoted choral scholar Dr. Dennis Shrock (Texas Christian University) served as the Symphonic Choir’s Scholar-in-Residence for the period preceding the May 2014 performance of Britten’s War Requiem. In addition to a pre-performance conversation with the audience, he also provided more advanced discussions for students from area universities and leaders from local congregations.

S P OT L I G H T C H O I RFor many years the Symphonic Choir has provided a side-by-side rehearsal and performance experience for middle- and high-school students at Festival of Carols. In addition to the opportunity to perform with the Symphonic Choir, the students receive in-class workshops with members of the Symphonic Choir’s artistic staff in the weeks prior to the performance. Spotlight Choirs this season included Fishers High School Silver Classic and Franklin Central High School FC Singers.

T I M E L E S S I N S O N GAccess to art is vital no matter one’s age. “Timeless in Song” brings the choral arts to Indianapolis’s urban, senior community through mobile performances at area nursing homes and community centers. Among the first such programs in the city, this initiative reached just over 1,100 low-income seniors, providing life-affirming opportunities through the arts.

THESE SCHOOLS

BENEFITEDFROM THE SYMPHONIC CHOIR’S

COMMITMENTTO MUSIC EDUCATION VIA

IN-CLASSROOMEXPERIENCES

Franklin Central High School Frederick Douglass Elementary SchoolGambold Preparatory SchoolLawrence Central High SchoolNew Castle High SchoolNorth Central High School Counterpoints North Central High School King’s Court Perry Meridian High SchoolPlainfield High SchoolSidener Elementary SchoolZionsville High School

Avon High SchoolBeech Grove High SchoolBloomington South High SchoolBrownsburg High SchoolChristel House AcademyColumbus East High SchoolColumbus North High SchoolConcordia Lutheran High SchoolFishers High SchoolFishers High School Choral Festival at Ball State University

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ERIC STARK SOUGHT TO REACH AS MANY K-12 CHORAL PROGRAMS AS POSSIBLE IN THE 77TH SEASON.

THROUGH WORKSHOPS WITH CHORAL ENSEMBLES,

The financial stability of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is, perhaps, sturdier than at any other point in its 77-year history. Revenue streams are diverse and increasing. Relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and grant-making institutions are valued and strong. And the Choir’s careful stewardship of its resources remains paramount: maximizing the breadth of programming by utilizing each dollar, each gifted musician, and each volunteer hour to the nth degree.

We recognize it requires considerable resources to identify and build relationships with a potential donor. Implemented three seasons ago, the Choir’s Patron Experience initiative seeks to enhance the overall experience a patron receives. From the first time a concert is announced through the ticket-buying process, parking, and amenities in the concert venue; opportunities to interact in-person and on social media; and follow-up in the days following a performance – all are vital components to minimizing patron attrition and building stronger, lasting relationships.

The Board of Directors and staff understand that at the heart of the Choir’s financial success stands its artistic product. Producing bold, consistently awe-inspiring, truly marvelous performances creates repeat ticket buyers. In essence, if patrons experience the power of the Symphonic Choir just once, chances are favorable they will become repeat ticket buyers, donors, and vocal advocates of the Choir.

The current strategic plan, which began in 2012, set an aggressive goal of growing ticket revenue from 14% of the total budget to 20% by July of 2015. In actuality, the 2013-2014 season saw ticket revenue increase to 21% - one year sooner than expected. Over the past six seasons, revenue from ticket sales has grown from $32,615 in the 2008-2009 season, to $114,662 in the 2013-2014 season, an increase of 350%, while still maintaining accessible price points for ticket buyers.

T I C K E T R E V E N U E : S I X YE A R S O F S T R O N G G R OW T H

FINANCIALSTABILITY

FAST FACTS

Accessible ticket pricing: Tickets for all concerts begin at $20 for adults and $15 for students.

Ticket revenue has increased by 350% over the past 6 seasons, while still maintaining accessible price points for ticket buyers.

The Choir established a strategic cash reserve of 4 months operating income to help weather any unforeseen economic challenges, including staff transition, global economic crisis, significant catastrophe, or major priority shifts from existing funders.

Revenue streams continue to grow and become more diversified. Compared to 10 years ago when 33% of the Choir’s revenue came from one funding source, today the Symphonic Choir’s revenue sources are more diverse and stable.

2013-2014 INCOME

CORPOR ATE PARTNERSHIPS

ENGAGEMENTS W/ISO

GAL A/SPECIAL E VENTS

OTHER INCOME

TICKE T RE VENUE

GR ANTS/FOUNDATIONS

INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS

CD SALES

2013-2014 EXPENSES

LONG-TERM SAVINGS: $ 1 0 5 , 3 8 7CASH ON HAND: $ 7 5 , 5 9 3

ENDOWMENT VALUE: $ 5 7 , 3 4 5

PROGR AMMING

ADMINISTR ATIVE

FUNDR AISING

PROMOTIONAL

A S O F J U LY 3 1 , 2 0 1 4

The Choir sang the “Star Spangled Banner” in

November 2013 at the Indianapolis Colts vs

Seattle Seahawks football game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Artistic Director Eric Stark was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Pence for his service to the state of Indiana through the arts.

B E N J A M I N B R I T T E N U K TO U R

As the world celebrated the 100th anniversary of composer Benjamin Britten’s birth, the Symphonic Choir hosted a 7-day tour through England exploring the works of the gifted musician. Travelers built a stronger relationship with the Symphonic Choir and

returned home to the Hoosier State prepared to serve as effective advocates for the May 2014 performance of Britten’s War Requiem.

E L M E R S T E F F E N F O U N D E R ’S AWA R D

Named in honor of the Symphonic Choir’s first conductor, the Elmer Steffen Founder’s Award is presented to an individual or institution who has made a significant and lasting impact on the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir.

Peter Fellegy was named the 2014 recipient for his service as president of the Board of Directors, for launching the Choir’s Recording Fund, and for his unparalleled advocacy. Past recipients of the award include Lucina Ball Moxley,

Dr. Charles Webb, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

CO N D U C T I N G F E L LOWS H I P

Among the first of its kind in the nation, the Choir launched the Conducting Fellowship in partnership with Butler University. Providing practical experience with artistic and administrative activities in a top-tier symphonic chorus, the Conducting Fellowship is a two-year program for one student studying choral conducting at Butler University. A native of Japan, Bryan Stenson concluded his Conducting Fellowship with the Choir in June 2014.

HIGHLIGHTS77THSEASON

CORPORATE SPONSORSArcadia Wine & SpiritsBarnes & Thornburg, LLPBMO Harris BankBose McKinney and Evans, LLPBrandwidth Butler UniversityIvy Tech Community CollegeKatz, Sapper & MillerKent J. Shipley, CPA, ESQMorris Machine CompanyPiano SolutionsPrinting PartnersRaymond James and Associates, Inc.Simon Property GroupSonar StudiosTranscendent Travel

FOUNDATIONSAllen Whitehall Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc.Arts Council of Indianapolis & the City of IndianapolisCentral Indiana Community FoundationChristel DeHaan Family FoundationThe City of CarmelEli Lilly and Company Foundation, Inc.Eugene and Marilyn Glick FoundationIndiana Arts CommissionLilly Endowment, Inc.The National Endowment for the ArtsNicholas H. Noyes, Jr. Memorial FoundationThe Penrod Foundation

VISIONARY CIRCLE ($5,000+)AnonymousPeter and Meg JohnstoneWilliam and Katherine LandschulzMrs. Lucina B. MoxleyDr. Eric Stark

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE ($2,500-$4,999)Ann GerritsenR.P. Hogan III, M.D.Michael and Cynthia McConnellMr. Michael Pettry and Mr. John MainellaKathryn E. RiceJudy RoudebushDr. Paul E. and Martha SchmidtMichael and Sherrie SellsKent and Bonnie Shipley

CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE ($1,000-$2,499)AnonymousTimothy and Ann Carlson

Mr. Thom England and Ms. Karen MangiaPeter and MaryEllen FellegyMichael and Jennifer GradyPhilip and Margaret JohnstonJames and Carol LanktonThomas and Christina MerriottGirish and Jennifer NairBlake and Carolyn NeubauerShirley NorrisSherry Stark & David TiedeDennis and Kathy TackittDr. Charles WebbDavid and Eleanor Wilcox

SYMPHONIC CIRCLE ($500-$999)AnonymousBrad and Carole ArthurHoward and Sandy BaetzholdDr. Sue BartzMichele BergonziJeff and Jennie BickMr. Ray BiedermanMr. Gary Butkus and Mr. Jason RangeBari K. and Rachel N. FaudreeDr. Bob Gowen and Dr. Virgil ChanChristian and June GriesGary and Jeri GriffithDennis and Tamara HardinShawn Heidel HouseholdDr. Mark Henderson and Ms. Theresa BrownDr. Shana and Mr. Kyle HenneBrian and Ellen HostetlerMarilyn KeiserMr. Edward KennedyMichael and Joan KenniffBob and Marilyn KuhnDeb LawrenceJon E. LewisHeather McPherson & Malcolm W. SmithDon and Kimberly MeyerDr. Kate MorrisEric and Kathy OehlerAndrew and Julie PriceClay and Amy RobbinsJames RusselJames P. and Mary Beth SchaferMr. Mike SlocumDonald and Denise SmithMark D. SquireRichard and Carol ThorneF. David Tingley, IIIBob and Katherine VernonTodd James and Jeffrey Wallace

CHOIR CIRCLE ($250-$499)Michael BogersWilliam and Vicki BrowneAlbert DonatoTodd and Pam EadsHolly EricksonJohn FischerCora GibsonPaul and Monica GloyeskeJK GriffithTimothy and Diane HallTom and Nora HiattKenneth and Krisztina InskeepAnne JonesMarja LandschulzHenry and Meredith LeckDr. Michelle LouerHeather M. MarinSusan MarkleAndrew and Lisa MartinDavid and Susan MayRobert and Elly McNamaraWayne and Mary Jo MossTimothy S. NeedlerAnthony and Deborah PeronaDianne PetersonRick and Deb PettryDaniel and Susan RainsDuane Henry and Micci RichardsonRoland SchafferCarol and Richard SelbyChandler ShirerMary Jane SorberaC. Richard and Gretchen SpauldingChris and Ann StarkJim and Michele StarkLarry and Stephanie StoutGregg A. Sweeney, DDSDaniel and Candi TepkeTom and Barbara TuriDr. and Mrs. Alex and Amy WakefieldFaedra L. WeissDonna WhiteMeredith and Judith Wilson

DONORS ($100-$249)In Honor of Dr. Bob Hogan IIIMike AinleyJim and Denni BadgerRobert and Jennie Beth BakerHugh A. BarkerDaniel BarrowBetty Beasley

Thomas and Anna BeczkiewiczJohn and Lyn BeltzMike and Terri BerlierBenjamin BlairJulie BossBaronda BradleyDr. Frank Burch BrownRichard and Kathryn BumpGay BurkhartJean CasterJohn ChampleyPaul and Janet ClementsCarolyn S. CookSusan Cowen-JenkinsAli CurtisRobert and Ann DeanMelanie DePoyDavid and Shelly ElliottBob and Eunice FergusonJason Fishburn and Todd GrootenRichard FordTerri GillLynn and Sue GordonGarry HarrisMary HickelKathleen HillgrenDan and Chris HoffmanTim Hoover and Rusty MoeDoug and Lois HorthLori JamesPatricia K. JohnsonDeborah KellerBeth KindigMarcia KolvitzJack and Lorissa KremanDr. Bennett C. LaguzzaNed and Martha LamkinJohn LeeScott and Emily Lytle-PainterLisa MarchalRoger and Mary MarchalRodney and Lynn MartinJames McConnellGeorge Elliott and Georgiena Edna McCordMilo and Phyllis McCormackSteve and Lynne McMahanClayton MillerMrs. Katherine MondorDon and Gay MurphyLaura NagleMark Nardo and Leslie Ashburn-Nardo

Yvonne NicholsLaura NisenbaumMary and Robert OrbenMark Palmenter and Douglas SteenBill and Penny ParaskevasSteve ReisingDon and Gay RobinsonLucy E. RockstromMr. John A. SeestChuck and Syd ShafferEarl and Gwen SwartFrank and Mary TimmersJames R. ToombsLarry and Cate WaynickJohn WebbFrank and Cathy WhelanGa WilsonThomas WooThomas and Bernadette Zoss

FRIENDS (UP TO $99)In Memory of Avis HullIn Memory of Bruce ThomsonDon AbrogastSharon Bartlett-VoigtJames BonkeMs. Martha BradshawDaniel and Teresa BratcherJeremy Brimm and Rory ShiversSteve BrockmannMelissa BrownVictor and Linda CalecaVictor E. ChildersWes and Cindy ColterAlexandria G. DarleyDr. Michael DavisBob and Kathy DeanRobert G. and Ann M. DeanBrett DeeryFred and Kim DiCamillaJalana EashTrevor FanningRich and Patricia FranckJames and Ann GallagherSally Ann GalliherJohn and Nadine GanttRuth Ann GigaxShirley GilsonDorothy GiovanniniSandy GoslingRosy HansellTabitha HardyGuille and Ann Harvey

Ivy Ann HeazeltineDavid HochoyJeffrey Alan HolmesKaren L. JacobsSteven JansKenneth & Kathy JensenJack and Jacqueline KeslerAmber KocherAndrew LannerdLauren LaskiTia LeeDr. and Mrs. Glenn and Alice MarinDorothy McIverDavid MeatsJim MendenhallMichelle MillerThomas and Cheryl MillerMichael and Jewell MorowRobert and Rose MullenDavid A. and Elaine M. MumperDavid and Cynthia MuseDavid NewmanRalph and Mary Ellen OberlanderDan and Anne O’BrienKathryn PattersonKeith and Karen PhelpsFredric and Katherine PowellDavid PutmanHenry C. RyderMarie SchaekelJeanne ScheetsRyan and Trisha ScheidiesBob and Rita SchillingBeverly and Sylvia ScottMichael P. ScottThomas and Kelly ScurichHarold ShaddayCory and Jan ShafferPauline ShaverBetsy SmithBen SolomonMichael Stohler and Yvette CastelotBonnie SweeneyJ. Patrick TatumFreida Thompson, M.D.Neil and Rebekah ThompsonMilo R. and Betty Jo VanekJan VirginJames WaldmannDon and Anna WeiserJohn and Elaine WeissWilliam and Audrey WiebengaAnita Willis

The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, a non-profit arts institution, gratefully acknowledges the generosity of those in the community. Individual donors, corporate partners and foundations alike have made a commitment to the Symphonic Choir and to this community – choral music makes a difference.

THANK YOUS E A S O N S P O N S O R :

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indianapolis symphonic choir 2013-2014 | 77 season

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