annual report | 75th anniversary 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 F O R 7 5 S E A S O N S

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

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

M I S S I O NT H E 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 I S D E D I C AT E D TO E X C E L L E N C E I N T H E P E R F O R M A N C E O F C H O R A L M U S I C ,

TO C R E AT I N G A N D P E R F O R M I N G N E W C H O R A L M A S T E R W O R K S , A N D TO C O M M U N I T Y O U T R E A C H A N D E D U C AT I O N .

The 2011-2012 season of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir was a special time in the life of this cherished musical institution. Founded in 1937, the Choir celebrated its 75th anniversary season with the finest of choral music - including engaging and timely educational initiatives - while building on its legacy for an even more promising future.

Reaching over 25,000 persons through more than 30 concerts and educational offerings during our 75th anniversary season, the Symphonic Choir plays an invaluable role in the fabric of the Indianapolis community. From the performance of Berlioz’s epic Requiem, which was last presented in Indianapolis more than 30 years ago, to world premiere performances of works by Stephen Hough and “Do You Hear the People Sing,” a salute to music from Les Misérables and Miss Saigon with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, this season combined classics from the choral repertoire with new, emerging compositions.

Beyond the concert hall, the Symphonic Choir is dedicated to the future of Indianapolis’s residents. Now in its third year as the official choral partner of the Indianapolis Public Schools, school children, their teachers, and their families received priceless opportunities, expanding their education and helping to build tomorrow’s leaders. The Choir also launched a new program increasing access to high-quality classical music for the underserved elderly populations in the city’s urban core, in addition to initiatives like the Spotlight Choirs, Conducting Workshops, and Choral Roundtables.

It is through the unwavering generosity of individual donors, corporate partners and foundation support that the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s future is exceedingly promising as it marks three-quarters of a century. With diverse and growing revenue streams and world-class choral music, watch (and hear) what the next 75 years have in store for the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir.

MICHAEL PETTRY ERIC STARKEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

T H E 7 5 A N N I V E R S A R Y S E A S O NT H

T H E 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

C A R M I N A B U R A N AWith Maestro Krzysztof Urbański taking the stage as the new Music Director of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, critics and audiences alike shared glowing praises for a fresh interpretation of Orff’s crowd-pleaser.

“WITH THE INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONIC CHOIR AND THE INDIANAPOLIS CHILDREN’S CHOIR ARRAYED ON THREE SIDES OF THE STAGE ABOVE THE ORCHESTRA, URBANSKI LED A VIVID INTERPRETATION OF THE CANTATA.” - THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR

D O Y O U H E A R T H E P E O P L E S I N G ?Musical magic is sure to ensue whenever the Symphonic Choir joins Maestro Jack Everly for an ISO Pops performance. An all-star cast of Broadway’s leading names, including Lea Salonga and Terrence Mann, joined for four performances of “Do You Hear the People Sing?” - a salute to the music of Alain Boubliland Claude-Michel Schönberg, the creative team behind Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, and other musical theater standouts.

“THE EXPRESSION COMING FROM THE SYMPHONIC CHOIR WAS THE SAME EMANATING FROM ALAIN AND CLAUDE-MICHEL: THE JOY OF MUTUAL MUSICAL DISCOVERY. WHAT A DELIGHT TO WITNESS IT!”- MAESTRO JACK EVERLY

O N S TA G ECONSISTENCY. PASSION. BOLDNESS. Perhaps at no other point in the Choir’s 75-year history has the artistry of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir been at such a high level. Every time patrons attend a Symphonic Choir performance, they are ensured a world-class experience. Our mission reflects this promise to existing and new choral works alike. The Symphonic Choir’s financial success is driven by its world-class artistic product.

Eric Stark toasts new ISO Music Director Krzysztof Urbański after a performance of Carmina Burana.

The Symphonic Choir rehearsing with composers Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg.

F E S T I V A L O F C A R O L SVisions of sugarplums danced in audience members’ heads as this annual holiday tradition expanded to include full orchestral accompaniment for the first time in many years. These performances included the world premiere of “A Child of the Snows”, the winning piece in the Choir’s 2011 Christmas Carol Commission Competition.

“MY CHRISTMAS SEASON BEGAN WITH FESTIVAL OF CAROLS. SITTING WITH MY WIFE AND CHILDREN IN THE CANDLE-LIT VENUE, I WAS COMPLETELY ENVELOPED BY GORGEOUS SINGING.”- JOE HUDSON | PATRON

T H E B E R L I O Z R E Q U I E MThe season concluded with a performance of epic proportions. The Choir’s performance of the Berlioz Requiem brought together over 350 performers, including 250 singers, 80 on-stage orchestra members, four off-stage brass bands, and one fantastic tenor soloist. Together with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Butler University Chorale and Choir, and soloist Joe Shadday, Artistic Director Eric Stark brought to life a work the Indianapolis community had not experienced in over 30 years.

“THE BERLIOZ REQUEIM IS ONE OF THOSE ‘ONCE IN A LIFETIME’ EXPERIENCES: FOR THE AUDIENCE, FOR THE PERFORMERS, AND CERTAINLY A DREAM COME TRUE FOR THIS CONDUCTOR.”- ERIC STARK | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

“THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST THRILLING EPISODES IN THE CHORAL-ORCHESTRA LITERATURE, AND STARK MANAGED IT WITH APLOMB, CREDIBLY UNIFYING THE DISPARATE CHORAL AND INSTRUMENTAL STRANDS, ALL OF THEM UNDERGIRDED BY SEVERAL SETS OF THUNDERING TIMPANI.”- THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR

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A packed house at the beautiful St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis.

Tenor soloist Joe Shadday, one of over 350 performers on stage for the Berlioz Requiem.

T H E 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 RI N T H E C L A S S R O O M

Beyond creating world-class art in the concert hall, the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is invested in the future of tomorrow’s leaders through its educational initiatives. The arts play a vital role in educating our youth, in preventing crime, and as a key to building stronger communities.

“MY STUDENTS LEARNED SO MUCH MORE THAN THE MUSIC. WE LEARNED ABOUT WORK ETHIC, COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE, AND ESPECIALLY WE SEE YOUNG TEENAGERS GROW INTO RESPONSIBLE ADULTS.” - SPENCER LLOYD, DIRECTOR MANUAL HIGH SCHOOL

Manual High School was the featured Spotlight Choir for the Festival of Carols and Gala Bel Canto performances this season. Aside from a side-by-side concert experience with the Symphonic Choir, this partnership includes in-class workshops, teacher training, and classroom materials.

Beyond these educational initiatives, the Symphonic Choir’s weekly rehearsals also affect the city’s larger music education community. Many members of the Choir lead their own music programs in schools, colleges and universities, houses of worship, and community ensembles. We are pleased to serve as a catalyst for encouraging and guiding the future of choral music in Central Indiana.

Other educational initiatives include:• Masterclasses with guest soloists for area 9th - 12th grade students• Official Choral Partner of the Indianapolis Public Schools• Pre-concert Maestro Conversations• School supply drive providing materials for area music classrooms• Collaboration with Indianapolis Children’s Choir’s “Creating Artistry” for K-12 music teachers• Harmony of Voices, providing access to arts education for underserved youth• Creation of Conducting Fellowship with Butler University (first of its kind nationally)• Student Conducting Workshop for tomorrow’s K-12 music educators• Annual Scholar in Residence for college students and lifelong learners• Choral Roundtables tackling challenges facing area choir directors

FESTIVAL OF CAROLS | SPOTLIGHT CHOIREmmerich Manual High School ManualAires

Spencer Lloyd, Director

CELEBRATION GOSPEL FESTIVAL | IPS PARTNERSHIPBroad Ripple High School Varsity And Golden Singers

Denise Johnson, Director

Members of the Manual High School ManualAires performing at Festival of Carols.

SUMMER SING | MENDELSSOHN’S ELIJAHJune 12, 2012 | Butler University

T H E 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 RI N T H E C O M M U N I T Y

“IN MY HEART OF HEARTS, I FULLY BELIEVE WE MUST REINVEST IN THE COMMUNITY THAT HAS GIVEN SO GENEROUSLY TO US. GIVING BACK ISN’T JUST AN IDEA WITH THE INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONIC CHOIR, IT IS AT THE CORE OF WHAT WE DO THROUGH A BEVY OF OPPORTUNITIES.”- ERIC STARK | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

C O M M I S S I O N C O M P E T I T I O NThe third annual international Christmas Carol Commission Competition encourages emerging composers under the age of 35 to write high quality yet accessible choral music to further enhance the choral repertory. Christina Whitten Thomas’s “A Child of the Snows” was the 2011 winner and premiered at the December 2011 Festival of Carols performances.

I N - C H O I R - I N G M I N D SThe Symphonic Choir opened its doors for a special peek into the Berlioz Requiem via the April 2012 In-Choir-ing Minds event. Members of the community gained understanding about how the epic composition uniquely relates to the venue in which it was performed: Hilbert Circle Theatre.

T I M E L E S S I N S O N GAdditionally, the Symphonic Choir launched a pilot program, Timeless in Song, that provides free tickets, transportation, and educational resources to residents of underserved retirement facilities in Indianapolis. This program was met with resounding success and is expected to grow in future seasons.

E L I J A H S U M M E R S I N GKeeping Indy singing! Singers of all ages and experience levels joined in the June 2012 “Elijah Summer Sing” featuring Mendelssohn’s evergreen oratorio. This community sing-along builds on the success of similar events, and is offered free of charge to keep high-quality choral music alive right here at home.

IN-CHOIR-ING MINDS | THE BERLIOZ REQUIEMApril 25, 2012 | Hilbert Circle Theatre

Eric Stark with 2011 Christmas Carol CommissionCompetition winner Christina Whitten Thomas.

T H E 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 RC R E AT E S N E W M E M O R I E S

In addition to the performances, educational offerings and outreach initiatives of the 2011/2012 season, this 75th anniversary season was full of special opportunities to celebrate. From a national CD release and an awe-inspiring flash mob to enhanced messaging and financial stability for the years to come, the 75th anniversary milestone enabled the Symphonic Choir to further enhance its bright future.

E L I J A H C D R E L E A S EThe October 2011 release of a 2-CD, complete recording featuring Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elijah was made possible by the Choir’s “Recording Fund.” Initially created in 2005, this fund provides for periodic recording and release of high quality recordings by the Choir, with proceeds from CD sales returning to the Recording Fund. The recording is also available through iTunes.

F L A S H M O BTravelers arriving at the Indianapolis International Airport were surprised by a choral flash mob featuring “O Fortuna” featuring 100 incognito members of the Choir, accompanied by crashing percussion and dramatic, dueling pianos. The viral video attracted more than 30,000 hits in less than one month.

S U P E R B O W L X LV IWhile the Symphonic Choir has shared many impressive stages (such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and even the Oriental Arts Center in Shanghai) with leading soloists over three-quarters of a century, a performance at the Super Bowl alongside superstar Madonna was a first! Eric Stark served as chorusmaster for the Super Bowl XLVI halftime performance, and members of the Symphonic Choir were joined by singers from throughout the community on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium.

A L S O T H I S S E A S O N :• A local radio broadcast of Festival of Carols added to the city’s holiday cheer on Christmas Eve 2011.• Video is becoming an increasingly effective tool in telling the Choir’s story, as illustrated by the May 2012 Anniversary Video now archived at www.indychoir.org. • The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation awarded a special $75,000 capacity building grant to be used throughout the 75th and 76th seasons.• The Lilly Endowment has awarded a $256,000 grant in support of the Choir’s programming for seasons 76 through 78.

SUPER BOWL XLVIFebruary 5, 2012 | Lucas Oil Stadium

T H E 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 RB U I L D S I T S B A S E

Three facts about the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s financial position: Strong. Stable. Growing. In fact, in spite of the economic turmoil of recent years, this institution enjoys notable growth in terms of revenue and the diversity of its individual donors, corporate partners and grant-making foundations.

Key to such notable financial success is a high-quality artistic product, and second only to that is relationship management. Through a dedicated corps of staff, Board of Directors, singer members, and tireless volunteers, the Symphonic Choir’s advocate base consistently trumpets the institution’s mission and needs.

GALA BEL CANTO | DECO AND DIAMONDS An Evening in the 1930s

March 3, 2012

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7 Y E A R R E V E N U E G R O W T H

T H E 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 RFA I T H F U L LY S T E W A R D S

The 75th Anniversary Season (2011-2012) was built upon increasingly diverse revenue streams. Income from Individual, Corporate and Foundation partners increased significantly year over year, and net revenue from special event fundraisers (e.g. Gala Bel Canto) continues a strong positive trend. Funding from city and state grants remains stable, and revenue from ticket sales – while increasing modestly – holds great potential for growth.

THE BERLIOZ REQUIEMMay 5, 2012 | Hilbert Circle Theatre

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2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 2 E X P E N S E S

44%

24%

9%

8%

7%

6%

1%

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63%

16%

11%

10%

TOTAL INCOME$548,672

TOTAL EXPENSES$471,159

INCLUDES A 2-YEAR GRANT FOR USE IN 2011-2012 AND 2012-2013 SEASONS.

T H E 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 RG R AT E F U L LY A C K N O W L E D G E S

The generous support of Individual donors, Corporate partners and Foundation supporters makes possible the tremendous accomplishments of the 75th anniversary season. The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s Board of Directors acknowledges the following donors who contributed between August 1, 2011 and July 31, 2012.

SEASON SPONSOR FESTIVAL OF CAROLSTITLE SPONSOR

BERLIOZ REQUIEMTITLE SPONSOR

CORPORATE SPONSORSArCapa, LLCAuto Driveaway CompanyCinutechsCitizens BankCrowe Horwath LLPFortune IndustriesGradex, IncKent J. Shipley, CPA, EsqMorris Machine CompanyTimber Design Co.

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

VISIONARY CIRCLE ($5,000+)Anonymous (2)Michael and Cynthia McConnellMrs. Lucina B. MoxleyDr. Paul E. and Martha Schmidt

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE ($2,500-$4,999)R.P. Hogan III, M.D.Judy Roudebush

CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE ($1,000-$2,499)Brad and Carole ArthurJoshua AshbaughTimothy and Ann CarlsonBari K. and Rachel N. FaudreeAnn Gerritsen and Josip BeletaDr. and Mrs. Joseph T. HudsonPhilip and Margaret JohnstonWilliam and Katherine LandschulzMichael Pettry and John MainellaRodney and Lynn MartinThomas and Christina MerriottBlake and Carolyn NeubauerMichael O’Brien and Jacqueline NytesAndrew and Julie Price

Kathryn E. RiceRoland SchafferKent and Bonnie ShipleyEric StarkDennis and Kathy TackittRichard C. and Carol A. ThorneSherry Stark & David TiedeDr. Charles WebbDavid and Eleanor Wilcox

SYMPHONIC CIRCLE ($500-$999)Anonymous (2)Norris and Carole AllenAli CurtisStephanie DerybowskiPeter and MaryEllen FellegyJohn FischerHoward and Phyllis FulfordChristian and June GriesDennis and Tamara HardinDr. Shana and Mr. Kyle HenneBrian and Ellen HostetlerCamilla HullJohn and Margo JaquaPeter and Meg JohnstoneMarilyn KeiserJames and Carol LanktonAndrew LannerdJon E. LewisPatrick and Laura LockwoodDavid and Susan MayMatthew B. McGrealDon and Kimberly MeyerGirish and Jennifer NairShirley NorrisDaniel and Susan RainsClay and Amy RobbinsMichael and Sherrie SellsDonald and Denise Smith

CHOIR CIRCLE ($250-$499)Jeff and Jennie BickWilliam and Vicki BrowneJason Fishburn and Todd GrootenKaren L. FullerKenneth and Krisztina InskeepMichael and Joan KenniffDeb LawrenceHeather M. MarinSteve and Lynne McMahanWayne and Mary Jo MossMr. & Mrs. David A. MumperDeborah B. PettryAndrew Potts

Carol and Richard SelbyJim and Michele StarkJim and Paula SullivanGregg A. Sweeney, DDSFaedra L. WeissMeredith and Judith Wilson

DONORS ($100-$249)Robert and Jennie Beth BakerDaniel BarrowMark and Deana BeecherJohn and Lyn BeltzDr. Frank Burch BrownGay BurkhartDr. and Mrs. Richard L. CarsonBruce CarverCarolyn S. CookStephen and Andrea CranfillCarolyn A. CunninghamLeonard and Caroline DavisJessica DiSantoJalana EashHolly EricksonFrancis and Nancy GooteeLynn and Sue GordonMary P. GoslingArthur Allan and Susan HannaMr. Philip HeydePatricia and William HirschTim Hoover and Rusty MoeDebbie JonesJoseph and Dorothy JonesGary and Patricia KaiserMarjie KimesBud and Jan KohrJack and Lorissa KremanBob and Marilyn KuhnMarja LandschulzHenry and Meredith LeckSuzanne LodatoScott and Emily Lytle-PainterRobert and Dianna MassieGeorge Elliott and Georgiena Edna McCordMilo and Phyllis McCormackRobert and Elly McNamaraHeather McPherson & Malcolm W. SmithRaymond Meldahl and Maggie Meldahl-MorrisonSteve and Shari NorrisBill and Penny ParaskevasRick and Deb PettryKent and Joanne PierceDuane Henry and Micci RichardsonMichael and Kaaren Rodman

Charles and Sydney SchaferJames P. and Mary Beth SchaferMichael P. ScottMr. John A. SeestWayne and Lois ShipeRobert F. and Holly S. SieckDeborah SmithKarl E. SniderC. Richard and Gretchen SpauldingLarry and Stephanie StoutFrank and Mary TimmersStanley M. and Mary Jane WalterSister Renee WargelLarry and Cate WaynickDonna White

FRIENDS (UP TO $99)AnonymousDeborah AndersonBill and Sheila BartonMarilyn BaumgardtSteve and Carol BeckerRobert and Victoria BedwellJim BennettAmy BixlerSteve BrockmannMelissa BrownChris BrushJim and Peggy BuchananRobert C. CampbellWes and Cindy ColterSusan CowenCatherine DaviesBob and Kathy DeanFred and Kim DiCamillaAlice DoddGreg and Michele DurthalerMishel DyasRobert FooteRich and Patricia FranckLes and Margery GalbraithKent and Doris GalyonCora GibsonDorothy GiovanniniKaren GlickertSandy GoslingJanet GuthridgeTimothy and Diane HallTammany HardingTabitha HardyDouglas and Kathleen HartRamon HassScott and Mary Lou HaydenMark Herman

David HochoyLois & Doug HorthKaren L. JacobsKathy JensenShawn JonesJack and Jacqueline KeslerMark and Debbra LundLisa MarchalMary MarchalDr. and Mrs. Glenn and Alice MarinStacy MaurerGreg McGowanRyan McIlrathVictoria McKinneyMelissa McMahanIrit MendelsohnClayton MillerMichael and Jewell MorowYvonne NicholsRalph OberlanderDan and Anne O’BrienStephen and Kathy O’NeilMary and Robert OrbenAndy M. PalmJohn and Anne PearsonMr. Anthony A. PeronaRichard and Lindsay PerryKeith and Karen PhelpsKelly PrinceMs. Myrtle RaberLucy E. RockstromHenry C. RyderTonya M. SamuelsMarie SchaekelJerry and Sue SchultzPauline ShaverCraig SlaughterBen SolomonTodd SparksIn Memory of E. Andrew SteffenEarl and Gwen SwartLinda SykesJ. Patrick TatumFreida Thompson, M.D.James WaldmannSue WeilandMr. and Mrs. Don and Anna WeiserJohn and Elaine WeissKaren Wightman

THE ALLEN WHITEHILL CLOWESCHARITABLE FOUNDATION

annual report | 75th anniversary season

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