INDIANAPOLIS—The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is celebrating 40 years at Hilbert Circle Theatre in downtown Indianapolis with the ISO Day of Giving, a new annual fundraising initiative set for October 10, 2024. Coinciding with the Printing Partners Pops Series Rhapsody in Blue concerts on Oct. 11–12, fans will have opportunities to support the ISO and its programs that enhance life in the central Indiana community.
“The ISO is proud to be an iconic part of Monument Circle and Mile Square,” said James Johnson, CEO. “We recognize our role as a vital community anchor as we bring thousands of patrons together every season to connect with each other through unforgettable musical experiences. We invite our neighbors and the entire central Indiana community to come and celebrate with us!”
The ISO’s goal is to raise $50,000 through the Day of Giving initiative. With the generous support of James and Pat LaCrosse, the ISO can unlock an additional $20,000 if it reaches the goal of $50,000! Supporters are encouraged to make a gift through the ISO’s website on October 10, 2024, and throughout the weekend. Join the Oct. 11–12 weekend performances of Rhapsody in Blue Celebrates 100 Years conducted by Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly and celebrate the ISO’s 40 years downtown! Plenty of fun surprises await, including the opportunity to chat with musicians following each evening concert.
“For four decades and counting, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has played a critical role in elevating Downtown’s reputation as a hub for world-class arts and cultural amenities,” said Downtown Indy, Inc. President & CEO Taylor Schaffer. “We’ve been fortunate enough to partner with the ISO over the last several years to help the organization’s talent and capabilities transcend the walls of Hilbert Circle Theatre. Through our collaboration, the accessibility of Monument Circle has been leveraged to provide free, community-driven events and programming, including concerts at SPARK on the Circle, live-streamed performances over the Circle sound system, and the inaugural Symphony on the Circle this past April. Now, it’s time for our community to come together and show our appreciation for this community asset during ISO’s Day of Giving.”
After an extensive renovation in the early 1980s, the ISO performed the orchestra’s first concert at the Circle Theatre on October 12, 1984, establishing a new chapter in ISO history. In 1996, Stephen and Tomisue Hilbert endowed the theater, which was renamed the Hilbert Circle Theatre. The intimate size of the Hilbert Circle Theatre, with 1,660 seats and a staging area customized especially for the orchestra, creates a superb venue for live performances.
Every year, more than 200,000 community members enjoy the life-changing benefits of world-class symphonic music through the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s 140+ programs. From Teddy Bear concerts for young children to the magic of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, along with top names in classical, pop, and film, the ISO offers many opportunities to engage, learn, and enjoy. The ISO’s free programs include the Sphinx Series, the Butler Chamber Concert Series, First Thursdays, and more.
By the numbers:
- $22 can provide a Teddy Bear Series book in a preschool classroom
- $50 covers tap shoes for a Tapping Santa in this year’s AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration
- $2,500 covers tuition for one Metropolitan Youth Orchestra student per year
