With a downbeat in April 1941, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis began their first concert!  The all volunteer community orchestra has been playing ever since. On April 24 we celebrate this milestone with a concert that demonstrates the depth and innovations of the Philharmonic Orchestra.

Wishing Upon a Star
Preparing for the next 75 years
April 24, 2016  3:00 PM
Pike Performing Arts Center, Indianapolis
Orcenith Smith, Conductor

Greeting Prelude      Igor Stravinsky 
Festive Overture      Dmitri Shostakovich

2015 Indiana Music Education Association
Student Composition Winners 

Celebrate with Symphonic Praise Choir 

Raise the Roof         Michael Daugherty
Bonnie Whiting, Timpani

The concert begins with music byStravinsky and Shostakovich, composers who opened the doors to modern symphonic music.  A fitting tribute to the next 75 years.

As a community orchestra, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis is committed to music education in our schools.  Our programs include the Strings & Jazzy Things summer music camp, a live concert for all Indianapolis Public School third grade students, and  opportunities for high school students to play with the Philharmonic.  Each year we partner with the Indiana Music Educators Association to orchestrate and perform the winning orchestral numbers from the state wide Young Composers Competition.  On this concert, the Phil will introduce Nathan Berkley’s 2015 willing composition, Phrygian Raga Façade.

In 1998, the late maestro Jackson Wiley invited members of the Oasis of Hope Baptist Church choir to perform a gospel concert with the Philharmonic Orchestra to honor Black History Month.  The choir, orchestra, and audience enjoyed the energy and beauty of combining these traditions so much that the concert became an annual event.  The choir became a permanent program of the Philharmonic Orchestra as it grew into a city wide ensemble.  Here Symphonic Praise Choir celebrates the 75th anniversary with classical and gospel selections.

The concert concludes with “Raise the Roof” by Michael Daugherty, a timpani concerto.  This innovative contemporary number launches the Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis into an exciting future.

Bonnie Whiting is the timpani soloist for “Raise the Roof.”  Ms. Whiting is nationally known percussionist who performs throughout the world.  She regularly tours with percussionist, Allen Otte.  She joined the faculty of the DePauw School of Music in 2013.