Mocktails & Masterpieces

On this episode of Mocktails & Masterpieces, ICO Music Director Matthew Kraemer welcomes Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Martinez for a vibrant conversation about her background as a fifth generation female pianist and Falla's work and connnection to impressionism. Gabriela shares reflections on her musical upbringing, her international career, and the influences that have shaped her distinctive voice at the keyboard. At the heart of the episode is her upcoming performance with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra of Nights in the Gardens of Spain by Manuel de Falla—a work that shimmers with Andalusian atmosphere, rhythmic vitality, and poetic nuance. Together, Matthew and Gabriela explore the piece’s evocative landscapes, its folkloric roots, and the collaboration between soloist and orchestra that brings these “gardens” to life. Join us for an engaging conversation that blends musical insight with personal storytelling, offering a behind-the-scenes look at an unforgettable performance. Get Tickets at icomusic.org Concert on March 21st at 7:30, Schrott Center for the Arts

In this special episode, we step behind the scenes of Orchestration as the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra transforms the event into a circus spectacular on March 7th at Crane Bay. We sit down with our featured aerial silk artist, Lindsay Montgomery at Aerial Annex, to explore the strength, artistry, and storytelling behind this breathtaking art form—and what it’s like to soar above a live orchestra. From rehearsal insights to the creative collaboration between music and motion, this conversation offers a thrilling preview of an unforgettable night where classical music quite literally takes flight. Tickets for Orchestration - https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-0018000000euDndAAE/events/vevt:230714f8-1d8a-47ff-904b-ea55273ac45b/home/story

On this episode of Mocktails & Masterpieces, ICO Music Director Matthew Kraemer sits down with acclaimed violinist and composer Tim Fain for a wide-ranging conversation about musical curiosity and creative evolution. Tim shares his journey from piano to violin, his early experiences singing in a children’s choir, and how those influences shaped his expanding voice as a composer and violin soloist. The episode also features a special performance of Tim’s own violin concerto, composed and performed by the artist himself. Tune in for an intimate look at a versatile musical life—and hear more about Tim’s upcoming appearance with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra for the world premiere of Michael Shapiro’s Violin Concerto, By the Shore of the Sea on January 31 at the Schrott Center for the Arts. Tickets are available at https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/shore-of-the-sea-featuring-tim-fain-violin/

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed Venezuelan soprano María Brea, a rising force on today’s operatic stage whose performances have been praised for their “virtuosity,” “luxurious polish,” and magnetic theatrical instinct. From her celebrated roles in Zorro, The Magic Flute, and Carmen to her vibrant advocacy for Latin American artistry, María shares the story of her musical journey from Caracas to major stages across North America. We explore how her heritage shapes her artistry, the roles and collaborations that have influenced her, and her work uplifting Latina voices in opera. Warm, insightful, and full of passion for the craft, María offers an inspiring look at life behind the scenes of a modern opera career. Join us for a rich and intimate conversation with one of today’s most compelling young sopranos. Hear María with the ICO on December 13 and 14th at Indiana Landmarks for A Classical Christmas. Tickets at www.icomusic.org

In this engaging episode, Maestro Matthew Kraemer sits down with world-renowned guitarist Sharon Isbin to discuss her artistry, passion for new music, and the evolution of her performances. Together, they reflect on how her recent concerto—first premiered in 2024—has grown and transformed through subsequent performances, capturing new dimensions of sound and expression. Isbin also shares an inside look at the recording sessions at St. Luke’s, offering a glimpse into the precision and creativity that define her approach to the studio. The conversation delves into her deep commitment to commissioning and performing new works, while also honoring the classical guitar’s rich standard repertoire—a balance she has masterfully maintained throughout her celebrated career. Listeners will enjoy an inspiring dialogue about artistry, innovation, and the ever-evolving voice of the guitar in today’s classical music world. Buy Tickets for "Miami in Motion" with Sharon Isbin on November 22 at 7:30 at the Schrott Center

In this episode, Maestro Matthew Kraemer hosts a captivating conversation with acclaimed composer Karen LeFrak and world-renowned guitarist Sharon Isbin. Together, they explore the creative journey behind LeFrak’s new concerto, from its origins and inspirations to the intricate details of the compositional process. Listeners gain insight into what it’s like to compose for a specific soloist—especially one as distinctive and expressive as Isbin—and how collaboration shapes the final work. LeFrak and Isbin share personal reflections on their artistic partnership, as well as the evolution of the concerto since its premiere. Blending musical insight, creative storytelling, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, this discussion offers an intimate look at how great collaborations bring new music to life. Buy Tickets for "Miami in Motion" on November 22 at 7:30 at the Schrott Center

The Music Library Explore one of the hidden parts of the concert machine—the music library—where scores are prepared, marked, and delivered to musicians long before you hear the music on stage. Executive Director, Dana Stone, and Operations Coordinator, Tucker McGrew, provide an inside look at the process with comments and stories from past concerts.

Explore the music of Franz Waxman and Miklós Rózsa in this new podcast episode of Mocktails & Masterpieces. Music Director, Matthew Kraemer, discusses their iconic film and concert works and reveals the strong bond between the concert hall and the silver screen. Fun fact: Miklós Rózsa composed the Ben-Hur 1958 score. This episode was originally released in video format only on August 6, 2020. Experience Carl Davis' score for Ben-Hur 1925 on October 18th when ICO performs it live on stage to the film. Learn more and get tickets here: https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/ben-hur-1925/

Join Executive Director, Dana Stone, and Operations Coordinator, Tucker McGrew, and discover the intricate choreography behind the scenes, from stage changes to rehearsal schedules, and how every logistical detail ensures the show goes on.

From Score to Stage is a three-part podcast and video series that takes you inside the fascinating journey of turning a musical idea into a live performance with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. Each episode pulls back the curtain on a different chapter of the process—blending artistry, strategy, and behind-the-scenes magic. Episode 1 – Programming & Commissions (August) Step into the conductor’s world with Matthew Kraemer and learn how concert programs are crafted—what pieces are chosen, why certain works are paired together, and how brand-new compositions make their way to the stage.

Learn about ICO's upcoming parks' concerts with partner guests Rachel Osterhouse and Patricia Altamirano. This year's performances Riverside Park, Taggart Amphitheatre - August 28, 2025 at 7:30PM Holliday Park, at the Ruins - August 29, 2025 at 7PM

A look back at ICO Parks Partnerships that continue still today. Learn about ICO's upcoming parks' concerts with partner guests Rachel Osterhouse and Patricia Altamirano. Don't miss this year's parks' concerts at Riverside and Holliday Park! Riverside Park, Taggart Amphitheatre - August 28 at 7PM Holliday Park, at the Ruins - August 29 at 6:30PM

Join us for a special episode as the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra welcomes Michael Shapiro, our 2025–2026 Composer-in-Residence. Music Director Matthew Kraemer sits down with Michael to discuss his creative process, inspirations, and what’s ahead this season. You’ll hear exclusive clips from Violinist, Tim Fain, with Shapiro conducting, and Tim Fain performing Shaprio's Peace Variations. Join the ICO in January for two premiere performances of Michael Shapiro: the high-energy Zoomies and the lyrical By the Shore of the Season, a violin concerto written for and performed by acclaimed violinist Tim Fain. Discover the music, the stories, and the artistry behind the season in this behind-the-scenes conversation. Learn More

Get to know Suliman Tekalli, ICO's next Concertmaster! Enjoy a interview with Executive Director, Dana Stone, as they discuss the role of concertmaster, what Suli is looking forward to next season, and a performance by Suliman and Jamila Tekalli, his sister, pianist!

Maestro Matthew Kraemer and Executive Director Dana Stone discuss the recent announcement of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra's 42nd Season - In Motion. Learn more at icomusic.org

ICO's first composer-in-residence, James Aikman, discusses the compositional process and inspiration for his new work Alarm! The mocktail will feature excerpts from Aikman's saxophone concert and Emmy Award Winning, Peacemakers. **Fun Fact** The musical introduction for Mocktails and Masterpieces is a short excerpt from Alarm!

Jump back to April 2021 with this special interview with violinist, Rubén Rengel. Rubén played with the ICO at our first indoor concert with audience at the tail end of the pandemic in April 2021 which was at the Palladium in Carmel. ICO's next concert "Celebrate the Songbook" with Michael Feinstein is also at the Palladium and is our first time returning since 2021. Classic American - Rubén Rengel joins the ICO on Samuel Barber's Violin Concerto. He shares insights about this career, the Sphinx Organization, and more.

Join us as we dive into the creative mind of Venezuelan-American composer Reinaldo Moya, discussing his powerful multi-media work, Dark Earth, which the ICO premiered in November 2021. In this re-aired episode originally recorded in 2021, Moya shares the inspirations behind the piece and multi-media collaborative project with Michael Hallerz. Learn about his collaborative process, the fusion of music and visuals, and how Dark Earth brings stories to life in a unique and immersive way. Full concert recording of Dark Earth - https://youtu.be/Zkwv1LQU6aY Moya's upcoming premiere Hone, Run Away from Me is April 5, 2025 at the Schrott Center for the Arts Tickets - https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/land-in-the-music-featuring-ico-chorus/

Reinaldo Moya, composer and longtime ICO collaborator, shares compositional and personal connections to his newly ICO commissioned work, Home, Run Away from Me. The piece is a song cycle centered around the universal experience of a person who must leave their homeland. Moya and ICO Music Director, Matthew Kraemer, discuss his compositional style and past collaborations. Stay listening for an excerpt of ICO's commission with Reinaldo from 2020, Dark Earth. Hear this work and Haydn's Mass in the Time of War and Martinu's Sinfonietta La Jolla on April 5th at 7:30 PM Get tickets and learn more - https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/land-in-the-music-featuring-ico-chorus/