About Us
We seek to inspire, entertain, and educate the Central Indiana community through music—a universal language of the human experience.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is to inspire, entertain, educate, and challenge through innovative programs and symphonic music performed at the highest artistic level.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Vision Statement
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra believes in inviting human connection through music.
To realize this vision, the ISO makes decisions with equity and belonging at the heart of our practice. In so doing, we build a stronger and more sustainable organization with the ability to create inclusiveness through music. In this practice, we use music to bridge gaps of understanding and connection in our society, holistically increase the diversity within our organization, and deepen our collective creative perspectives.
We endeavor to model practices of diversity, inclusion and equity in all that we do, including programming, people and culture, and community building. Through these practices, we will build a universal sense of belonging for all who connect with the ISO.
Music Connects Us All
Founded in 1930 the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is one of the leading orchestras in the nation with its commitment to artistic excellence and its ambitious approaches to music education, performance, and collaboration.
The orchestra provides an extensive selection of musical programs inside and outside its historic Hilbert Circle Theatre home.
HistoryMusical Programs
Commitment to Community
The Education and Community Engagement Department delivers a spectrum of programs serving the community, reaching 20,000+ people per year.
Teddy Bear Series introduces preschool and kindergarten students to the orchestra through story, movement, and live music, and has produced three picture books.- Discovery Concerts are designed so children in grades 3–6 have the chance to hear a live orchestra.
- Words on Music, before each Classical concert, provides behind-the-curtain perspective from musicians, conductors, guest artists, and community hosts.
Side-by-Side and the Michael Ben & Illene Komisarow Maurer Young Musicians Contest
More than 1,000 talented students have shared the Hilbert Circle Theatre stage with their professional counterparts since Side-by-Side began in 1991. Students are auditioned and coached by members of the ISO. The result is a concert featuring the 100+ piece orchestra of students and professionals. Likewise, the Michael Ben & Illene Komisarow Maurer Young Musicians Contest encourages accomplished young Indiana musicians (through grade 12) by providing an opportunity to perform in a competitive setting in our Rising Star and Young Musician category. The winner of the Young Musicians Contest performs their prize-winning concerto with the ISO during the Side-by-Side concert.
First Thursdays
Get the inside scoop on what it takes to make the music happen at this free, casual series of events designed to get you up close and personal with the ISO! All events are free, but you must reserve tickets. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the program begins promptly at 7 p.m. The program usually lasts one hour unless otherwise noted.
Metropolitan Youth Orchestra
MYO was founded in 1996 by Artistic Director Betty Perry and became a program of the ISO in 2008. Currently, under the direction of Krystle Ford, MYO serves more than 200 students and their families each year—developing musical and life skills. A parent/guardian learns a stringed instrument alongside their student for the first several years.
