ISO launches 2025-26 season this fall with blockbuster concerts!

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) returns to Hilbert Circle Theatre this September, kicking off an exciting fall season of concerts that celebrate the power of live music and expand the ISO’s commitment to accessibility for all Hoosiers. 

The 2025–26 season marks Maestro Jun Märkl’s first full year as music director, with performances that bring audiences everything from epic Mahler symphonies to groundbreaking new productions with popular icons. 

Fall 2025 Highlights 

• The Paramount: Then and Now (Sept. 13): Yuletide Celebration organist Justin Stahl takes the stage on the ISO’s Mighty Wurlitzer with theatre organ favorites and a Side-by-Side collaboration with student musicians. Former Paramount Music Palace organist Ken Double hosts and accompanies a short silent film.
• Chamber Series Opening Concerts (Sept. 15 & 17): In partnership with Butler University and the University of Indianapolis, ISO musicians perform Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 18 No. 1 and Mendelssohn’s Quartet in F Minor, Op. 80 in free community concerts.
• Pops Season Opening – Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony (Sept. 19–20): Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly launches the 2025–26 Printing Partners Pops Series with a brand-new symphonic experience executive produced by Dolly Parton, reimagining her greatest hits with full orchestra, multimedia storytelling, and guest artists personally selected by Dolly.
• Classical Season Opening – Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony (Sept. 25–27): Maestro Märkl opens the Classical Series with Dvořák’s beloved Symphony No. 9, alongside cellist Daniel Müller-Schott performing Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1 and Fauré’s Élégie.
• ISO Gala: Opus 2025 endowed by Christel DeHaan (Oct. 4): A festive evening featuring violinist Augustin Hadelich performing Brahms’ Violin Concerto, paired with music by Brahms, Smetana, and Kodály.
• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Rediscovered (Oct. 30–Nov. 2): In honor of the 300th anniversary of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Baroque specialist conductor Jeannette Sorrell and violinist Francisco Fullana lead a dynamic performance enhanced with multimedia storytelling.
• Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA (Nov. 7–8): The world’s most popular ABBA tribute band joins the ISO for hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Fernando,” and more.
• Home Alone in Concert (Nov. 15–16): A holiday favorite returns as the ISO performs John Williams’ unforgettable score live with the beloved film projected on the big screen.

Reserve your tickets here. 

Commitment to Accessibility 

The ISO is proud to announce its partnership with KultureCity®, a leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs. With this certification, Hilbert Circle Theatre is now a Sensory Inclusive™ venue. 

ISO staff have been trained by leading medical and neurodivergent professionals on how to recognize and assist guests with sensory sensitivities, including those with autism, PTSD, dementia, and similar conditions. Sensory bags equipped with noise-canceling headphones (provided by Puro Sound Labs), fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads will be available for guests who may feel overwhelmed. Families can also access the free KultureCity® App to preview what to expect during an event at Hilbert Circle Theatre through a Social Story and venue-specific features. 

This initiative ensures that every guest has the opportunity to enjoy live music with greater comfort and ease. 

Access Pass Program 

The ISO proudly participates in Indiana’s Access Pass program, offering $5 tickets for eligible families to select concerts, including Classical, Pops, Symphony on the Prairie, and special performances.

• Who qualifies: Indiana residents actively enrolled in qualifying programs such as Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, and others.
• How it works: Families apply once, and upon acceptance, can attend participating venues—including the ISO—for just $5 per family member, per visit.

This initiative makes world-class symphonic music more accessible to families across Indiana.