Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra announces inaugural Symphony on the Circle festival on April 27, 2024
Watch new Music Director Jun Märkl conduct the ISO via live stream on Monument Circle!
Free festival on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis (11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.) features music and dance performances, food trucks, networking with community organizations, an open house at Hilbert Circle Theatre and culminates in a live stream of the ISO’s performance at 5:30 p.m.!
INDIANAPOLIS—Celebrate the performing arts on Monument Circle April 27 with a free day of music, dance, food, and community connections! With generous support from the Margot L. Eccles Arts & Culture Fund, a CICF Fund, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is partnering with Downtown Indy, Inc. and dozens of arts organizations to bring the Indianapolis community together for this exciting inaugural event. ISO Music Director Jun Märkl will conduct the orchestra at 5:30 p.m. inside Hilbert Circle Theatre while a live stream of the concert will be broadcast on a jumbo screen on the south side of Monument Circle. Learn more and see the complete schedule here.
Events will be offered from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the outdoor stage on Monument Circle. Enjoy performances by the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music’s BOOMington Tuba-Euphonium Quartet, a Lion Dance choreographed by the Indiana Association of Chinese-Americans, as well as performances by Ballet Folklorico Mosaicos Indianapolis, Suzuki Academy, Castlewood Singers, Ballet INitiative, Circle City Orchestra, Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, and Indianapolis Ballet. Sampson Levingston will emcee the outdoor stage.
Inside Hilbert Circle Theatre’s open house from noon to 3 p.m., families are welcome to experience “The Runaway Strings” Teddy Bear Series concert, an instrument ‘petting zoo,’ Tunes & Tales with The Sassy Violist, and ISO musicians performing on the main stage. No tickets are required to enter. All outdoor events and the indoor open house at Hilbert Circle Theatre are free of charge.
Around Monument Circle and inside Hilbert Circle Theatre, dozens of community partners will offer the chance to connect and learn more about how their work elevates the Indianapolis community. Outdoor booths will be set up along the southeast quadrant of Monument Circle. If you get hungry or thirsty as you stroll along, check out the food and beverage options from vendors including Books, Bourbon & Bacon, Brozinni Pizzeria, Gordan’s Ice Cream, and more.
The festival culminates in the 5:30 p.m. live stream of the ISO performing The Sea: Elgar, Mendelssohn, and Debussy, conducted by Music Director Jun Märkl, broadcast on the large screen on the south side of Monument Circle. Bring your own chairs, blankets, food, and drink while you relax and watch the performance. Please note that paid tickets are required to attend the concert inside Hilbert Circle Theatre.
“The ISO is thrilled to invite the whole community to join us on April 27 for this celebration of the arts,” said James M. Johnson, CEO, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. “We are grateful to the Margot L. Eccles Arts & Culture Fund, a CICF Fund, for their generous support that makes this event possible. The ISO also appreciates the support of Downtown Indy, Inc., who are a wonderful community partner.”
“From consistent programming at Hilbert Circle Theatre to live-streamed concerts in partnership with Downtown Indy, Inc., the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has long been a key contributor to the vibrancy of Monument Circle,” said DII President & CEO Taylor Schaffer. “Now, as the ISO debuts its inaugural Symphony on the Circle, we’re thrilled to support this large-scale festival which celebrates the true spirit of the orchestra and its commitment to our downtown community.”
Outdoor stage:
11:20 a.m. Indianapolis Symphonic Choir
12:10 p.m. Ballet Theatre of Carmel Academy
12:30 p.m. Indiana University Jacobs School of Music: BOOMington Tuba-Euphonium Quartet
1:00 p.m. Lion Dance – Indiana Association of Chinese-Americans
1:30 p.m. Ballet Folklorico Mosaicos Indianapolis
2:00 p.m. Suzuki Academy
2:20 p.m. Castlewood Singers
2:40 p.m. Ballet INitiative
3:00 p.m. Circle City Orchestra
3:20 p.m. Metropolitan Youth Orchestra
4:00 p.m. Indianapolis Ballet
4:40 p.m. Words on Music (live stream on Monument Circle screen)
5:30 p.m. Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performs The Sea: Elgar, Mendelssohn, and Debussy (live stream on Monument Circle screen)
Food and beverage vendors:
Ash & Elm
Books, Bourbon & Bacon
Brozinni Pizzeria
Gordan’s Ice Cream
Three Floyds
Upland Brewing
Outdoor Community Partners:
Arts for Learning
Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis
Butler University Jordan College of the Arts
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Circle City Orchestra
Classical Music Indy
Drum Corps International
Heartland Film
Hoosier Asian American Power
Indiana Ballet Conservatory
Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Indianapolis Ballet
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
IndyGo
Jazz Foundation
La Plaza Indy
Newfields
Open House from 12-3 p.m. Hilbert Circle Theatre:
12 p.m. Teddy Bear Concert “The Runaway Strings”
12:30 p.m. Petting Zoo
1:30 p.m. Tunes & Tales with The Sassy Violist
2:15 p.m. Petting Zoo
12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Musician performances on the main stage
Indoor Community Partners:
International Violin Competition of Indianapolis
IndyHub
Indianapolis Symphonic Choir
American Pianists Association
Plus, learn about volunteering with the ISO, FORTE Young Professionals, and Pops programming!
About the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, at home and thriving in the heart of Indianapolis, offers an exceptional artistic and musical experience. The orchestra is open to all and dedicated to creating an inclusive and innovative experiential environment that is inspiring, educational, and welcoming. The ISO celebrates historically beloved performances while engaging audiences by introducing new voices through programming including the IU Health Plans Classical Series, the Printing Partners Pops Series, Kroger Symphony on the Prairie the holiday traditions of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration and the popular Film Series presented by Bank of America. For more information, visit www.indianapolissymphony.org.