Live music from the ISO to air on Monument Circle

A new project pipes live music onto Monument Circle as part of new programming from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Downtown Indy Inc.

In 2019 Downtown Indy installed lights, video, and a new sound system on Monument Circle to present the Shining a Light program.  An effort to enhance programming will now bring live music to the circle.

Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra CEO James Johnson said this season’s entire DeHaan Classical Series will be audio live-streamed to visitors.

“And other people who might be just experiencing the city, and they can get a taste of what the ISO is doing inside Hilbert Circle Theater at that very moment,” Johnson said.

Announcements will let people know the music is live from the Historic Hilbert Circle Theater. 
The historic neoclassical theater has been a part of Monument Circle since 1916.  Johnson hopes the live-streaming program can serve as an entry point for new patrons.

“It’s a beautiful historic theater, but I think there might be something forbidding to some about coming through those doors,” Johnson said.

Recorded music from the ISO can already be heard as part of the Shining a Light program.

In a written statement Taylor Schaffer, president/CEO of Downtown Indy, Inc. said the new presentation adds to the activation of the circle.

“Monument Circle is already one of our community’s premier and iconic public spaces with daily activations and events for downtown residents and Central Indiana neighbors to enjoy,” Schaffer said.

The programming is made possible through a Strengthening Indianapolis Through Arts and Culture grant from the Lilly Endowment.

Musical programs will stream live through June.