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Take a dive into the rich cultural tradition of American musical composition with WFYI and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra (ICO) in the new musical special What Makes Music American. Funded by CICF, the program was developed to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages and is available free with educational resources at icomusic.org. Below, hear from ICO Executive Director Dana Stone on what you can expect to experience and learn from this dynamic concert.
For those who aren’t familiar with chamber music, can you give a brief introduction?
Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra performs music written for the smaller orchestra, and includes strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments. Many compositions that are famous today, such as music of Mozart and Beethoven, were originally written for chamber orchestras. Today’s chamber orchestras perform music that spans over four centuries. The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra was formed in 1984, and consists of professional musicians from Indianapolis and the surrounding area. It is conducted by Music Director Matthew Kraemer.
What are some uniquely “American” elements or themes in chamber music?
Typically when people think about American music they are thinking about jazz, popular song and patriotic music. While these genres are explored in What Makes Music American, the ICO dives into the classical traditions, inspirations and motivations of American composers. Viewers will experience music with African American, Native American Latin American and folk traditions. Maestro Kraemer and co-host Joshua Thompson will provide insights into uniquely American characteristics and themes throughout the program.
What makes WFYI a natural partner for the ICO?
The ICO has a long tradition of collaboration with WFYI Public Media with our weekly radio broadcast on Sunday evenings, and the Emmy Award winning television program featuring the ICO’s commission of James Aikman’s Peacemakers in 2016. When the ICO began to delve into the world of virtual performance, WFYI was our first choice to produce high quality programs for internet and educational viewing.
Like WFYI’s efforts to extend their programs into accessible learning opportunities, What Makes Music American is available to educators along with guides and activities that support Indiana curriculum standards. Modules are also available for early childhood classrooms and high schools. Educators can contact the ICO directly for access by visiting our website at icomusic.org.
After watching this special, what is the next opportunity to experience ICO?
ICO will present the annual Baroque Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 12 at 3:00 pm, at the Indiana Landmarks Center. Tickets and more information at icomusic.org.
-Dana Stone is the Executive Director of Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. Passionate about live music and education. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in vocal performance.
WHAT MAKES MUSIC AMERICAN
8 PM | THURSDAY, NOV. 25 ON WFYI
Experience works by Copland, Ellington, Cole Porter and Gabriela Lena Frank as the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra takes you on a journey from native song and spirituals to Latin American compositions, jazz and more. Hosts Matthew Kraemer, ICO music director and conductor, and Joshua Thompson, music sociologist and pianist, introduce musical selections and their subsequent inspirations and connections to the vibrant cultural fabric of American music.
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