ICO's Podcast & Video Series
What is Mocktails & Masterpieces?
Mocktails & Masterpieces is a behind-the-scenes podcast series produced by the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, in partnership with sponsor, Anthony Shefferly & Associates. It invites listeners into candid conversations with ICO musicians, guest composers and artists, partners, and others involved with the Orchestra behind the scenes. The title evokes the casual, intimate vibe of the conversations—even as we dive into the complex craft of music-making.
What Makes it Special?
Personal & Artistic Insight: Listeners get direct access to composers, musicians, and artistic leaders sharing their creative journeys, thoughts on recent work, and plans for upcoming performances.
Exclusive Musical Clips: Episodes often feature performances, rehearsals, or recordings.
Season Spotlights: The podcast unpacks the themes and vision shaping each ICO season, giving further meaning to upcoming concerts.
Historical Reflection: It revisits milestones—from premieres to returns after the pandemic—while introducing new artists and works.
Recent & Noteworthy Episodes
From Score to Stage: a 3-Part Series
Coming Soon
“ICO Introduces Michael Shapiro, 2025–2026 Composer-in-Residence”
July 24, 2025
Music Director Matthew Kraemer interviews composer Michael Shapiro about his creative process, inspirations, and plans for the upcoming season. Listeners also get to hear excerpts like Tim Fain performing Peace Variations—featuring Shapiro conducting. Preview performances include Shapiro’s Zoomies and the violin concerto By the Shore of the Sea, written for Tim Fain.
“Suliman Tekalli, ICO’s Next Concertmaster”
June 26, 2025
Executive Director Dana Stone chats with Suliman Tekalli about his new role as ICO Concertmaster and his expectations for the season. The episode also includes a performance by Suliman and his sister, pianist Jamila Tekalli.
“Jennifer Higdon, Composer, in 2022 on ‘Cold Mountain Suite’”
June 12, 2025
A reflective episode revisiting composer Jennifer Higdon’s work on Cold Mountain Suite.
“A Look at Season 42 (2025–2026) – In Motion!”
May 22, 2025
Matthew Kraemer (Music Director) and Dana Stone (Executive Director) preview the Orchestra’s 42nd season, titled: In Motion.
“James Aikman, ICO’s First Composer-in-Residence, shares Alarm with Prism Quartet”
May 8, 2025
Aikman delves into his composition Alarm! and his Emmy Award–winning work Peacemakers. The episode also notes a fun Mocktails & Masterpieces tidbit: its musical intro is a snippet from Alarm!
“Rubén Rengel and the return to Live Concerts in 2021”
April 10, 2025
Rengel recounts the ICO’s first post-pandemic indoor concert in April 2021 and his performance of Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto.
“Re-Air from 2021: Reinaldo Moya’s Premiere ‘Dark Earth’”
March 27, 2025
A revisit of an earlier episode with composer Reinaldo Moya, discussing his Dark Earth multimedia work. Includes concert recording and notes about his new piece, Home, Run Away from Me, which premiered in April 2025.
“World Premiere Discussion with Reinaldo Moya”
March 13, 2025
Moya and Matthew Kraemer talk about Moya’s commissioned song cycle Home, Run Away from Me, which explores themes of exile and home, plus previews of his earlier piece, Dark Earth.