About ICO

Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra advances and promotes music composed for the small orchestra through professional concert performances and education programs.

The ICO is committed to increase inclusion, diversity, equity and access in all aspects of the organization and strives to be a leader among non-profit performing arts organizations.

Toward this goal, we will establish policies, procedures and training programs, pursue specific initiatives and commit significant resources. This policy is closely aligned with our long-term strategic plan.

Inclusion, diversity, equity and access is closely connected to our mission of offering music for the small orchestra to everybody in the community, including those who might have had little exposure to classical music in their lives. We commit to explore any underlying, unquestioned assumptions in our organization that prevent us from reaching these goals.  The Executive Director and Music Director are expected to be visible leaders for achieving diversity and inclusion for the organization.

1984

ICO made its debut on November 18 as Musicians of the Cloister at Trinity Episcopal Church in Indianapolis. David Urness is the first Music Director.

1987

The name was changed to Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, and the following year Kirk Trevor was appointed Music Director and Conductor. Maestro Trevor held this position for 27 years, retiring at the close of the 2014-2015 season.

2007

ICO joined the Indiana State University Contemporary Music Festival as Orchestra-in-Residence, an honor that remains today. During this three-day immersive educational event, the ICO sponsors a nation-wide competition for the composition of new works for chamber orchestra.

2012-2013 season

ICO became the professional Orchestra-in-Residence for Schrott Center for the Arts, Butler Arts Center.

2015

In May, ICO released its first commercial CD, entitled Momentum 21.

2016-2017 season

ICO welcomed Matthew Kraemer to the podium for his second season as Music Director and Conductor, and James Aikman as Composer-in-Residence for his fourth season.