1984
ICO made its debut on November 18 as Musicians of the Cloister at Trinity Episcopal Church in Indianapolis. David Urness was the first Music Director.
1987
The name of the orchestra 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 annual three-day immersive educational event, the ICO sponsors a nation-wide competition for the composition of new chamber orchestra works and performs the winning piece during the festival.
2009
ICO begins weekly radio broadcast on WFYI 90.1 FM. This broadcast still continues today on Sundays at 9:00 PM.
2012-2013 season
ICO became the professional Orchestra-in-Residence for Schrott Center for the Arts, Butler Arts Center. ICO also hired James Aikman as its first Composer-in-Residence.
2014-2015 season
In May, ICO released its first commercial CD, entitled Momentum 21.
2015-2016 season
ICO welcomed Matthew Kraemer to the podium as Music Director and Conductor. ICO commissioned Peacemakers by James Aikman. This piece was written to commemorate the great work of previous music director, Kirk Trevor, while giving a nod to the great potential of Maestro Kraemer. Peacemakers was a bicentennial project for the State of Indiana.
2017
ICO and WFYI won a regional EMMY for the documentary, concert video, and performance of James Aikman’s, Peacemakers, on WFYI.
2020-2021 season
ICO establishes a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee and adopts a DEI policy to inform its programming and community work.
July 2020
ICO hired new executive director, Dana Stone, following the retirement and 15 successful years of leadership of Elaine Eckhart.
September 2020
The City of Indianapolis proclaimed September 24th “ICO Day” in commemoration of ICO’s ability to host a safe, free outdoor performance at Holliday Park during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
December 2020
ICO had great success with its virtual Christmas program created for audiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. A Baroque Christmas reached live audiences in the United States, Canada, Australia, Thailand, Mexico, and China. Since its premiere, A Baroque Christmas, has garnered nearly 20,000 views.
March 2021
ICO recorded three virtual education programs it can provide to augment music education in the state of Indiana. These programs have been used by more than 8,000 students.
November 2021
ICO’s virtual education program, What Makes Music American, premiered on WFYI on Thanksgiving Day.
February 2022
ICO was awarded the prestigious three-year Catalyst Incubator Grant from the League of American Orchestras in recognition of its consistent, intentional approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
April 2022
ICO hired Joshua Thompson as its Creative Partner-in-Residence to lead the development of culturally relevant and inclusive artistic programming, education programming, and community involvement.
2023-2024
ICO celebrates its 40th Anniversary Season. Miguel del Aguila is Composer-in-Residence. Victoria Bond composes Anne Frank’s Tree. Black Keys: The Evolution of the Black Classical Arts sells out 5 weeks before the concert. WFYI airs the concert. ICO is awarded a 2024 ARTI for Community Partnerships from the Indy Arts Council.