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
“Playing the Legend: Inside The Chevalier with Brendon Elliott”
April 30, 2026
What does it take to embody one of history’s most extraordinary artists? In this episode, violinist Brendon Elliott takes us inside his role as Joseph Bologne in The Chevalier—a musical play that brings to life the brilliance, complexity, and resilience of the famed 18th-century composer and virtuoso. Elliott shares how he approaches portraying the musical components of a real historical figure whose talents spanned music, fencing, and social influence. From mastering the Chevalier’s virtuosic style to connecting with the deeper themes of identity and recognition, this conversation offers a compelling look at the artistry behind the performance and Brendon’s career.
“Painting with Sound: The Colors of CHROMA with Stacy Garrop”
March 12, 2026
In this episode of Mocktails & Masterpieces, ICO Music Director Matthew Kraemer sits down with composer Stacy Garrop to explore the vibrant stories behind her new work CHROMA. Inspired by the fascinating histories of colors—from the luxurious spice of saffron to the sinister beauty of Scheele’s Green and the celestial calm of cerulean blue—Garrop shares how these vivid narratives became musical sounds. Together, Kraemer and Garrop discuss the process of transforming color into orchestral sound, as well as the storytelling at the heart of Garrop’s music. Listeners will gain insight into the creative journey behind this imaginative work ahead of its world premiere with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.
“From Venezuela to the World Stage: Maria Brea’s Journey”
December 4, 2025
In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed Venezuelan soprano María Brea, a rising force on today’s operatic stage whose performances have been praised for their “virtuosity,” “luxurious polish,” and magnetic theatrical instinct. From her celebrated roles in Zorro, The Magic Flute, and Carmen to her vibrant advocacy for Latin American artistry, María shares the story of her musical journey from Caracas to major stages across North America. We explore how her heritage shapes her artistry, the roles and collaborations that have influenced her, and her work uplifting Latina voices in opera. Warm, insightful, and full of passion for the craft, María offers an inspiring look at life behind the scenes of a modern opera career.
From Score to Stage: a 3-Part Series
August-October, 2025
From Score to Stage is a three-part podcast and video series that takes you inside the fascinating journey of turning a musical idea into a live performance with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. Each episode pulls back the curtain on a different chapter of the process—blending artistry, strategy, and behind-the-scenes magic.
Episode 1: Commissions & Programming
Episode 2: Operations & Logistics
Episode 3: The Music Library
“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.