Annual Report | 2013-2014 Season

INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONIC CHOIR

2 0 1 3 - 2 0 1 4 | 7 7 TH S E A S O N

GIVING VOICE TO CLASSICAL MUSIC

MISSION

The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is dedicated to excellence in the performance of choral music, to creating and performing new choral masterworks, and to community outreach and education.

SEASON SPON SOR

77TH SEASON

2013-2014 The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s 77th season included notable milestones and high-water marks. From presenting some of the finest choral music ever written and performing it at unparalleled levels of excellence, to producing meaningful and timely educational opportunities in our community (not to mention the strongest financial position the Choir has enjoyed in its 77-year history) the 2013-2014 season provided much to celebrate.

At the heart of the accomplishments enjoyed by this outstanding institution is its commitment to the artistic product. The Choir’s fundraising successes, marketing achievements, and notable financial growth are due to our unwavering commitment to always put the art first. Our dedicated Board of Directors, visionary staff, and corps of gifted singers breathe life into a unique and timeless art form. Singing, by its very nature, is a personal, meaningful, and rewarding experience for performers and audiences alike. A commitment to great art leads to even greater institutional stability and growth.

Just over 25,000 persons benefited from the Symphonic Choir’s programs in the recently-completed season through concerts, outreach initiatives, recordings, and broadcasts. The generosity of individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations allows the Choir to produce consistently impressive choral experiences, which are among the most respected in the nation.

We are grateful for your support of this cherished choral institution. With your continued involvement, we look forward to a promising future, as we give voice to classical music.

M I C H A E L P E T T RY E X E C U T I V E D I R E C TO R

E R I C S TA R K A R T I S T I C D I R E C TO R

PERFORMANCES

M O OD IN DIG O

TITLE SPONSOR:

Opening the 77th season, Mood Indigo featured the 22-voice Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Chamber Singers with conductor Michael Davis in two sold-out performances at the Indiana Landmarks Center. The cabaret-style performances also included a salute to Les Paul and Mary Ford, two of America’s 20th century music icons, in an intimate, one-of-a-kind setting.

VERD I’S REQU IEM With the world celebrating the 200th anniversary of the composer’s birth, the Symphonic Choir joined the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for two performances of the operatic Verdi Requiem. Maestro Krzysztof Urbański conducted these two October performances reaching capacity audiences at Hilbert Circle Theatre.

“Under the direction and preparation of Eric Stark, the Symphonic Choir showed itself to be in top form throughout this difficult, challenging work.” - TOM ALDRIDGE, NUVO

F E STIVAL OF C AROLS

TITLE SPONSOR:

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Festival of Carols featured the Symphonic Choir and an all-star cast of special guests, creating new holiday memories for persons of all ages, and reached new, broader audiences. Special guests included soprano Maria Jette, as heard on “A Prairie Home Companion,” Butler University’s “Out of the Dawg House” all-male ensemble, Circle City Ringers handbell choir, and gifted choirs from Franklin Central H.S. and Fishers H.S. Festival of Carols attracted sold-out audiences at all three performances in 2012 & 2013.

H AN D EL’S MESSIAH Handel’s oratorio Messiah, performed in December at Clowes Memorial Hall, has become an annual holiday tradition for the Indianapolis community. Presenting a different perspective than previous performances of the Baroque favorite, the 2013 iteration featured a smaller ensemble of Symphonic Choir singers and ISO musicians, for a lighter, dance-like performance that received high praise. “…impeccable blend, intonation, diction and expression were evident in the performance of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, under artistic director, Eric Stark…” - TOM ALVAREZ, THE EXAMINER

The performances of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s 77th season spanned the spectrum from classic works by Verdi and Handel, to Festival of Carols, vocal jazz, and the epic Britten War Requiem. Nearly all performances drew capacity audiences in the 76th & 77th seasons. Audience attendance rates across the Choir’s 2013-2014 season averaged an incredible 98%.

GA L A BEL C AN TO The Choir’s black-tie fundraiser Gala Bel Canto went British in preparation for the epic performance of Britten’s War Requiem. Gala Bel Canto | Rule Britannia: An Evening at the Proms moved to the city’s premier venue, The Conrad, and once again sold out, raising over $45,000 for the Choir’s educational and outreach initiatives. Alongside a performance in the Indianapolis ArtsGarden featuring the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as “Rule Britannia” and “Zadok the Priest,” audiences also enjoyed a stylish dinner, dancing, and a unique silent auction experience.

TITLE SPONSOR:

WAR REQU IEM

Few choruses in the nation have the ability to bring to life Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem. The epic piece requires a large and able chorus, two orchestras, three soloists and children’s choir – it is both musically challenging and no small financial undertaking. Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the composer’s birth and the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s ability to successfully present works of especially large scale, this performance attracted a sold-out audience at The Palladium in Carmel. Joining the Symphonic Choir were the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Children’s Choir, Indianapolis Men’s Chorus, and Butler University Chorale.

The War Requiem performance was “sensitively rendered…”

- JAY HARVEY |

“Five Stars” - RITA KOHN, NUVO

DA P H N IS & CH LOÉ Not performed in Indianapolis since 1968, the Symphonic Choir joined the ISO and contemporary dance company Dance Kaleidoscope for two performances of Daphnis et Chloé at Clowes Memorial Hall. The collaborative performances of this impressionist composition, which has been called one of Ravel’s greatest works, concluded the Choir’s 77th season.

ENHANCING

THE PATRON EXPERIENCE The Choir employed unique media tools to enhance the overall patron experience in many performances. These included a YouTube video “The Audition” surrounding the Festival of Carols performances and a recorded, theatrical monologue that immediately preceded the War Requiem performance, setting the tone for what the audience was about to experience.

VISIT INDYCHOIR.ORG AND CLICK ON “VIDEOS” T O E X P E R I E N C E T H E S E A N D O T H E R C O M M U N I C AT I O N S T O O L S

WWW.INDYCHOIR.ORG/ABOUT/VIDEOS

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY OUTREACH

EDUCATION PARTNER:

With more than 35 million Americans singing in a choir, more people participate in choral music than are involved in any other art form. In fact, the Symphonic Choir believes choral music is an art form by the people, for the people and of the people: An effective tool for providing a complete education. Access to choral music is a vital component of a balanced education and should be available to persons of all ages and backgrounds. In addition to the magic that happens on the concert stage, the Choir changes lives in the classrooms, in community centers, and for families throughout the city.

H A R M O NY O F VO I C E S

For six seasons, the Symphonic Choir has served as the official choral partner of the Indianapolis Public Schools.

In this capacity, IPS receives fully-subsidized concert tickets for students, their families, and music teachers.

Education begins in the classroom, but continues into the family and home. Additionally, the Choir brings mobile performances to area schools featuring the Symphonic Choir Chamber Singers, and in response to a lack of continuing education opportunities for choral and general music teachers, the Symphonic Choir is pleased to provide workshops and master classes for teachers as well as students.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR ERIC STARK SOUGHT TO REACH AS MANY K-12 CHORAL PROGRAMS AS POSSIBLE IN THE 77TH SEASON. THROUGH WORKSHOPS WITH CHORAL ENSEMBLES,

THESE SCHOOLS

BENEFITED FROM THE SYMPHONIC CHOIR’S COMMITMENT TO MUSIC EDUCATION VIA IN-CLASSROOM EXPERIENCES

Avon High School Beech Grove High School Bloomington South High School Brownsburg High School Christel House Academy Columbus East High School Columbus North High School Concordia Lutheran High School Fishers High School Fishers High School Choral Festival at Ball State University

Franklin Central High School Frederick Douglass Elementary School Gambold Preparatory School Lawrence Central High School New Castle High School North Central High School Counterpoints North Central High School King’s Court Perry Meridian High School Plainfield High School Sidener Elementary School Zionsville High School

SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE

Noted choral scholar Dr. Dennis Shrock (Texas Christian University) served as the Symphonic Choir’s Scholar-in-Residence for the period preceding the May 2014 performance of Britten’s War Requiem. In addition to a pre-performance conversation with the audience, he also provided more advanced discussions for students from area universities and leaders from local congregations.

S P OT L I G H T C H O I R

For many years the Symphonic Choir has provided a side-by-side rehearsal and performance experience for middleand high-school students at Festival of Carols. In addition to the opportunity to perform with the Symphonic Choir, the students receive in-class workshops with members of the Symphonic Choir’s artistic staff in the weeks prior to the performance. Spotlight Choirs this season included Fishers High School Silver Classic and Franklin Central High School FC Singers.

TIMELESS IN SONG

Access to art is vital no matter one’s age. “Timeless in Song” brings the choral arts to Indianapolis’s urban, senior community through mobile performances at area nursing homes and community centers. Among the first such programs in the city, this initiative reached just over 1,100 low-income seniors, providing life-affirming opportunities through the arts.

FINANCIAL STABILITY The financial stability of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is, perhaps, sturdier than at any other point in its 77-year history. Revenue streams are diverse and increasing. Relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and grant-making institutions are valued and strong. And the Choir’s careful stewardship of its resources remains paramount: maximizing the breadth of programming by utilizing each dollar, each gifted musician, and each volunteer hour to the nth degree.

We recognize it requires considerable resources to identify and build relationships with a potential donor. Implemented three seasons ago, the Choir’s Patron Experience initiative seeks to enhance the overall experience a patron receives.

From the first time a concert is announced through the ticket-buying process, parking, and amenities in the concert venue; opportunities to interact in-person and on social media; and follow-up in the days following a performance – all are vital components to minimizing patron attrition and building stronger, lasting relationships.

The Board of Directors and staff understand that at the heart of the Choir’s financial success stands its artistic product.

Producing bold, consistently awe-inspiring, truly marvelous performances creates repeat ticket buyers. In essence, if patrons experience the power of the Symphonic Choir just once, chances are favorable they will become repeat ticket buyers, donors, and vocal advocates of the Choir.

The current strategic plan, which began in 2012, set an aggressive goal of growing ticket revenue from 14% of the total budget to 20% by July of 2015. In actuality, the 2013-2014 season saw ticket revenue increase to 21% - one year sooner than expected. Over the past six seasons, revenue from ticket sales has grown from $32,615 in the 2008-2009 season, to $114,662 in the 2013-2014 season, an increase of 350%, while still maintaining accessible price points for ticket buyers.

T I C K E T R E V E N U E : S I X YE A R S O F S T R O N G G R OW T H

Accessible ticket pricing: Tickets for all concerts begin at $20 for adults and $15 for students.

Ticket revenue has increased by 350% over the past 6 seasons, while still maintaining accessible price points for ticket buyers.

FAST FACTS

The Choir established a strategic cash reserve of 4 months operating income to help weather any unforeseen economic challenges, including staff transition, global economic crisis, significant catastrophe, or major priority shifts from existing funders.

Revenue streams continue to grow and become more diversified.

Compared to 10 years ago when 33% of the Choir’s revenue came from one funding source, today the Symphonic Choir’s revenue sources are more diverse and stable.

2013-2014 INCOME G R A NTS / FO U NDATI O NS TI C KE T R E V E NU E I NDI V I DUA L DO NATI O NS CO R P O R AT E PA R TNE R S H I P S G A L A / S P E C I A L E V E NTS E NG AG E M E NTS W/ I S O CD SALES OTH E R I NCO M E

2013-2014 EXPENSES

PRO G R A M M I N G A D M I N I S T R AT I VE F UN D R A I S I N G PRO M OT I O N A L

LONG-TERM SAVINGS: $ 1 0 5 , 3 8 7 CASH ON HAND: $ 7 5 , 5 9 3 ENDOWMENT VALUE: $ 5 7 , 3 4 5 A S O F J U LY 3 1 , 2 0 1 4

77TH SEASON

HIGHLIGHTS The Choir sang the “Star Spangled Banner” in November 2013 at the Indianapolis Colts vs Seattle Seahawks football game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Artistic Director Eric Stark was named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Pence for his service to the state of Indiana through the arts.

B E N J A M I N B R I T T E N U K TO U R As the world celebrated the 100th anniversary of composer Benjamin Britten’s birth, the Symphonic Choir hosted a 7-day tour through England exploring the works of the gifted musician. Travelers built a stronger relationship with the Symphonic Choir and returned home to the Hoosier State prepared to serve as effective advocates for the May 2014 performance of Britten’s War Requiem.

CO N D U C T I N G F E L LOWS H I P Among the first of its kind in the nation, the Choir launched the Conducting Fellowship in partnership with Butler University.

Providing practical experience with artistic and administrative activities in a top-tier symphonic chorus, the Conducting Fellowship is a two-year program for one student studying choral conducting at Butler University. A native of Japan, Bryan Stenson concluded his Conducting Fellowship with the Choir in June 2014.

E L M E R S T E F F E N F O U N D E R ’S AWA R D Named in honor of the Symphonic Choir’s first conductor, the Elmer Steffen Founder’s Award is presented to an individual or institution who has made a significant and lasting impact on the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir.

Peter Fellegy was named the 2014 recipient for his service as president of the Board of Directors, for launching the Choir’s Recording Fund, and for his unparalleled advocacy. Past recipients of the award include Lucina Ball Moxley, Dr. Charles Webb, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

THANK YOU

PRE SE N TIN G PA RTN E RS:

S EASO N SP O N S O R :

TITL E SPO N SO RS:

The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, a non-profit arts institution, gratefully acknowledges the generosity of those in the community. Individual donors, corporate partners and foundations alike have made a commitment to the Symphonic Choir and to this community – choral music makes a difference.

T H E FO LLOW I N G R E F LE C TS D O N AT IO N S MA D E B ET WEEN AUGUS T 1 , 2 0 1 3 A ND J ULY 3 1 , 2014.

CORPORATE SPONSORS Arcadia Wine & Spirits Barnes & Thornburg, LLP BMO Harris Bank Bose McKinney and Evans, LLP Brandwidth Butler University Ivy Tech Community College Katz, Sapper & Miller Kent J. Shipley, CPA, ESQ Morris Machine Company Piano Solutions Printing Partners Raymond James and Associates, Inc. Simon Property Group Sonar Studios Transcendent Travel FOUNDATIONS Allen Whitehall Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc. Arts Council of Indianapolis & the City of Indianapolis Central Indiana Community Foundation Christel DeHaan Family Foundation The City of Carmel Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, Inc. Eugene and Marilyn Glick Foundation Indiana Arts Commission Lilly Endowment, Inc. The National Endowment for the Arts Nicholas H. Noyes, Jr. Memorial Foundation The Penrod Foundation VISIONARY CIRCLE ($5,000+) Anonymous Peter and Meg Johnstone William and Katherine Landschulz Mrs. Lucina B. Moxley Dr. Eric Stark LEADERSHIP CIRCLE ($2,500-$4,999) Ann Gerritsen R.P. Hogan III, M.D. Michael and Cynthia McConnell Mr. Michael Pettry and Mr. John Mainella Kathryn E. Rice Judy Roudebush Dr. Paul E. and Martha Schmidt Michael and Sherrie Sells Kent and Bonnie Shipley CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE ($1,000-$2,499) Anonymous Timothy and Ann Carlson

Mr. Thom England and Ms. Karen Mangia Peter and MaryEllen Fellegy Michael and Jennifer Grady Philip and Margaret Johnston James and Carol Lankton Thomas and Christina Merriott Girish and Jennifer Nair Blake and Carolyn Neubauer Shirley Norris Sherry Stark & David Tiede Dennis and Kathy Tackitt Dr. Charles Webb David and Eleanor Wilcox SYMPHONIC CIRCLE ($500-$999) Anonymous Brad and Carole Arthur Howard and Sandy Baetzhold Dr. Sue Bartz Michele Bergonzi Jeff and Jennie Bick Mr. Ray Biederman Mr. Gary Butkus and Mr. Jason Range Bari K. and Rachel N. Faudree Dr. Bob Gowen and Dr. Virgil Chan Christian and June Gries Gary and Jeri Griffith Dennis and Tamara Hardin Shawn Heidel Household Dr. Mark Henderson and Ms. Theresa Brown Dr. Shana and Mr. Kyle Henne Brian and Ellen Hostetler Marilyn Keiser Mr. Edward Kennedy Michael and Joan Kenniff Bob and Marilyn Kuhn Deb Lawrence Jon E. Lewis Heather McPherson & Malcolm W. Smith Don and Kimberly Meyer Dr. Kate Morris Eric and Kathy Oehler Andrew and Julie Price Clay and Amy Robbins James Russel James P. and Mary Beth Schafer Mr. Mike Slocum Donald and Denise Smith Mark D. Squire Richard and Carol Thorne F. David Tingley, III Bob and Katherine Vernon Todd James and Jeffrey Wallace

CHOIR CIRCLE ($250-$499) Michael Bogers William and Vicki Browne Albert Donato Todd and Pam Eads Holly Erickson John Fischer Cora Gibson Paul and Monica Gloyeske JK Griffith Timothy and Diane Hall Tom and Nora Hiatt Kenneth and Krisztina Inskeep Anne Jones Marja Landschulz Henry and Meredith Leck Dr. Michelle Louer Heather M. Marin Susan Markle Andrew and Lisa Martin David and Susan May Robert and Elly McNamara Wayne and Mary Jo Moss Timothy S. Needler Anthony and Deborah Perona Dianne Peterson Rick and Deb Pettry Daniel and Susan Rains Duane Henry and Micci Richardson Roland Schaffer Carol and Richard Selby Chandler Shirer Mary Jane Sorbera C. Richard and Gretchen Spaulding Chris and Ann Stark Jim and Michele Stark Larry and Stephanie Stout Gregg A. Sweeney, DDS Daniel and Candi Tepke Tom and Barbara Turi Dr. and Mrs. Alex and Amy Wakefield Faedra L. Weiss Donna White Meredith and Judith Wilson DONORS ($100-$249) In Honor of Dr. Bob Hogan III Mike Ainley Jim and Denni Badger Robert and Jennie Beth Baker Hugh A. Barker Daniel Barrow Betty Beasley

Thomas and Anna Beczkiewicz John and Lyn Beltz Mike and Terri Berlier Benjamin Blair Julie Boss Baronda Bradley Dr. Frank Burch Brown Richard and Kathryn Bump Gay Burkhart Jean Caster John Champley Paul and Janet Clements Carolyn S. Cook Susan Cowen-Jenkins Ali Curtis Robert and Ann Dean Melanie DePoy David and Shelly Elliott Bob and Eunice Ferguson Jason Fishburn and Todd Grooten Richard Ford Terri Gill Lynn and Sue Gordon Garry Harris Mary Hickel Kathleen Hillgren Dan and Chris Hoffman Tim Hoover and Rusty Moe Doug and Lois Horth Lori James Patricia K. Johnson Deborah Keller Beth Kindig Marcia Kolvitz Jack and Lorissa Kreman Dr. Bennett C. Laguzza Ned and Martha Lamkin John Lee Scott and Emily Lytle-Painter Lisa Marchal Roger and Mary Marchal Rodney and Lynn Martin James McConnell George Elliott and Georgiena Edna McCord Milo and Phyllis McCormack Steve and Lynne McMahan Clayton Miller Mrs. Katherine Mondor Don and Gay Murphy Laura Nagle Mark Nardo and Leslie Ashburn-Nardo

Yvonne Nichols Laura Nisenbaum Mary and Robert Orben Mark Palmenter and Douglas Steen Bill and Penny Paraskevas Steve Reising Don and Gay Robinson Lucy E. Rockstrom Mr. John A. Seest Chuck and Syd Shaffer Earl and Gwen Swart Frank and Mary Timmers James R. Toombs Larry and Cate Waynick John Webb Frank and Cathy Whelan Ga Wilson Thomas Woo Thomas and Bernadette Zoss FRIENDS (UP TO $99) In Memory of Avis Hull In Memory of Bruce Thomson Don Abrogast Sharon Bartlett-Voigt James Bonke Ms. Martha Bradshaw Daniel and Teresa Bratcher Jeremy Brimm and Rory Shivers Steve Brockmann Melissa Brown Victor and Linda Caleca Victor E. Childers Wes and Cindy Colter Alexandria G. Darley Dr. Michael Davis Bob and Kathy Dean Robert G. and Ann M. Dean Brett Deery Fred and Kim DiCamilla Jalana Eash Trevor Fanning Rich and Patricia Franck James and Ann Gallagher Sally Ann Galliher John and Nadine Gantt Ruth Ann Gigax Shirley Gilson Dorothy Giovannini Sandy Gosling Rosy Hansell Tabitha Hardy Guille and Ann Harvey

Ivy Ann Heazeltine David Hochoy Jeffrey Alan Holmes Karen L. Jacobs Steven Jans Kenneth & Kathy Jensen Jack and Jacqueline Kesler Amber Kocher Andrew Lannerd Lauren Laski Tia Lee Dr. and Mrs. Glenn and Alice Marin Dorothy McIver David Meats Jim Mendenhall Michelle Miller Thomas and Cheryl Miller Michael and Jewell Morow Robert and Rose Mullen David A. and Elaine M. Mumper David and Cynthia Muse David Newman Ralph and Mary Ellen Oberlander Dan and Anne O’Brien Kathryn Patterson Keith and Karen Phelps Fredric and Katherine Powell David Putman Henry C. Ryder Marie Schaekel Jeanne Scheets Ryan and Trisha Scheidies Bob and Rita Schilling Beverly and Sylvia Scott Michael P. Scott Thomas and Kelly Scurich Harold Shadday Cory and Jan Shaffer Pauline Shaver Betsy Smith Ben Solomon Michael Stohler and Yvette Castelot Bonnie Sweeney J. Patrick Tatum Freida Thompson, M.D. Neil and Rebekah Thompson Milo R. and Betty Jo Vanek Jan Virgin James Waldmann Don and Anna Weiser John and Elaine Weiss William and Audrey Wiebenga Anita Willis

INDIANAPOL IS SYMPHONIC CHOIR 2 0 1 3 -2 0 1 4 | 7 7 TH SEASON P RO F E SSI O NA L STAFF

Dr. Eric Stark | Artistic Director Michael Pettry | Executive Director Dr. Michael Davis | Assistant Artistic Director Andrew Lannerd | General Manager Natalie Macy | Marketing & Operations Manager Kristofer Sanchack | Keyboard Artist Stephanie Derybowski | Design & Communications Specialist Bryan Stenson | Conducting Fellow Tamara Kaufman | Financial Administrator Samuel Rogers | Arts Administration Intern Catrina Cranfill, Alyssa Jenkins & Anyea Taylor | Operations Assistants David Schlenk | Recording Assistant

VO LUNTE E R STAFF

Faedra Weiss | Associate for Grants and Publications Ann Gerritsen | Membership Coordinator Jim Bennett | Librarian Christina Merriott | Concert Attire Donna White | Mentor Coordinator Suellen Williams | Soprano Section Leader Anita Willis | Alto Section Leader Karl Snider | Tenor Section Leader Bill Paraskevas | Bass Section Leader

BOA R D O F DI R E C TORS

Frank Whelan | Salin Bank | President Brian Hostetler | Piano Solutions | Vice President Jennifer Grady | Katz, Sapper & Miller | Treasurer Andrew Price | Midcontinent ISO (MISO)| Secretary Dr. Sue Bartz | The Neighborhood Veterinarian Raymond Biederman | Barnes & Thornburg, LLP Michael Bogers | Marine Bank Peter Fellegy | Fortune Wireless Kyle Henne | Community Volunteer Dr. Katherine Landschulz | Covance Matt McGreal | Fusion Alliance Donald M. Meyer | Bose McKinney & Evans, LLP Dr. Kate Morris | Butler University Kathy Oehler | Autism Consultant Kathryn Rice | Deloitte Michael Slocum | Ivy Tech Kent Shipley | CPA, Lawyer Donald Smith | Stark & Smith, LLP