Another delectably inclusive musical season for lovers of classical, pops, family presentations and everything in-between is in store for 2023-24 with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra (CSO) under Artistic Director Janna Hymes.
The orchestra – a resident company of the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel – will present a total of 13 performances during its 48th season, beginning with its traditional patriotic concert on Tuesday, July 4 at CarmelFest. That performance, scheduled to start at 8 p.m. at the Gazebo near Carmel City Hall, will lead into the city’s annual fireworks extravaganza.
All other CSO concerts are scheduled to take place at the Palladium.
Hymes
“We’re coming off an incredibly diverse season that was very well received by our CSO friends and fans,” Hymes said. “There was a bit of everything in there – our Masterworks performances, of course, which showcase our classical foundation, but then we also stretched our wings into amazing R&B sounds with salutes to the music of Earth, Wind & Fire and Aretha Franklin.
“We explored Hispanic heritage at our season opener, performed the fabulous John Williams’ movie scores known and loved by everyone, had great fun introducing a whole new range of music to our youngest fans, and celebrated the sounds of the season with a totally reconfigured Holiday Pops.
“We’ve built on this momentum to create our 2023-24 season,” she said.
In addition to the previously mentioned CarmelFest concert, the schedule includes:
- Masterworks 1: Modern Classics with guest artist Gabriela Martinez, piano; featuring selections by Beethoven and Mozart plus a commissioned piece by Caroline Ahn, a Carmel resident and Anderson University professor. Saturday, Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m.
- Sounds Exciting! Classical Kids Live: Gershwin’s Magic Key. Sunday, Oct. 22 at 4 p.m.
- Masterworks 2: Unity, Veterans and America featuring selections by Coleman, Ravel, Ives and Still. Saturday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
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Davis
Martinez
Holiday Pops! featuring Broadway veteran Ben Davis, Disney star and Carmel’s own Amelia Wray, Indiana Ballet Conservatory and Second Presbyterian Church Choir. Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3 and 7 p.m.
- January Pops: the artistry of Cirque de la Symphonie bringing the magic of Cirque to the music hall. Saturday, Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
- Family Fun Concert with Guest Conductor Thomas Chen of Carmel High School. Sunday, Jan. 28 at 3 p.m.
- Masterworks 3: Symphony Goes to the Movies with guest artist Francisco Fullana, violin; featuring selections by Piazzolla, Mendelssohn plus live music performed to the Charlie Chaplin film classic, The Kid. Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
- Masterworks 4: The Firebird & Bohemian Delight featuring selections by Smetana, Stravinsky and Dvorak. Saturday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m.
- Masterworks 5: Verdi Requiem featuring the Anderson University Choirs. Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m.
- Side-by-Side with Carmel High School Orchestras. Sunday, April 21, at 4 p.m.
- May Pops: Jeans ‘n Classics “Soulful” featuring vocalist Gavin Hope & the Jeans ’n Classics Soulful Band showcasing 50 years of R&B, Motown, funk, disco and pop. Saturday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Season tickets for 2023-24 will be available soon at the Palladium Fifth Third Bank Box Office, by calling (317) 843-3800, or online at TheCenterPresents.org. Tickets for individual performances will go on sale later this summer.
“We challenged our musicians throughout this recently completed season, and they answered the call every time,” Hymes said. “I’m so incredibly proud of this orchestra, and very proud to join them in presenting incredible musical performances each and every time we take to the Palladium stage.
“If you’re a current fan of the CSO, and you were in our audience this past season, you understand exactly what I’m saying,” she continued. “And if you haven’t experienced the sensational music we’re playing, the orchestra and I sincerely invite you to come and see and hear for yourself!
“CSO is not a community orchestra. It’s an orchestra for the community, a professional orchestra, and we’re so proud to perform for you.”
The 2023-24 Carmel Symphony Orchestra season is supported by the City of Carmel, the Center for the Performing Arts, the Palladium, and Pedcor.
For more information about the CSO, visit CarmelSymphony.org.