Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra announces free Sphinx Series concerts for 2025, beginning Jan. 22 at Butler University

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) continues its partnership with the Sphinx Organization to present free concerts during the 2024–25 season. The first 2025 Sphinx concert presented by the ISO will take place at Butler University in the Eidson-Duckwall Recital Hall at 7 p.m.

An Evening With Sphinx: Folk and Fantasy
7:30 p.m., Jan. 22
Butler University, Eidson Duckwall Recital Hall

Discover a world of captivating melodies and cultural richness in this unforgettable concert. Esteban Benzecry’s Rapsodia Andina offers a breathtaking homage to Andean traditions, while Manuel Ponce’s beloved Estrellita (arr. Heifetz) enchants with its timeless beauty. Hannah Kendall’s Network Bed intrigues with modern textures, and Florence Price blends lush romanticism with black folk music in her Piano Quintet in A minor. Special guests Christine Lamprea (cello) and pianist Pallavi Mahidhara join ISO Concertmaster Kevin Lin, violist Zhanbo Zheng, and violinist Bryson Karrer. Registration is required for this free event.

An Evening With Sphinx: Soulful Strings
2 p.m., Feb. 16
Sacred Heart Parish
1530 Union St., Indianapolis

Special guest violinist Adé Williams and cellist Laura Andrade join ISO Associate Concertmaster Peter Vickery and violist Amy Kniffen as they celebrate the richness of African American musical traditions with this stirring program of chamber works. Featuring Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson’s soulful Lamentations, Carlos Simon’s evocative Where Two or Three Are Gathered, and Adolphus Hailstork’s Three Spirituals, this concert showcases exceptional artistry. Margaret Price’s 5 Folksongs in Counterpoint completes the evening, blending classical technique with folk melodies. Performed by an extraordinary ensemble, it’s an unforgettable journey through music and heritage.

An Evening With Sphinx
7 p.m. March 20
Hilbert Circle Theatre

Through the ISO’s Unheard Voices initiative, the orchestra celebrates contemporary and historical composers whose works are often underrepresented in orchestras today. The Sphinx program, along with selected works throughout the 2024–25 IU Health Classical Series, features composers who authentically represent their unique culture, exploring the human condition through the universal language of music.

About the Sphinx Organization-ISO partnership
Working with the Detroit-based Sphinx Organization, a national nonprofit dedicated to developing young Black and Latinx classical musicians, the collaboration brings Sphinx artists and ISO musicians together for an annual series of chamber and orchestral music at locations throughout Indianapolis. The project is made possible through the generous support of title sponsor Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, along with premier sponsors Honda, Pacers Sports & Entertainment, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

About the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, at home and thriving in the heart of Indianapolis, offers an exceptional artistic and musical experience. The orchestra is open to all and dedicated to creating an inclusive and innovative experiential environment that is inspiring, educational, and welcoming. The ISO celebrates historically beloved performances while engaging audiences by introducing new voices through programming that includes the IU Health Classical Series, the Printing Partners Pops Series, the holiday traditions of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, Kroger Symphony on the Prairie, and the popular Film Series presented by Bank of America. For more information, visit IndianapolisSymphony.org.