In what organizers call “perfect timing,” a small ensemble of Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) musicians gathered on stage in early March to record a series of Baroque music videos that will be released over the course of eight weeks beginning March 24.
That “perfect timing” evolved from the gift of a harpsichord from the husband of former ISO music director, the late Raymond Leppard.
“The stars aligned,” said Katie McGuinness, director of artistic planning. “It presented a perfect opportunity to honor Raymond. We wanted to showcase this beautiful instrument while also getting our musicians safely back on stage again, and Baroque music traditionally features small ensembles and a harpsichord. This instrument was a very emotional and perfect gift for us. It’s going to be featured in every episode.”
Associate Conductor Jacob Joyce planned the series and is serving as its conductor. According to Joyce, the series is meant to present Baroque music in a modern context: Through the presentation as a virtual docuseries, through performances on modern instruments in a historically informed style, and by examining the pieces as the orchestra plays through a 21st century historical lens. The series unfolds in eight episodes, each focused on a specific region, composer, or instrument.
“In addition to discussing the historical background behind the pieces we perform, we will also examine the current social relevance of these works, in the hopes that the series will be appealing to a wide audience,” Joyce said. “I am particularly excited to be able to present it free to the public–this will allow viewers, both in Indiana and across the country, unique access to our fabulous musicians at the ISO.”
Sponsored by the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, each episode includes approximately 15 minutes of performance and an additional 10 minutes of interviews and commentary about the music.
Special guests include Wynton Marsalis (who made several recordings of classical trumpet with Leppard), Nicholas McGegan (music director laureate for Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale) and Jeannette Sorrell (artistic director, Apollo’s Fire) as well as Marianne Tobias, ISO program book annotator and Anne DePrez, Board Chair, Christel House Schools, representing Christel DeHaan Family Foundation.
The program topics include:
- Program 1: What is the Baroque?
- Program 2: Corelli & Rome
- Program 3: Vivaldi & Venice
- Program 4: The War of the Buffoons
- Program 5: The Concerto
- Program 6: Bach
- Program 7: Handel
- Program 8: The Harpsichord
The series will be available for weekly viewing through Vimeo. Detailed instructions and a link can be found at IndianapolisSymphony.org.