ISO up to the fundraising challenge

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Concert-goers filled Hilbert Circle Theater over the weekend for the first time this season to listen to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra since a lockout between the musicians and the orchestra board began.

“It feels like a victory,” said Tim Kiefer, a music student from Butler. “To see them back doing what they’ve been doing, what they’ve been trained to do is really special.”

After five weekends of canceled performances in a dispute over money with the board, musicians hit the right note this week with a deal.

They'll take a 34 percent first year pay cut in the five year deal and they have to raise five million in donations by Jan. 31 or it's back to the bargaining table.

“The musicians are committed to doing what it takes, not just to do what we always do which is excellent performances on this stage, but to help with fundraising and community support," said Rick Graef, Assistant Principal Horn.

“This agreement wouldn’t have been possible without significant sacrifices by our musicians, and we sincerely appreciate their willingness to find a common ground at this crucial point in the ISO’s history,” said John Thornburgh, ISO Board chairman. “We have seen the numbers of people willing to sign petitions, send in letters of support and demonstrate their admiration for our music and educational programs. We now need to convert that support into tangible financial commitments from our community, which we are confident will occur.”

Across the country, symphony funding – like a lot of arts funding in recent years – isn’t what it used to be.

Patrons here say they understand the challenge.

"I think that's been a challenge of symphony orchestras and music groups for a long time trying to figure out 'how do we get bodies in the seats and get people to really appreciate what we're doing?'" said concert-goer Michael Ziegler.

"We have to continue playing great classical music but we also look at what audiences – how they want to hear it – what ways they want to hear it?" explained Graef, who cited the ISO’s Happy Hour Series as an example.

“(They are) really set up for the 20-something 30-something crowd – come straight after work – enjoy a few beverages – come see a little symphony with some great music,” he said. “We have to reach everybody. Classical music is for everybody."

Patrons with tickets from previously canceled performances may exchange into this weekend’s performances or another of their choice excluding special events.

For more information, contact the ISO box office by calling 317-639-4300.