Mocktails & Masterpieces

Painting with Sound: The Colors of CHROMA - Stacy Garrop

In this episode of Mocktails & Masterpieces, ICO Music Director Matthew Kraemer sits down with composer Stacy Garrop to explore the vibrant stories behind her new work CHROMA. Inspired by the fascinating histories of colors—from the luxurious spice of saffron to the sinister beauty of Scheele’s Green and the celestial calm of cerulean blue—Garrop shares how these vivid narratives became musical sounds. Together, Kraemer and Garrop discuss the process of transforming color into orchestral sound, as well as the storytelling at the heart of Garrop’s music. Listeners will gain insight into the creative journey behind this imaginative work ahead of its world premiere with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. 🎨🎶
 
Tickets are available for this concert at https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/gardens-of-spain/
March 21, 2025 at the Schrott Center for the Arts - Gardens of Spain

Gardens of Spain: Gabriela Martinez Plays de Falla

On this episode of Mocktails & Masterpieces, ICO Music Director Matthew Kraemer welcomes Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Martinez for a vibrant conversation about her background as a fifth generation female pianist and Falla's work and connnection to impressionism. Gabriela shares reflections on her musical upbringing, her international career, and the influences that have shaped her distinctive voice at the keyboard.
At the heart of the episode is her upcoming performance with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra of Nights in the Gardens of Spain by Manuel de Falla—a work that shimmers with Andalusian atmosphere, rhythmic vitality, and poetic nuance. Together, Matthew and Gabriela explore the piece’s evocative landscapes, its folkloric roots, and the collaboration between soloist and orchestra that brings these “gardens” to life.
Join us for an engaging conversation that blends musical insight with personal storytelling, offering a behind-the-scenes look at an unforgettable performance.
Get Tickets at icomusic.org Concert on March 21st at 7:30, Schrott Center for the Arts

Up in the Air: Orchestration Goes Circus

In this special episode, we step behind the scenes of Orchestration as the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra transforms the event into a circus spectacular on March 7th at Crane Bay. We sit down with our featured aerial silk artist, Lindsay Montgomery at Aerial Annex, to explore the strength, artistry, and storytelling behind this breathtaking art form—and what it’s like to soar above a live orchestra. From rehearsal insights to the creative collaboration between music and motion, this conversation offers a thrilling preview of an unforgettable night where classical music quite literally takes flight.
Tickets for Orchestration - https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-0018000000euDndAAE/events/vevt:230714f8-1d8a-47ff-904b-ea55273ac45b/home/story

Strings, Stories, and the Shore of the Sea with Tim Fain

On this episode of Mocktails & Masterpieces, ICO Music Director Matthew Kraemer sits down with acclaimed violinist and composer Tim Fain for a wide-ranging conversation about musical curiosity and creative evolution. Tim shares his journey from piano to violin, his early experiences singing in a children’s choir, and how those influences shaped his expanding voice as a composer and violin soloist. The episode also features a special performance of Tim’s own violin concerto, composed and performed by the artist himself. Tune in for an intimate look at a versatile musical life—and hear more about Tim’s upcoming appearance with the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra for the world premiere of Michael Shapiro’s Violin Concerto, By the Shore of the Sea on January 31 at the Schrott Center for the Arts. Tickets are available at https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/shore-of-the-sea-featuring-tim-fain-violin/

From Venezuela to the World Stage: María Brea’s Journey

In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed Venezuelan soprano María Brea, a rising force on today’s operatic stage whose performances have been praised for their “virtuosity,” “luxurious polish,” and magnetic theatrical instinct. From her celebrated roles in Zorro, The Magic Flute, and Carmen to her vibrant advocacy for Latin American artistry, María shares the story of her musical journey from Caracas to major stages across North America.
We explore how her heritage shapes her artistry, the roles and collaborations that have influenced her, and her work uplifting Latina voices in opera. Warm, insightful, and full of passion for the craft, María offers an inspiring look at life behind the scenes of a modern opera career.
Join us for a rich and intimate conversation with one of today’s most compelling young sopranos.
Hear María with the ICO on December 13 and 14th at Indiana Landmarks for A Classical Christmas. 
Tickets at www.icomusic.org

Strings of Innovation: Sharon Isbin in Conversation with Maestro Matthew Kraemer

In this engaging episode, Maestro Matthew Kraemer sits down with world-renowned guitarist Sharon Isbin to discuss her artistry, passion for new music, and the evolution of her performances. Together, they reflect on how her recent concerto—first premiered in 2024—has grown and transformed through subsequent performances, capturing new dimensions of sound and expression.
Isbin also shares an inside look at the recording sessions at St. Luke’s, offering a glimpse into the precision and creativity that define her approach to the studio. The conversation delves into her deep commitment to commissioning and performing new works, while also honoring the classical guitar’s rich standard repertoire—a balance she has masterfully maintained throughout her celebrated career.
Listeners will enjoy an inspiring dialogue about artistry, innovation, and the ever-evolving voice of the guitar in today’s classical music world.Buy Tickets for "Miami in Motion" with Sharon Isbin on November 22 at 7:30 at the Schrott Center

Composing Connection: Karen LeFrak and Sharon Isbin in Conversation with Maestro Matthew Kraemer

In this episode, Maestro Matthew Kraemer hosts a captivating conversation with acclaimed composer Karen LeFrak and world-renowned guitarist Sharon Isbin. Together, they explore the creative journey behind LeFrak’s new concerto, from its origins and inspirations to the intricate details of the compositional process.
Listeners gain insight into what it’s like to compose for a specific soloist—especially one as distinctive and expressive as Isbin—and how collaboration shapes the final work. LeFrak and Isbin share personal reflections on their artistic partnership, as well as the evolution of the concerto since its premiere.
Blending musical insight, creative storytelling, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes, this discussion offers an intimate look at how great collaborations bring new music to life.Buy Tickets for "Miami in Motion" on November 22 at 7:30 at the Schrott Center  

Score to Stage Episode 3 The Music Library

The Music Library Explore one of the hidden parts of the concert machine—the music library—where scores are prepared, marked, and delivered to musicians long before you hear the music on stage.
Executive Director, Dana Stone, and Operations Coordinator, Tucker McGrew, provide an inside look at the process with comments and stories from past concerts.