Mocktails & Masterpieces

Playing the Legend: Inside The Chevalier with Brendon Elliott

What does it take to embody one of history’s most extraordinary artists? In this episode, violinist Brendon Elliott takes us inside his role as Joseph Bologne in The Chevalier—a musical play that brings to life the brilliance, complexity, and resilience of the famed 18th-century composer and virtuoso.
Elliott shares how he approaches portraying the musical components of a real historical figure whose talents spanned music, fencing, and social influence. From mastering the Chevalier’s virtuosic style to connecting with the deeper themes of identity and recognition, this conversation offers a compelling look at the artistry behind the performance and Brendon's career.
Don’t miss The Chevalier, presented by the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra on May 16 at the Madam Walker Legacy Center.Buy Tickets & Learn More - https://www.icomusic.org/concerts/the-chevalier-a-musical-play/

“Sword, Symphony, Stage: The Story of Joseph Bologne”

Step inside the story behind The Chevalier in this engaging conversation between host Joshua Thompson and playwright, director, and performer Bill Barclay. Together, they explore the spark that ignited this vibrant musical play and the remarkable true life of Joseph Bologne—a virtuoso violinist, champion fencer, and groundbreaking figure in 18th-century France.
Barclay shares how history, music, and storytelling intertwine to bring the Chevalier’s journey to the stage, along with insights into the work’s development and its growing success with audiences. The conversation also reflects on themes of identity, artistry, and justice that make this story resonate today.
Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look ahead of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra’s presentation of The Chevalier on May 16 at 7:30 PM at the Madam Walker Legacy Center.Learn more and get Tickets

Rhythm in Motion: Where Orchestra Meets Dance

In this episode of Mocktails & Masterpieces, Matthew Kraemer sits down with Dance Kaleidoscope Artistic Director Joshua Blake Carter and choreographer Sean Aaron Carmon to explore an exciting upcoming collaboration between the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and Dance Kaleidoscope.
Together, they dive into the artistic process of merging live orchestral performance with contemporary dance, highlighting a program centered on American composers. The conversation spotlights the driving energy and hypnotic textures of minimalist icons Philip Glass and John Adams, whose music forms the backbone of this innovative production.
Listeners will get an inside look at how choreography takes shape alongside music, including a special discussion of Joshua Blake Thomas’s work set to Shaker Loops—with an exclusive excerpt from the piece. This episode offers a compelling glimpse into the collaborative spirit, creative challenges, and artistic vision behind bringing music and movement together on stage.
Performances April 17, 18 & 19 at the Schrott Center for the Arts
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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