The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra (ICO) announced the lineup of its 2026-27 season, entitled “Story Lines: A Soundtrack to the Past & Present.”
“Story Lines” celebrates the orchestra’s 43rd year by taking audiences through a musical journey exploring the power of narrative through sound. The season features a … with each piece weaving a unique story — from “timeless tales of love and drama” with “Shakespeare & Love” with American Piano Association Winner Adam Golka, to vibrant rhythms that “capture the pulse of life,” according to a press release.
However, before the season even begins, the ICO is inviting Hoosiers to pack a picnic and bring a blanket to enjoy two free outdoor concerts. The ICO will play through a series of classical favorites with guest appearances by local student groups from Indianapolis Suzuki Academy and Global Prep Academy.
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The free outdoor concerts take place at 7 p.m. on Aug. 27 at the Taggart Memorial Amphitheater at Riverside Park and at 7 p.m. on Aug. 28 at the Ruins at Holliday Park.
Throughout the rest of the 2026-2027 season, audiences will get to experience the beauty of nature and soul through pieces from Schubert and Mahler, as well as the playful energy of “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” (1928) brought to life with live accompaniment and “a spectrum of color and emotion” with a world premiere.
Rounding out the season, the ICO will blend orchestral artistry with modern, contemporary flair as they welcome singer-songwriter Ben Folds.
2026-2027 Season at a glance
- Riverside & Holliday Park Concerts — Aug. 27-28, 7 p.m.
- Riverside Park, 1856 Burdsal Parkway
- Holliday Park, 6363 Spring Mill Road
- Shakespeare & Love – Adam Golka, Piano — Oct. 17, 8 p.m.
- Schrott Center for the Arts, 610 W. 46th St.
- Pulse – Melissa White, Violin — Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m.
- A Classical Christmas – Handel’s Messiah in Full — Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.
- Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave.
- Messiah Sing-Along + Christmas Carols — Dec. 13, 3 p.m.
- Indiana Landmarks, 1201 Central Ave.
- Nature & Soul – Schubert and Mahler — Jan. 16, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
- Schrott Center for the Arts, 610 W. 46th St.
- Spectrum – Beethoven, Anna Clyne, James Lee III — March 13, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
- Schrott Center for the Arts, 610 W. 46th St.
- Steamboat Bill, Jr. – Silent Film with Live Score — April 17, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
- Schrott Center for the Arts, 610 W. 46th St.
- Ben Folds live with the ICO — May 7, 2027, 8 p.m.
- The Payne & Mencias Palladium, 1 Carter Green, Carmel
Full-season subscriptions for the ICO’s 43rd season, “Story Lines,” are on sale now and include lost ticket replacement, free ticket exchanges, priority seating and two complimentary new guest tickets. Duet packs featuring two tickets go on sale on July 1, while single tickets go on sale Aug. 20.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit icomusic.org.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
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