New Indianapolis Symphony schedule includes Joshua Bell, Kenny Rogers, more

What will be on the music stands of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s players during the 2015-16 season?

The schedule has now been announced and, as is usual, it’s packed with a mix of familiar titles and names, plus a few new elements.

Perhaps the most attention-getting addition will be a Jan. 22-Feb. 5 series of concerts billed as “Out of this World: Cosmos Music Festival.” Includes in that midwinter mix is Holst’s “The Planets,” classical pieces heard in “2001: A Space Odyssey,” and works that were sent into space aboard the 1977 Voyager mission.

For those seeking high-profile soloists, attention should be paid to the debut of Menahem Pressler, the pianist and IU music faculty member. Pulitzer-winning composer Caroline Shaw will perform her Violin Concerto (a joint commission from the ISO and three other symphonies). Pianists Emanuel Ax, Dejan Lazic, and Garrick Ohlsson return, as does Joshua Bell for an opening night gala that also includes Time for Three.

Debuts this season include violinist Jinjoo Cho, soprano Malin Christensson, and clarinetist Kari Kriikku (offering the U.S. premiere of Kimmo Hakola’s Clarinet Concerto).

On the pops side, there’s no full-movie accompaniment or Broadway musicals in concert, but the ISO will be bringing in Kenny Rogers, celebrating Sinatra (in a program featuring Tony DeSare), teaming with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, and the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus in a choral tribute, highlighting music from Alfred Hitchcock films, and blasting Motown Hits with guest artists Spectrum and Radiance.  

More details here.