Experience the Indiana Wind Symphony’s Winter Concerts
Writer / Alli Donovan
Photography Provided
The Indiana Wind Symphony (IWS) was founded in 1997 and has been providing stellar performances for central Indiana ever since. It is the mission of the IWS to bring significant music for band and wind ensembles to the central Indiana community. Offering a variety of music, the IWS takes their audiences back in time with classical compositions, and then may fast-forward to tunes featured in movies or musicals from the most recent decade.
The symphony is made up of about 80 volunteers and led by Dr. Charles Conrad, the IWS music director and founder. Conrad says volunteers drive from as far as Bloomington, Terre Haute and Lafayette to participate in the professional ensemble. The group rehearses weekly in preparation for public concerts.
The IWS performs approximately one concert per month. There are six shows offered at the Palladium in Carmel. In addition, there are performances in the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, and other concerts at venues around the state throughout the year.
The final concerts of 2022 are on Sunday, December 11. The IWS team will perform its Christmas concerts at the Palladium.
The first concert will be at 2 p.m. This concert is family focused, and the theme is “Santa & Mrs. Claus Visit The Palladium.” The symphony will perform a 50-minute concert that features “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Princess Elsa, who will be portrayed by soprano soloist and Carmel native Jessamyn Anderson, will perform the classic “Let It Go” from the film “Frozen.”
The second concert, also scheduled for December 11, will be more sophisticated. The concert is called “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” and will be held at 7 p.m. at the Palladium. The IWS will perform songs from Irving Berlin, the Carpenters and Leroy Anderson. Jessamyn Anderson will also join the symphony that evening, and perform “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “O Holy Night.”
“We typically end the concert with Jessamyn’s rendition of ‘O Holy Night’ because it’s such a showstopper,” Conrad says. “It’s a crowd favorite.”
Tickets are still available for both shows. Guests can visit the IWS website to purchase tickets for either of the shows at indianawindsymphony.org/events. Tickets are also available at the Box Office at the Palladium, located at the west entrance. Hours of operation are Mon. through Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. noon to 4 p.m.
