The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra’s “Black Keys” concert focused on works by Black composers, and featured guest artists including dancers and vocalists.
In Thursday’s (4/18) Indianapolis Star (subscription required), Domenica Bongiovanni writes, “The first thing to know about ‘Black Keys: The Evolution of the Black Classical Arts’ is that the concert is sold out. That happened more than a month ago, leaving only the slim hope of a wait list for those who want to see the Saturday performance at Butler University’s Schrott Center for the Arts. Houses packed that far in advance haven’t been the norm for classical music. But then neither have concerts devoted entirely to composers of African descent … Part of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra’s season, ‘Black Keys’ will combine such works with dance and vocals in a narrative that highlights the experiences and contributions of Black composers and people … The sell-out confirms to concert curator Joshua Thompson that community support for the music and Indianapolis-based guest artists speaks for itself.” The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra’s work in equity, diversity, and inclusion was awarded “a prestigious $75,000 grant from the League of American Orchestra’s Catalyst Fund Incubator program to further its diversity, equity, and inclusion plans. As part of that, Thompson became the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra’s creative partner in residence and ‘Black Keys’ became a capstone project.”
