Every year, the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir (ISC) advances its mission to champion new choral masterworks and enrich our community through exceptional, inspiring performances by commissioning a brand-new holiday carol. Through its long-standing Holiday Carol Commission Competition, ISC invites composers from across the nation to share their unique voices, ensuring that choral music remains vibrant and ever-evolving.
This year, ISC proudly names Benjamin David Knoedler as the 2025 competition winner, whose original work will make its world premiere at the Choir’s Festival of Carols this December.
The Carol Commission tradition began in 2007 as a way to celebrate both the magic of the season and the future of choral artistry. Each commissioned work brings something entirely new to the Festival of Carols stage—offering audiences the rare opportunity to experience the creation of a new holiday classic, performed by one of the nation’s leading symphonic choirs.
“Our Carol Commission isn’t just about creating new music—it’s about investing in the future of the choral art form,” said Jennifer Cooper, Executive Director of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. “We’re honored to provide a platform for composers like Benjamin to inspire audiences and keep this tradition vibrant for years to come.”
That commitment reflects the Choir’s broader mission: to bring people together through exceptional performances that inspire, educate, and connect. Each new carol enriches not only the choral repertoire but also the shared cultural life of Indianapolis.
Benjamin David Knoedler is quickly establishing himself as a respected voice in sacred and choral music. Based in Greenville, South Carolina, he serves as Choral Music Editor for Majesty Music and regularly composes for choirs of all ages. His works have been performed across the United States, Europe, and Asia, and his 2017 composition A Child’s Prayer earned first place in the Vancouver Chamber Choir’s Young Composers’ Competition.
“Writing for the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is a tremendous honor,” Knoedler shared. “My goal was to write something that captures the emotional depth and hope of the season—music that feels both timeless and alive.”Dr. Eric Stark, Artistic Director of ISC, added, “Benjamin’s music brings a remarkable balance of reverence and creativity. His carol will add a fresh voice to the Festival of Carols while honoring the long-standing choral traditions our audiences cherish.”
The Holiday Carol Commission has become a cornerstone of the Choir’s mission to champion new choral masterworks—giving voice to emerging composers while offering audiences the thrill of hearing something truly original. Each commissioned piece deepens ISC’s legacy of enriching our community through inspiring performances that celebrate creativity, tradition, and shared joy. Many past winners have gone on to national recognition, with their works published by EC Schirmer, Shawnee Press, Beckenhorst Press, and others.
Last year’s winner, Indiana native Tyler Johnson, premiered “The Incarnation” at the 2024 Festival of Carols—a moving piece that explored faith, wonder, and renewal through rich harmonic writing. Learn more about Tyler and other past winners here.
Audiences will experience the world premiere of Benjamin David Knoedler’s new carol during the 2025 Festival of Carols, held at the Schrott Center for the Arts and The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts. Featuring the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, and guest artists, Festival of Carols remains one of Indiana’s most beloved holiday traditions—uniting generations of voices through song and community. Tickets for the 2025 Festival of Carols are on sale now!
Join us as we celebrate tradition, innovation, and the joy of music that brings our community together each December—continuing the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s mission to enrich lives through exceptional, inspiring performances.
