Long before he became Artistic Director of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Dr. Eric Stark sat among its singers, captivated by a sound unlike anything he had experienced before.
As a freshman at Wabash College, Stark first learned about the Choir and dreamed of joining its ranks. Years later, while pursuing graduate studies at Indiana University, he finally had his opportunity. His professor, Robert Porco, chaired the university’s choral department and conducted the Choir.
Stark still remembers that first rehearsal: collecting his music, finding his seat, and waiting for the singing to begin. When the ensemble started its vocal warm-ups, the sound stopped him in his tracks. He couldn’t have imagined that one day he would lead the very ensemble that had inspired him, much less celebrate 25 seasons as its Artistic Director.
Looking back, Stark knows exactly what he would tell his younger self:
“You have no idea the wonderful experiences, friendships, and mountaintop experiences that await you!”
Today, as the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir celebrates its 90th anniversary season, Stark reflects on a quarter-century of extraordinary music, enduring friendships, and the shared commitment that has carried the organization through generations.
Building a Choir, Dreaming of What’s Possible
Great musical achievements rarely happen overnight. For Stark, some of the most meaningful moments began with the challenge of rebuilding. When he assumed the role of Artistic Director, the Choir was in transition. Membership had declined, and the ensemble faced the difficult task of restoring its strength and momentum.
Stark’s first major assignment was preparing the Choir to perform Haydn’s The Creation with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The project demanded musical excellence, discipline, and renewed confidence from the singers. During rehearsals, Stark stepped away from the podium to listen from the audience, and what he heard marked a turning point for him and the hundreds of singers he would later lead.
“I recall listening to the chorus sing from out in the audience seats and realizing how great they sounded, and that we had overcome the challenges admirably,” Stark recalled. “At that point, I felt like we had proven ourselves, and we could dare to dream big dreams about the future.”
Those dreams would help shape the next 25 seasons. Under Stark’s artistic leadership, the Choir has embraced ambitious performances, world premieres, commissioned works, recording projects, and domestic and international tours. Each accomplishment reflects the collective dedication of singers, musicians, artistic collaborators, and supporters who believe in the power of choral music.
“When I think about the past 25 years, I don’t immediately think about the concerts we’ve performed or the places we’ve traveled,” Stark said. “I think about the people. The friendships, the laughter, the challenges we’ve overcome together, and the countless hours we’ve spent making something beautiful. Music brought us together, but it’s the people who have made these 25 years so meaningful. I couldn’t be more grateful.”
A Quarter-Century of Music and Meaning
Ask Stark to describe his 25 seasons with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir in three words, and his answer is simple:
“Enriched. Blessed. Fulfilled.”
Behind those words are countless rehearsals, performances, friendships, and moments that have shaped his life far beyond the concert stage.
Stark describes his tenure as an “awesomely humbling experience,” one that has given him opportunities to serve his community, build lasting relationships, and learn lessons that extend well beyond music.
The milestone carries even greater significance as the Choir celebrates 90 years of artistic excellence in Indianapolis. Stark’s 25 seasons represent more than a quarter of the organization’s history, connecting its longstanding traditions with an enduring commitment to artistic growth.
Together, Stark and the Choir have navigated challenges, celebrated triumphs, and reached new artistic heights. Through it all, the singers’ dedication to one another and to the music has remained a constant.
The Music Lives Through Us
For Stark, choral music offers something extraordinary: the opportunity to bring centuries of human creativity to life while introducing new generations to its power.
“Some of the greatest achievements in the history of humankind are the musical masterworks that we get to perform,” he explained. “Bach’s Mass in B minor, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Handel’s Messiah, Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms. Each of these works will far outlive any one of us. And yet each of these works depends upon us to bring it to life in front of our audiences.”
That responsibility inspires the Choir’s commitment to artistic excellence, but it also fuels a willingness to explore unfamiliar musical territory. From celebrated masterworks to contemporary compositions, the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir continues to expand its repertoire, amplify diverse voices, and share stories that reflect the depth of the human experience.
“Whether new music, music by marginalized composers, or telling the stories of both sorrow and hopefulness, the ISC never shirks from an opportunity to share these things,” Stark said. “As we look to the future, we look with a sense of great pride at the possibility of sharing these musical artifacts with ever larger audiences.”
That spirit extends beyond the Choir’s own singers. Through collaborations with Spotlight Choirs, featured soloists, and global arts organizations, ISC creates opportunities for young musicians and community members to experience the joy of making music together – and after 25 seasons, Stark’s enthusiasm for what lies ahead remains as strong as ever.
Celebrating 25 Seasons with Festival of Carols
This December, the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir invites audiences to experience the magic of the holidays through soaring voices, magnificent orchestral arrangements, and the unmistakable joy of music that brings generations together.
For decades, Festival of Carols has filled concert halls with the sounds of the season, creating cherished memories for central Indiana families. From the first familiar notes of a beloved carol to the breathtaking power of the full Choir and orchestra, every performance captures something special about the holidays: the joy of gathering, the beauty of tradition, and the wonder of experiencing extraordinary music together.
This year, that tradition takes on even greater meaning. As the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir celebrates its 90th anniversary and honors Dr. Eric Stark’s 25 seasons of artistic leadership, Festival of Carols promises a celebration worthy of both milestones.
Alongside treasured holiday favorites, including the infamous Battle of the Carols and spectacular choral performances, audiences will experience something entirely new. To commemorate Stark’s 25th anniversary, the Choir commissioned We, At Last, an original work by acclaimed composer Dominick DiOrio. Its world premiere will give audiences a rare chance to hear a new composition come to life for the first time, adding another remarkable chapter to the Choir’s 90-year musical legacy.
The performances will also feature guest soprano Kim Kenny and the ISC Festival Orchestra, bringing together exceptional musicians for a joyful celebration of the season.
Families attending the December 6 performance at Pike Performing Arts Center can extend the festivities beyond the concert hall with an artisan market and free photos with Santa, adding even more opportunities to make holiday memories together.
The Next Chapter
Twenty-five seasons ago, Stark couldn’t have predicted where his journey with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir would lead. What began with a single rehearsal has become a remarkable legacy of music, mentorship, friendship, and artistic achievement.
As ISC celebrates 90 years, that legacy continues to grow. Every performance introduces new audiences to the power of choral music, every collaboration strengthens connections across the community, and every new composition adds another voice to the Choir’s story.
For Stark, the anniversary offers a moment to celebrate all that the Choir has accomplished while embracing the possibilities still ahead.
“When I think about that young singer sitting in his first rehearsal, completely captivated by the sound around him, I realize that same sense of wonder has never left me,” Stark reflected. “Twenty-five years later, I still find myself inspired by the people, the music, and what we can accomplish together. We’ve shared so many extraordinary moments, but what excites me most is knowing that our story is far from finished.”
Be part of this milestone season. Join the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir for Festival of Carols and experience a holiday tradition 90 years in the making. Explore performances and purchase tickets now.
