Note from Michael Pettry

Dear friends of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir,

This will be my last blog entry on the staff of the Symphonic Choir, as today is my final day as Executive Director of this very special arts organization. These 14 years we have had together have been – and will always be – a highlight of my professional and creative life. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

It would be preaching to the choir (pun alert!) for me to tell you what a priceless, unique and thriving organization we have in the Symphonic Choir. You know of our tackling mighty and epic concerts ranging from the Britten War Requiem and the Berlioz Requiem, to new commissions like the Fairouz Zabur. You know of our tours and concertizing across the country and around the world including our recent return to Carnegie Hall – a performance not only of artistic note, but of financial success as well.

Together we have expanded the reach of this Indianapolis artistic gem throughout the state and nation (concerts throughout Indiana, and the U.S.), radio and TV broadcasts (across Indiana, and most recently across the nation via Festival of Carols), and multiple CD recordings.

The financial  base of the Choir is sound, solid and growing. In the coming months you will hear great news about our first-ever Endowment Campaign, presently in the process of raising $3.75 million by July 2019. Our annual campaign continues to set new records each year, as does Gala Bel Canto. Still, we have more to do – more concerts, education programs, and we need to plan for the future. We have made remarkable strides together, but you must press forward to expand the financial base with an eye to generations yet to come.

The Symphonic Choir Board of Directors is hard at work preparing the search for the next Executive Director of the organization. This will be a tremendously attractive opportunity for many gifted arts leaders.

In closing, I remind you that all of us are merely temporary torchbearers of this musical organization. Each of us has a role to play in the life of the Symphonic Choir – and we must do our very best, dreaming big and the executing on those dreams. For more than eight decades people just like you have built this choral gem into what it is today, and I know you will continue the legacy.

I look forward to seeing you around the community, and wish you good cheer always.

To music!

Michael Pettry
Executive Director