C
elebrating their 33rd summer on the Prairie, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has created a dynamite line-up of weekend events. Since its inception, “Marsh Symphony on the Prairie” has been a smashing success according to patrons and musicians alike. With a portable art form like all major city orchestras, community outreach is important. The setting at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park provides the ideal summer venue for the ISO. Ellen Rosenthal, President and CEO of Conner Prairie, explains that the special relationship shared between the ISO and Conner Prairie has been “a successful, well-orchestrated partnership.” Conner Prairie is delighted to share its grounds with the ISO. Over the years, Symphony on the Prairie has become an intrinsic part of the summer schedule at Conner Prairie. Another essential element of this formula has been the consistently generous support of Marsh Supermarkets, which has sponsored the Symphony on the Prairie from the beginning. The 1982 inaugural summer concert series featured guest violinist Joshua Bell, then age 14. The Bloomington prodigy proudly began his long relationship with the ISO with that performance, which was his debut with a major symphony. Four thousand people were in attendance to listen to him accompany Tchaikovsky’s concerto.
Bell, always a popular featured violinist, is performing this summer with the ISO a couple weeks before the Prairie season begins. The first concerts of Marsh Symphony on the Prairie featured the ISO performing from inside a large tent. The clamshell amphitheater was added in the early ’90s. The addition of the Conner Prairie 1859 Balloon Voyage provides an exciting option for the concert enthusiast. Where else can you have the optional experience of listening to a musical performance from a tethered balloon high up in the air? Aside from the amphitheater and the Balloon Voyage, not much has changed since 1982 aside from the fashions. The sun still sets over the prairie, providing a relaxing backdrop to the melodious notes from the clamshell. “The Symphony on the Prairie is a classic picnic version of ‘glamping’ and is always in vogue with wines, cheeses, and assorted hors d’oeuvres enjoyed by patrons,” says Lisa Vielee, ISO marketing representative. Musicians appreciate their summers on the Prairie—especially John Wetherill, Principal Bassoonist and Fishers resident. “I certainly enjoy the commute,” says Wetherill. “Conner Prairie is a perfect setting for concerts. Kids get to run around while parents have the pleasure of enjoying a glass of wine.” And the symphony gets to wear khakis. The audience and musicians get to enjoy the casual
30 / FISHERS / JUNE 2014 / atFishers.com
Fishers_0614.indd 30
5/28/14 12:59 PM