Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Presents “Greetings from Japan” Featuring Puccini’s Madame Butterfly March 10-12
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra takes audiences on a delightful musical journey to Japan in a series of concerts March 10-12 at the Hilbert Circle Theatre. Led by Artistic Advisor Jun Märkl, vocalists from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music will perform the heartbreakingly beautiful Act III of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. Soloists include Alejandra Villarreal Martinez (Cio-Cio San), Deepa Johnny (Suzuki), Antoinette Pompe van Meerdervoort (Kate Pinkerton), Michael Deshield (Pinkerton), and Jeremiah Sanders (Sharpless). The collaboration deepens the ISO’s strong connection with the IU Jacobs School of Music, which includes a Conducting Fellowship program to support conducting students.
A favorite of opera lovers throughout the world, Puccini regarded Madame Butterfly as his masterpiece. The tragic story of unrequited love features soaring arias that explore hope, betrayal, and anguish. Act III offers the ideal opportunity to showcase the talents of IU music students.
The program also includes Circulating Ocean by Toshio Hosokawa, one of Japan’s most eminent living composers. The work explores the idea of the flow and changing nature of water. Born in Hiroshima, Hosokawa was initially inspired by Western art music from Schubert to Schoenberg. His work increasingly suggests a dialogue between ceremonial music and concert music.
The dates and times for the concerts are:
• 11 a.m. Thursday, March 10
• 8 p.m. Friday, March 11
• 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12
Conductor Jun Märkl is recognized as a devoted advocate of both symphonic and operatic Germanic repertoire, and as a rare specialist for his idiomatic explorations of the French impressionist composers. He has been appointed Music Director of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor for the Oregon Symphony, Artistic Advisor for Taiwan National Symphony Orchestra, and Principal Guest Conductor of the Residentie Orkest, The Hague from 2021 on. He appears as a regular guest with the world’s leading orchestras, having conducted the Czech Philharmonic, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Tonhalle Orchester Zurich, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Boston Symphony, the Chicago Symphony, the NHK Symphony Orchestra Tokyo and many others.
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, at home and thriving in the heart of Indianapolis, offers an exceptional artistic and musical experience. The orchestra is open to all and dedicated to creating an inclusive and innovative experiential environment that is inspiring, educational, and welcoming. The ISO celebrates historically beloved performances while engaging audiences by introducing new voices through programming including the DeHaan Classical Series, the Printing Partners Pops Series, the holiday traditions of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration and the popular Bank of America Film Series. For more information, visit www.indianapolissymphony.