By Scott Watkins—
Muncie / Marion, IN—Following two back to back successful seasons, Maestro Matthew Kraemer and Orchestra Indiana have announced that the 2022-2023 season will be his last as Orchestra Indiana Artistic Director. Kraemer was recently named the new Music Director of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and will assume his full time duties in New Orleans this summer.
Kraemer, Orchestra Indiana’s Artistic Director since 2021, has overseen a time of tremendous growth and change with unprecedented musical success, artistic development, community engagement, and educational investment. It is Orchestra Indiana’s hope that Kraemer will be able to continue his career growth and conducting presence in Classical music both nationally and internationally as he steps into his new position.
“For two seasons, we’ve enjoyed watching Matthew Kraemer on the podium leading some of the most talented musicians performing some of the best music in the world here in Indiana,” said Orchestra Indiana Executive Director Scott Watkins. “Matthew is a very talented conductor and many other organizations would be lucky to have him lead their orchestras. We have been fortunate to have him with us. We wish him great success with this new full time conducting opportunity. I know that Louisiana Philharmonic will be impressed with his abilities.”
Kraemer joined Orchestra Indiana in 2021 (then the Muncie Symphony Orchestra) to help put together a successful music program coming out of the difficult pandemic with an uncertain future. He played a crucial role in the merger of the Muncie Symphony Orchestra and Marion Philharmonic Orchestra into what is now Orchestra Indiana. He has helped increase public awareness of and support for Orchestra Indiana with its important role in the culture and advancement of music within communities and neighborhoods.
“Orchestra Indiana knew when we hired Matthew that we would not be able to keep him here for long,” said Steve Slavin, OI board President. “We are grateful for the incredible work he has done to further develop the orchestra.”
Orchestra Indiana Concertmaster, Noelle Tretick Gosling added, “His insightful musicianship, sturdy leadership, and warm friendship will certainly be missed. We wish him nothing but great success in his new ventures.”
Orchestra Indiana Principal Trumpet and Production Manager, Larry Powell said, “Matthew’s commitment to both the integrity of the music and the development of his orchestras is admirable. I believe that I can speak for many of my colleagues in saying that performing under his direction is a musically satisfying and professionally affirming experience.”
Kraemer’s tenure with Orchestra Indiana has witnessed dramatic programmatic growth, with the addition of a first ever Pops series, innovative initiatives, and a period where Orchestra Indiana has played for more people in more locations than the previous ten years.
Of his time with the Orchestra Indiana, Kraemer said, “It has been an honor to serve as Artistic Director for Orchestra Indiana. With the talented musicians onstage and a committed board and staff behind the scenes, I know the future is very bright for orchestral music in Delaware and Grant counties. I look forward to witnessing the continued growth of this organization in seasons to come.”
Preparations are underway for Kraemer’s farewell performance with the Golden Age of Hollywood concerts April 28-29. He will also conduct an East Meets West classical program February 24-25. Concert and ticket information may be obtained by going to the Orchestra Indiana website: www.OrchestraIndiana.org
“As we look ahead to next season, we continue to be a thriving organization with our primary goal to offer engaging, high-quality performances along with providing music education programs throughout the region,” said Orchestra Indiana Executive Director, Scott Watkins. “Orchestra Indiana’s leadership team will take time to consider the best long-term decisions for our community. We invite new ideas from patrons as we strive for continued growth and stability so that we can continue to provide music for future generations.”
Watkins said the organization’s board will immediately begin the process to facilitate the search for a new music director.