Entertaining New Ideas
The mission of Encore Vocal Arts is to inspire and enrich our community through innovative, professional-quality vocal music and performance.
Encore Vocal Arts is an auditioned chamber choir founded by Elise Marshall, as the Indianapolis Arts Chorale, in 1972 as an outreach project of Indianapolis Central College, now University of Indianapolis. From performing for 25 to 40 people, Encore has grown over the years to reach audiences numbering 400-500.
From Ragtime to Carmina Burana, Sting to Leonard Bernstein and Ella Fitzgerald to Verdi, Encore has earned the praise of many for the quality, accessibility and variety of its programming.
Chris Ludwa, the current Artistic Director, believes in using the power of music to educate and inspire. Since joining the Encore in 2002, he has led the group through music that challenges, creates controversy, and brings social awareness to issues. In spring of 2004, Encore performed Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass,” the second time it has ever been performed in Indiana. In the spring of 2005, the Encore teamed up with Coburn Place Safe Haven for its Vocal Jazz concert, in order to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence. The partnership was so successful, that the Encore will continue to host one “benefit” concert every season.
Encore’s approximately 40 auditioned singers represent some of the finest talent in the state. While some of the members are professional musicians, many are vocational musicians. Singers range in age from just out of college to retirees. Homemakers, realtors, teachers, ministers, executives, doctors--all are represented in our membership, and all are brought together by a love for choral literature and a commitment to its performance and promotion.
Encore performs about four times a year, with a concert subscription series and numerous appearances at other venues around Indianapolis. It has performed at the Penrod Arts Fair, Hannah Arts Day, WSYW Classic Fest, Indy Parks Summer Concert Series, Holocaust Remembrance Day and the Artsgarden. Past collaborations have included the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Indianapolis Ballet Theater, Eastern Star Baptist Choir, Jennie DeVoe, Dance Kaleidoscope, the Carmel Symphony Orchestra, and Cathy Morris.
Encore performs with the support of the Indiana Arts Commission, the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc., the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the City of Indianapolis.