Continuing on our downtown media tour we carefully navigated our way across Monument Circle Drive from the Lilly Civil War Museum to Hilbert Circle Theatre, home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The Circle Theatre (as it was once called) opened in 1916 as one of the nation's first movie houses. After an extensive renovation, it reopened in 1984 as the ISO's home. In 1996 it was renamed the Hilbert Circle Theatre after Stephen and Tomisue Hilbert.

Though it is hard for me to think of the ISO without the Hilbert Circle Theatre, the Symphony itself was founded in 1930 by Ferdinand Schaefer. The musicians were originally just volunteers who split ticket sales. Now the ISO is a professional orchestra and performs more that 200 concerts each year.

I attended A Chorus of Hits as part of the City Securities Coffee Pops series. This concert was conducted by Jack Everly and showcased the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir. Featured in this show were The Humming Chorus from Madame Butterfly and The 1812 Overture.

Both the Coffee Pops and the Coffee Classical series are presented at 11 a.m. on select Thursday and Fridays coordinating with the weekend show. Next up for the Classical series is The Masters - Beethoven and Brahms on Thursday May 29th, 2008, at 11 a.m. For the Pop series catch That 70's Showcase - Disco Days and Boogie Nights on Friday May 2nd, 2008, at 11 a.m.

The ISO also offers many enrichment opportunities both before and after select concerts. Recently added to the list are the AT&T sponsored Happy Hours. It's the classics with a twist. With free food, cocktails, prize giveaways, and pre-concert entertainment you can't go wrong. These events are even hosted by local celebrities. Your next chance to get happy is June 19th, 2008. Tickets are just $15! Check online for more details at www.indianapolissymphony.org.

Two months into our media tour and we finally get to break for lunch! Join me next issue for some good eats from Iaria's Italian Restaurant.

Editor's Note: