The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) announced a contract agreement with longtime Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly effective through the 2025-26 season. Starting in the fall of 2026, Maestro Everly will assume the role of Principal Pops Conductor Emeritus for the ISO. In this new role, he will continue to conduct AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration and select Printing Partners Pops Series and Bank of America Film Series concerts.
“The ISO is beyond thrilled that Maestro Everly will continue to bring his unique creativity and musical innovation to the Hilbert Circle Theatre stage in the years to come. We also are grateful for his steadfast dedication to the Indianapolis community that enhances our culture and provides inspiration for everyone,” said James Johnson, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Chief Executive Officer. “Maestro Everly’s work in connecting symphonic music with popular culture has opened doors to new generations of fans.”

“I am honored to be asked to serve another term with our remarkable Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra,” said Maestro Everly. “To be then named Pops Conductor Emeritus is humbling and yet very exciting. From my 45 years as a professional conductor, I know this orchestra to be among the very best—and to serve them and our community has been the fulfillment of an artistic dream for me. When I took a leave of absence from conducting the Nutcracker with American Ballet Theatre at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York to conduct Yuletide Celebration in 1994 I thought it would be for one holiday season. I could never have imagined that almost 30 years later my life has been so profoundly changed by this organization, its musicians and the community.”

“My pledge to the musicians, the staff, the Board of Directors and to the community shall not change: I will do everything within my ability to serve this great institution with the dignity and the best artistic effort that I can give,” Maestro Everly added.

A North American leader in symphonic pops, Maestro Everly has served as Principal Pops Conductor of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for 20 years. He is widely known for his innovative approach to programs that have brought new audiences to the time-tested and beloved pops genre. During his tenure in Indianapolis, he has added positions as Principal Pops Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Principal Pops Conductor of the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Ottawa, Canada, and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. As Music Director of the National Memorial Day Concert and A Capitol Fourth on PBS, Maestro Everly proudly leads the National Symphony Orchestra in these patriotic celebrations on the National Mall.

Audiences also know Maestro Everly as the Music Director of the AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, now entering its 36th year. Each year, he composes original music for the Yuletide performances, along with conducting familiar favorites. Under the new agreement, Maestro Everly will remain Music Director of Yuletide. Throughout the season, whether he’s leading the ISO through memorable Broadway melodies for the Printing Partners Pops Series or Disney’s Hocus Pocus for the popular Bank of America Film Series, Maestro Everly is beloved by fans for his musical expertise and charismatic personality. A great champion of cultivating artistic talent, Maestro Everly finds opportunities to showcase musicians within the ISO as well as artists from around the world. He has led the ISO in its first Pops recording, Yuletide Celebration, Volume One, that included three of his own orchestrations.