Indianapolis Symphony pops conductor Jack Everly will shift to emeritus role in fall 2026

Domenica Bongiovanni, Indianapolis Star
·2 min read

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's longtime principal pops conductor, who's especially known to Circle City audiences for his direction of the beloved Yuletide, will be shifting roles in upcoming years.

The symphony announced Friday that it reached a contract agreement with Jack Everly in his current position that will extend through the 2025-26 season. Then, in the fall of 2026, his title will change to principal pops conductor emeritus.

In his new role, Everly will still conduct Yuletide and some concerts in both the Printing Partners Pops and Bank of America Film series. A search will commence for his replacement after his title changes, according to the symphony.

Jack Everly, Conductor, at Yuletide Celebration, showcasing the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, at Hilbert Circle Theater, Indianapolis, Sunday. Dec. 23, 2018. The extravaganza features dancing, holiday songs, and skits.
Jack Everly, Conductor, at Yuletide Celebration, showcasing the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, at Hilbert Circle Theater, Indianapolis, Sunday. Dec. 23, 2018. The extravaganza features dancing, holiday songs, and skits.

"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," Everly said in a news release.

"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."

Everly has been the symphony's principal pops conductor for 20 years. He also serves as principal pops conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Ottawa, Canada, and the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra. Previously, Everly conducted the American Ballet Theatre for more than a decade. He also has extensive Broadway experience, including working with Marvin Hamlisch and Carol Channing.

Upcoming change: Eiteljorg Museum CEO John Vanausdall to retire after more than 25 years in the role

“Maestro Everly’s work in connecting symphonic music with popular culture has opened doors to new generations of fans," CEO James Johnson said in the release.

2022 will mark a new year of Yuletide, which has become one of Indianapolis' biggest Christmas traditions. Everly composes music and conducts favorites, and he's also found ways to spotlight individual symphony musicians along with touring artists in the celebration.

For the upcoming season, Everly is on deck to conduct several performances, including "Leading Men of Broadway" (Oct. 7-8), a tribute to Aretha Franklin with Capathia Jenkins (March 3-4), "A Sondheim Celebration" (May 12-13) and film series concerts with Disney's "Hocus Pocus in Concert" (Oct. 22-23) and "The Princess Bride in Concert" (June 4).

Looking for things to do? Our newsletter has the best concerts, art, shows and more — and the stories behind them

Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: ISO Indianapolis: Pops conductor Jack Everly to be emeritus in 2026