Orkestra Projekt is the culmination of the efforts of a diverse group of young, creative Indianapolis people who saw there was an opportunity to put together classical music events that would appeal to many people.

José Valencia, the founding music director, floated its first chamber orchestra concert in 2003 at the North United Methodist Church.  That concert was the first step.

The response was overwhelming with audience members and musicians asking for more.  So, for the rest of the summer of 2003, Maestro Valencia and others organized to realize this dream.

The organization moved to a more intimate venue, The Old Centrum, where they could set up the orchestra in the middle of the hall and surround the musicians with the audience in a casual atmosphere with café tables, stools, and even beanbags.

Orkestra Projekt events are unique in that the audience members are invited to eat and drink during the performances and to share their experiences with the music director and musicians.

In 2007, Music Director, José Valencia, was awarded a Creative Arts Renewal Fellowship by the Arts Council of Indianapolis, for his contributions to expanding the boundaries of the classical music scene in Indianapolis.

Our five seasons have seen us become comfortable in our favorite home at The Old Centrum.  Unfortunately, The Old Centrum has closed its doors, forcing us to seek new performance space and try to do things even more differently.

Also, at the end of our fifth season, Orkestra Projekt has passed the Advance Ruling Period and has been formally classified as an organization exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.

Orkestra Projekt wants you to be involved with the music, emotionally, intellectually, and physically.  Hence, our motto, “Touch It; Feel It.”  We invite you to try it and experience the wonder of our music.  Follow us to our new performance spaces as we continue our journey into the next five years.

Let us hear from you. Contact us here.

José Valencia - Artistic Direktor - José Valencia is the founding music director for this organization and part of a great group of people who believe in the promise of a world filled with new music. As founding music director, he feels he should probably be allowed to put a lot of information into his bio. Here goes!

Founding Music Direktor and artistic advisor for the cutting-edge Indianapolis-based Orkestra Projekt, José Valencia is a conductor and violinist with a thriving career in the Indianapolis area. Besides working with the Orkestra Projekt, Mr. Valencia is the Music Director of the Kokomo Symphony Orchestra and of the Musical Arts Youth Orchestra in Bloomington, IN, Assistant Conductor and Concertmaster of the Marion Philharmonic Orchestra, and Assistant Concertmaster of the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra.

Mr. Valencia has worked with youth orchestras in both Indiana and Kentucky, and, with an academic background that includes study of Russian, has also coached the Indianapolis Opera chorus and leads in its first Russian language production of Tchaikovsky’s opera, Eugene Onegin.

In 2000, Mr. Valencia was first-place winner in the Fourth Karelia-Sochi Conducting Master Class/Competition held in Russia. He returned to the Sochi Philharmonic Symphony as Principal Guest Conductor for four concerts during that orchestra’s 2001 – 2002 season. Mr. Valencia also maintains a busy teaching studio in Indianapolis.

Shawn Roode - President - Shawn is a Mortgage Consultant with A&M Mortgage Group and came back to Indianapolis to be closer to family and friends. He joined the board at the end of 2008 and is dedicated to helping Orkestra Projekt become more known throughout the Indianapolis area. He has a passion for college football, working in the yard, ultimate fighting, and theater. His interest in music came at an early age when he was forced to take piano lessons by his parents. For this and being made to take a typing class in high school, he is grateful.

Steve Austin - Treasurer

John Glennon 

John Harrington - John is corporate counsel at Firestone Diversified Products and is a relative newcomer to Indianapolis. He first learned of Orkestra Projekt through OP President Carla, thoroughly enjoyed the first few performances he attended, and joined the OP board in 2008. John cherishes OP's diverse musical repertoire, but sadly is unable to carry a tune in a bucket himself.

Carla Hartman - Carla joined the Orkestra Projekt board in 2006 before she had even attended a performance. With thanks to the great artistic director and fabulous musicians, she's proud to continue to serve as a board officer. Besides her work with OP, Carla is a former private practice attorney, a former lobbyist, and is currently an administrative law judge. In her spare time, she's delighted to work with Orkestra Projekt board members, musicians, and volunteers who make this amazing organization possible. A word to the wise: watch out—she's always recruiting!

Joe Martinez - Joe joined Orkestra Projekt in 2008. By day Joe works for the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis as the Director of Foundation & Corporate Giving. While away from the office, he enjoys working in his yard, live music, theater, traveling, and hanging out with Shawn, Link (their dog), and Smokey & Bandit (their 2 cats).  Joe also enjoys ultimate fighting, good tequila, and hanging out with friends—not necessarily in that order.