Remembering John Nelson

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of John Nelson. Maestro Nelson is remembered for his tremendous legacy as the ISO’s fourth music director from 1976 to 1987 and was beloved by musicians and audiences alike. Our thoughts are with John’s daughters, Kirsten and Kari, and their families. 

Maestro Nelson led the orchestra into its new home at the Circle Theatre in downtown Indianapolis in 1984 while bringing international recognition to the ISO via recordings and tours. Under Nelson’s leadership, the ISO celebrated its 50th anniversary during the 1979-1980 season. Nelson led an east coast tour in 1980 with concerts at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and more. Then in June 1982, the first concerts of what would become Symphony on the Prairie were held. Nelson was also at the helm when Erich Kunzel became the first Pops Music Director in 1982. Under Nelson, the ISO restructured its domestic touring and made a series of national radio broadcasts, two national TV appearances, two recordings, and helped to make the ISO a year-round performing orchestra.

His most recent engagement with the ISO was the memorable Opening Night Gala in September 2023 with violin soloist Joshua Bell. Maestro Nelson was warmly received by the orchestra and ISO patrons at the Gala, which was one of the final performances of a storied career. 

Maestro Nelson was recognized worldwide as one of America’s most eminent conductors, as well as the leading interpreter of the music of Hector Berlioz. In 2018, Nelson stole headlines the world over by way of outstanding critical reception to his complete recording of Berlioz’s Les Troyens.  Recorded for Warner Classics/Erato with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg, the recording met with universal acclaim.  To mark the 150th anniversary of Berlioz’s death, Nelson led a performance of Berlioz’s Requiem (2019) – in London’s iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral.   

Over a career spanning some five decades, Maestro Nelson conducted the world’s leading orchestras and ensembles in North America, Europe, and Asia, including the orchestras of Indianapolis, Boston, Los Angeles, New York, Montréal, London Philharmonic, London Symphony, Madrid Symphony RTVE, Orchestre de Paris, China Philharmonic, Hong Kong Philharmonic, and many more. Nelson studied at the Juilliard School in New York, where he received the Irving Berlin Conducting Prize.  Over the course of his career, he served as Music Director of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Opera Theater of St. Louis, the Caramoor Music Festival in New York and the Orchestre de chambre de Paris.