Founders:

David Bellman

David recently retired after 39 seasons from the Robert H. Mohlman principal clarinet chair with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. He (along with wife Ingrid Fischer Bellman) was a recipient of the ISO’s “Patch Award” which recognizes musical excellence and community service. He studied at the Eastman School of Music with Stanley Hasty, and at Northwestern University with Larry Combs, Principal Clarinet (Ret.) of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Before coming to the Indianapolis Symphony in 1981, Bellman was principal clarinet of the Oklahoma Symphony. David was a participant in the Marlboro Festival for two summers and he has appeared as a soloist on numerous occasions with the Indianapolis Symphony as well as with orchestras in Rochester, NY, Lafayette, Carmel and Terre Haute (Indiana). David is an adjunct instructor of clarinet at the University of Indianapolis. He has also served on the faculties at Indiana University, DePauw University and Ball State University.

Ingrid Fischer Bellman

Ingrid Fischer Bellman was born in Bucharest, Romania, and received her advanced musical training at Tel-Aviv University Music Academy and Indiana University School of Music. Her major teachers have included Janos Starker, Paul Tortelier, Uzi Wiesel and Samuel Shore. Ingrid joined the cello section of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in 1978. She recently retired from the ISO after serving nearly 43 seasons. Ingrid was a recipient of the “Patch Award” which recognizes ISO musicians for musical excellence and service to the community. Before joining the ISO, she played with the Jeunesse Musicale International Orchestra, the Holon Chamber Orchestra and the Tel-Aviv Academy Chamber Orchestra. Ms. Fischer Bellman is also active in community outreach. She was an Artist In Schools presenter for the ISO's School Partnership Program; Ingrid continues to create and present educational programs for people of all ages as well as maintaining an active studio of young cellists. She has appeared as soloist with the Jerusalem Radio Orchestra, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis and the Carmel Symphony.