2027 May Festival All-Access Pass On Sale Now!
The new All-Access Festival Pass is the best way to experience the 2027 May Festival. Experience the complete Festival story from beginning to end.
"The combination of music, song, film (all high quality) was exhilarating! We like the direction you’re going with the music directors and look forward to next year.”
– Festival Patron
It is with gratitude that we welcome you to the 2027 May Festival. This year, we come together to celebrate the rich history of Cincinnati and the legacy of this extraordinary festival — one of the oldest choral traditions in the country.
It is with gratitude that we welcome you to the 2027 May Festival. This year, we come together to celebrate the rich history of Cincinnati and the legacy of this extraordinary festival — one of the oldest choral traditions in the country.
The May Festival begins with a special event for some of our youngest voices! After learning "partner songs" from May Festival artistic and education leaders throughout the year, third graders in Cincinnati Public Schools will fill Springer Auditorium in May to perform songs about heart, smarts, and bravery.
Mark your calendars for the return of our newest tradition to celebrate opening night at this free, community picnic. We'll gather in Washington Park to come together and share a meal before the official toast and first herald trumpets kick off Opening Night at the 2027 May Festival!
Feel the spark of Opening Night as the May Festival Chorus sopranos and altos join the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for Fire in My Mouth, a powerful, partly staged work celebrating the immigrant women whose labor helped shape New York City’s garment industry.
Experience the drama and splendor of Handel's Esther as the Vocal Arts Ensemble and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra bring this timeless story to life. Grand choruses, soaring melodies, and the magnificent acoustics of Music Hall combine to make this rare performance of a Baroque masterpiece unforgettable.
Celebrate the voices of today and the singers of tomorrow. The May Festival Chorus tenors and basses join the Cincinnati Boychoir and special guests for a program that honors the lifelong journey of the singer. Led by Director of Choruses Matthew Swanson and Associate Director of Choruses Jason Alexander Holmes, this is a celebration of singers from 8 to 80.
Step into the Ballroom for a concert as bold as the trailblazer it celebrates. The Vocal Arts Ensemble and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra bring the story of Billie Jean King to life, honoring a champion who changed the game both on and off the court.
Two choirs, two orchestras, and two conductors come together to celebrate the lives and legacies of two freedom fighters: Harriet Tubman and Rani Lakshmibai.
Festival Director and conductor Marin Alsop leads a thrilling Festival finale! You'll hear the world premiere of a new work by Anna Clyne, inspired by Rilke's Book of Hours, alongside one of music's most powerful expressions of joy: Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, featuring an English adaptation of the original text by former U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith.
"Thanks for the great work you do providing such rich musical experiences for singers of all ages, as well as for the audiences"
– Festival Patron
CINCINNATI, OH (October 27, 2026)—The Cincinnati May Festival has announced programming for the 2027 May Festival led by this year’s Festival Director, Marin Alsop.
CINCINNATI, OH (September 10, 2026)—Cincinnati’s Vocal Arts Ensemble (VAE) has announced its 2026–2027 season, which marks Music Director Joe Miller’s second season leading the ensemble. Building on VAE’s commitment to bring exceptional choral artistry to Cincinnati, this season will feature innovative concerts that connect the community through song.
CINCINNATI, OH (August 25, 2026)— The Cincinnati May Festival has announced Dami Choi as the May Festival Choral Conducting Fellow for the 2026-27 season. Choi is a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate in Choral Conducting at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She previously earned her Master of Music degree from the University of British Columbia.
The Cincinnati May Festival has announced acclaimed conductor Marin Alsop as its 2027 Festival Director. Alsop will bring her extensive experience on the international stage, advocacy for gender and education equity, and a dynamic approach to both conducting and repertoire to the year-long directorship.
2027 Festival Director Sponsor:
A Friend of the May Festival
2027 Presenting Sponsor
2027 Season Sponsor
Director of Choruses, Matthew Swanson:
Sponsored by Sherry & Mark Holcomb
