Welcome to the 2026 May Festival
It is with gratitude that we welcome you to the 2026 May Festival, an enduring celebration of one of the oldest choral traditions in the Western Hemisphere. This year embodies the ethos of collaboration and community that are central to the Festival. All of our concerts and events have been carefully curated to honor, expand and reimagine the May Festival’s history.
May Festival 2026 offers a wide range of musical experiences — there is something for everyone. From the collision of history and sound in An Eclectic Opening Night to the marine metaphors in The Water’s Journey, the poetic intimacy of A Dream Deferred: Langston Hughes in Song, the captivating integration of music and dance in On Love and Lust, and the community of singers in the reimagined Porgy and Bess: Festival Finale, these programs highlight the Festival’s roots and its commitment to an expansive repertoire. A featured performance by Cincinnati’s Vocal Arts Ensemble and a special concert for more than a thousand third graders from Cincinnati Public Schools are an exciting expansion of our Festival offerings this season.
To our dedicated performers in the choruses and Orchestra: thank you. Your preparation and passion bring this Festival to life year after year. Your collective voices are the heart of each performance and make the May Festival so meaningful.
To our audiences — returning friends and first-time visitors — thank you for being here. Your presence fuels our commitment to creating musical experiences that resonate, inspire and allow us to discover the voice that connects us all.
To our donors, whose support ensures that the May Festival continues to thrive as a cornerstone of our region’s cultural community, we are grateful.
And to our Board of Directors, whose vision and stewardship sustain this beloved institution, we extend our deepest appreciation.
As we embark on this Festival together, let’s honor Cincinnati’s rich heritage while embracing new artistic voices and perspectives. We invite you to listen generously, join us in dialogue, create space for reflection and allow the music to connect us across time, tradition and community.
With great joy,
Julia Bullock 2026 Festival Director
Matthew Swanson Director of Choruses
Listening First: How Julia Bullock Finds — and Gives — Voice
Go behind the scenes with Julia Bullock and discover more about the 2026 May Festival Director and her vision for the festival.
by Casey Weldon
Connecting with the
Next Generation of Singers
Hear from young singers and their educators in this article about the importance of fostering choral programs for the next generation of singers.
by David Lyman
SPOTLIGHT
The Black Composer and the Question of American Musical Nationalism
Travel to through time and explore the foundational Black artists of the American musical canon.
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POET’S CORNER
Langston Hughes and Capturing the Deferred American Dream
Reflect on one of the most influencial poets of the 20th Century. Read about the early years of Langston Hughes.
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INSIDE THE CHORUS
Q&A: “Why Do You Sing in the May Festival Family of Choruses?”
From “building confidence” to “looking for a challenge” and “community,” read how May Festival Chorus and May Festival Youth Chorus members answered the question, “Why do you sing in the May Festival family of choruses?”
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PROGRAM BOOK
Read the full issue of the 2026 May Festival program book.
View Full Issue