In a celebratory finale, 2026 Festival Director Julia Bullock takes center stage in her own deeply personal curation of Gershwin’s legendary Porgy and Bess.
Program
The Gershwins®’ Selections from Porgy and Bess® by George Gershwin, DuBose and Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin
William Grant Still Plain-Chant for America
Stephen Paulus Prayers & Remembrances
V. In Beauty It Walks
VI. Eternity
Leonard Bernstein “Make our Garden Grow” from Candide
George Frideric Handel “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah
Artists
Anthony Parnther conductor
Julia Bullock soprano
Alfred Walker bass-baritone
Matthew Swanson director
Jason Alexander Holmes director
Classical Roots Community Choir
Venue
Music HallWhat's Interesting
In a finale that reimagines and uplifts iconic American music, 2026 Festival Director Julia Bullock takes center stage as Bess in her own deeply personal and poignant curation of Gershwin's legendary opera, Porgy and Bess. William Grant Still’s Plain-Chant for America issues a stirring call for unity and resilience, while Stephen Paulus’s Prayers & Remembrances seeks to impart hope and healing, before a celebratory finale of Bernstein’s radiant “Make Our Garden Grow” from Candide. Finally, we close the 2026 Festival with what has become a beloved May Festival tradition, singing the “Hallelujah Chorus” together as one.
Porgy and Bess is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com
Want to Learn More?
RSVP HERE for an in-person tour of the 2026 May Festival with artistic leaders Matthew Swanson, Director of Choruses and Jason Alexander Holmes, Associate Director of Choruses. Enjoy champagne and chocolates as you learn about the stories and insights behind the season at Music Hall on Sunday, NOV 2 at 5 PM. RSVP to Kathryn Zajac Albertson: [email protected] by Thursday, OCT 30.