A Chorus for All

The May Festival Community Chorus, a non-auditioned ensemble of singers from across greater Cincinnati and the tri-state region, was formed in 2018 at the request of Principal Conductor Juanjo Mena. The Community Chorus made an acclaimed debut at the 2018 May Festival in a performance of Handel’s Messiah, when over 180 Community Chorus members performed from the gallery of Music Hall alongside the May Festival Chorus, an international cast of soloists, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

In 2019, the Community Chorus returned to the Festival stage to perform with members of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and composer/conductor James MacMillan, as well as Juanjo Mena and May Festival Director of Choruses Robert Porco.

Members of the Community Chorus are drawn from more than 100 local choral organizations. Generally, the Community Chorus begins rehearsals on Saturday mornings in late spring at Music Hall to prepare for the May Festival. We always welcome new members, especially those new to our community and region. Looking for more information? Contact Associate Director of Choruses Matthew Swanson with questions. We hope to sing with you soon!