May Festival

08/18/2026

Staff members from the resident companies of Cincinnati Music Hall recently attended the Cincinnati Public Schools' Fine Arts Fair for a day of professional development!

Education programs from the May Festival, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Opera connected and conversed with teachers and educators from across the county.

Best of luck this year, everyone! 🎶 🎒 🏫 🎼

08/17/2026

The May Festival Chorus loves to learn!

Ahead of this season's rehearsals, members joined May Festival Director of Choruses Matthew Swanson for an IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) and German diction workshop. The two day period had singers practicing efficient markings, deciphering vowels and keeping a unified sound.

The May Festival works all year long! Check out the Chorus' upcoming performances with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra this fall! → bit.ly/4x3zxVs

08/13/2026

What's it like to sing in the May Festival Chorus? May Festival Associate Director of Choruses Jason Alexander Holmes describes the process of bringing individual voices together as one.

Watch the full feature on Jason → https://www.facebook.com/reel/1643447260298592

08/06/2026

It's been a wonderful summer with the May Festival MiNiS!

We've sung with over 600 babies, toddlers, elementary school students and grownups in libraries, museums, summer camps and more! We've shared songs about the zoo, the aquarium, picnics, splashpads, popsicles and the deep blue sea.

If you'd like to see what's next, visit our calendar at mayfestival.com for the latest updates! → bit.ly/4cmUQZO

08/03/2026

07/23/2026

Critical insights on life as a conductor with 2027 Festival Director Marin Alsop😆

Can't wait for Marin to return to the Queen City with us!

07/21/2026

***AUDITIONS LOCATION CHANGE***

Due to complications from flooding at Knox Church, we have moved today's auditions to First Unitarian Church (536 Linton St, Cincinnati, OH 45219).

Please arrive at your previously scheduled time.

07/16/2026

"I get to sit in the auditorium and hear this group of people from three states and 92 zip codes sing music of extraordinary unity."

May Festival Director of Choruses Matthew Swanson joined GRAMMY Award-winning tenor Nicholas Phan on the BACH 52 web series that explores the question: “Is the music of Bach for everyone?”

Check out the excerpt below and watch their full conversation here → https://youtu.be/2mldJBxDuvc?si=A9YDR7RhcVxPyul_

07/09/2026

Audition to become a member of the May Festival Youth Chorus THIS SATURDAY!

Under the direction of Jason Alexander Holmes, the Youth Chorus connects, inspires and educates young people in grades 8-12 through choral music. Since its founding in 1987, the Youth Chorus has appeared annually at the May Festival, performing with the May Festival Chorus, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and internationally renowned conductors and soloists including Damon Gupton, Norm Lewis, Cody Fry, Renée Fleming, Julia Bullock and more! The Youth Chorus also performs a stand-alone concert series in collaboration with cultural institutions and organizations throughout greater Cincinnati.

And the best part is, being a member of the Youth Chorus is 100% COST-FREE! Details → bit.ly/4vVRsgw

Know a student not quite ready to audition but who loves to sing? Encourage them to join the May Festival Youth Chorus Training Program! The Training Program provides students with opportunities to strengthen their musicianship, build vocal skills, and develop confidence in a supportive learning environment.