Cincinnati Song Initiative

Cincinnati Song Initiative Greater Cincinnati's source for song performed at the highest levels of artistry and innovation.

Since 2016, Cincinnati Song Initiative has connected thousands of people through the unique and intimate power of classical song. Smaller in scale than opera, choral music, or other theatrical genres, the performance of song most commonly features one singer and one pianist in a visceral musical experience. Cincinnati Song Initiative creates these experiences with a pioneering spirit to engage com

munities in thoughtful and innovative ways. Deriving its texts from a variety of sources such as poetry, prose, speeches, or plays, song portrays the immediate and deep personal experiences we encounter throughout everyday life. Each concert features singers and pianists of national renown, providing an unparalleled level of artistry within an intimate and accessible atmosphere. Audiences enjoy close interaction with the artists, hearing them discuss the relevance of the music in relation to today’s cultural and societal context, and enjoy engaging with them - and each other - during post-performance receptions. Concerts take place at different venues throughout the Queen City in order to connect with its many vibrant communities and explore all it has to offer. Cincinnati Song Initiative remains devoted to the innovation of twenty-first century song by commissioning and premiering new works. CSI aims to connect with today's audiences and lead the way in original digital content among arts organizations, continually adding to its rich suite of resources with educational webinars, live interviews with artists and composers, and innovative performance projects imagined for the virtual realm.

Tickets now on sale for 💥Mack Attack! 💥Join artists Will Liverman, Amy Johnson, and Samuel Martin as they present a prog...
08/21/2026

Tickets now on sale for 💥Mack Attack! 💥

Join artists Will Liverman, Amy Johnson, and Samuel Martin as they present a program of music of Evan Mack. Mack Attack! will be CSI’s third staged song project, this time, co-produced with CCM Opera.

Don’t miss it—more info and tickets at www.cincinnatisonginitiative.org/events

08/18/2026

💥🎨 Season 11 Fall Events are here! Join us next month as CSI embarks on its third staged song project featuring the creative and cinematic music of Evan Mack, then come with us in November as soprano Alisa Jordheim brings us another jewel of a program from the North.

🌱 Introducing Let It Be New, the 100% free composer mentorship program!Are you an emerging composer, eager to learn from...
08/18/2026

🌱 Introducing Let It Be New, the 100% free composer mentorship program!

Are you an emerging composer, eager to learn from one of the most experienced voices in the song world today? Are you interested in honing your craft of writing for the voice? Looking to have your music performed, and even published? In search of like-minded composers with whom you can connect and be inspired by?

If you thought “”Yes!”” to any of these, then this program is for you. Swipe to learn more about this unique opportunity, then visit our website to apply for free. Applications are due October 18, and we can’t wait to hear from you!

Learn more and apply: https://www.cincinnatisonginitiative.org/let-it-be-new

🎨 Season 11: Fall Events💥CSI is back for its eleventh season, and we’re ecstatic to share details of two thrilling fall ...
08/12/2026

🎨 Season 11: Fall Events💥

CSI is back for its eleventh season, and we’re ecstatic to share details of two thrilling fall events. Featuring distinct music, venues, artists, and of course, songs, there’s something for everyone. We can’t wait to see you at an upcoming event!

Welcome to Elliot Madore, CSI’s new Development & Grants Manager!Alongside his work as a Grammy Award-winning baritone, ...
08/06/2026

Welcome to Elliot Madore, CSI’s new Development & Grants Manager!

Alongside his work as a Grammy Award-winning baritone, teacher, and artist mentor, Elliot has contributed to artistic planning and casting, program development, institutional partnerships, nonprofit governance, funded-project stewardship, and talent development. Given Elliot’s deep connection to our art form and his passion for innovative thinking to help connect communities with classical music experiences, CSI couldn’t be luckier to have him join the team.

Song in Cincy: August 🐱🍦This month brings exciting vocal offerings in our community from stellar organizations. We hope ...
08/01/2026

Song in Cincy: August 🐱🍦

This month brings exciting vocal offerings in our community from stellar organizations. We hope to see you at one of these events!

We are grateful to once again be selected for sustainability funding from the Ohio Arts Council. Thank you to our electe...
07/30/2026

We are grateful to once again be selected for sustainability funding from the Ohio Arts Council. Thank you to our elected leaders in Columbus for providing a record-high state appropriation of nearly $53.5 million for the OAC. Rich arts activities across the state contribute to strengthening community, the economy, and our society. We can’t wait to continue doing our part to contribute to Ohio’s vibrancy!

1,013 Grants Awarded to Ohio Arts Organizations and Artists

07/28/2026

🎙 NEW ON THE POD: Juhi Bansal

She, Laura, and Sam discuss the wonders of community and friendship that so often permeate artists’ lives. From cultural bridges to discussing whether there is a true “American” style in classical music, it’s a conversation that’ll have anyone thinking deeply. Lock in for a great discussion with this world-class composer!

Subscribe to Song Cycle wherever you get your podcasts for all our episodes with today’s leaders in song!

The library is complete 🎶📚🔥 Thank you to each and every listener of So Lit Song Lit and to its dedicated hosts of four s...
07/21/2026

The library is complete 🎶📚🔥

Thank you to each and every listener of So Lit Song Lit and to its dedicated hosts of four seasons, Toni Marie Palmertree and Ellen Rissinger. All episodes remain available for streaming wherever you get your podcasts. We hope you continue to be inspired and program this great, under-programmed repertoire!

07/14/2026

🎙NEW ON FOLLOW THE LIEDER!

Fritz Wunderlich’s voice captivated audiences for barely a decade before a tragic accident cut his life short at age thirty-five. In this episode, we explore the remarkable (though short) career and enduring legacy of one of the greatest lyric tenors of the twentieth century through performances of Beethoven’s Adelaide and Schubert’s Der Musensohn with Hubert Giesen at the piano.

Subscribe to Follow the Lieder on Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever else you pod for the greatest deep dives into song!

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