Cincinnati Symphony’s May Festival, led by Principal Conductor Juanjo Mena opens on Friday, May 21. Joined by the May Festival Chorus, Mena conducts a prismatic program of Bruckner, Julia Perry’s neglected work Stabat Mater, Mahler’s Songs of a Wayfarer and three of Holst’s hymns on texts from the Rig Veda. Voices featured throughout the festival that runs until May 28th feature Sara Couden, Elliot Madore, Davone Tines, Joélle Harvey, Paul Appleby, Sasha Cooke and Sophia Burgos.
The Festival will also feature digital premieres livestreamed and available to view FREE for 24 hours. Details at mayfestival.com/digital. Ticket are available through cincinnatisymphony.org
Mena says:
“My heart has never been more full of hope and optimism. Through careful planning and with your support, we are pleased to share May Festival 2021 with you. Together we will discover the voice in everything. From challenge and sadness to hope, joy and triumph—this will truly be a Festival of music that speaks to our time.
It is an emotional moment as we take our first steps toward coming together again. I can think of no better way
to connect and express the complex emotions we all feel than through voices raised together in song. It is a special moment for all to share.
I hope you’ll join me, members of the May Festival Chorus, soloists and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in person for live, socially distanced concerts at Music Hall.”