HOME PAGE           2012 MAY FESTIVAL           CONTACT USjoin us on facebook
May Festival
gold rule

A profound musical experience from the May Festival Chorus, under the baton of its director, Robert Porco, this was a defining performance…a marvelous chorus singing great music at the top of its collective, no exception best…this was more than a (Fauré) Requiem to remember; for the listener at least, it became a new standard for the work.

Janos Gereben
San Francisco Classical Voice

gold rule

RELATED LINKS

> James Conlon
May Festival Music Director

> Robert Porco
Director of Choruses

> Heather MacPhail
Assistant to the Director of Choruses and Accompanist

> Chorus Auditions

gold rule

Audience View

May Festival Chorus

Official Chorus of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

The May Festival Chorus has been the core of the May Festival since 1880, when it was established as the official body of singers for the oldest continuous choral festival in the Western Hemisphere. This premier ensemble has gained critical acclaim for its ability to perform an extensive repertoire that represents the vast diversity of musical styles within choral literature. Each May, the Chorus performs five different concerts of varying repertoire ranging from choral masterpieces to opera classics to chamber music selections.

Throughout the year, the May Festival Chorus performs with the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestras. Each December the chorus presents a holiday concert, Christmas with the May Festival Chorus, highlighting classical and holiday choral selections. This talented and devoted volunteer chorus comes from all walks of life: teachers, doctors, accountants, attorneys, students, parents, and grandparents. All share a common love of music and a joy of singing.

In addition to concerts in Cincinnati, the Chorus has performed in Europe, at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center, and in Carnegie Hall with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. The Chorus has appeared on national PBS broadcasts, one with James Conlon in 2000, and several with Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. In 2001 the Chorus recorded Christmas with the May Festival Chorus, a popular a cappella holiday compact disc. Their 2004 Telarc release, the world premiere recording of Franz Liszt’s St. Stanislaus featuring James Conlon and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, was awarded the 30th International F. Liszt Record Grand Prix by the Liszt Society of Budapest. The Chorus is also featured on several other Telarc recordings with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.

The May Festival Chorus has been recognized with two awards for recognition of continuing artistic excellence and positive media coverage for their performances throughout the state. In 2011 the Chorus received the Spirit of Cincinnati USA Erich Kunzel Queen City Advocate Award from Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors Bureau. In 1998 the Chorus earned the Irma Lazarus Award from the Ohio Arts Council’s annual Governor’s Awards for the Arts.