In a major new chapter, renowned choral conductor Joe Miller launched his inaugural season as Music Director of the Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble with the 2025–26 season. A former member of the group during his graduate studies at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, he returns now as artistic leader, bringing with him a bold and imaginative vision for the ensemble’s future. His first season with VAE featured innovative programming and a renewed commitment to excellence, community engagement and creative collaborations.

Continuing his role as director of the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir, Miller collaborated once again with conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra in a series of major works. In December 2025, he led the Symphonic Choir in performances of Handel’s Messiah at the Kimmel Center’s Marian Anderson Hall. In March 2026, Miller prepared the chorus for Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 2, Resurrection, under Nézet-Séguin’s baton. These performances — given March 6–8 at the Kimmel Center and culminating in a special appearance at Carnegie Hall on March 10 — featured acclaimed soloists Ying Fang and Joyce DiDonato. He also returned to the Kimmel Center stage later in the season to prepare the Symphonic Choir for performances of Mozart’s Requiem, conducted by the distinguished Dame Jane Glover.

At CCM, engagements included performances of Mozart’s Requiem, Howells’ Requiem, James MacMillan’s Seven Last Words from the Cross with Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings, and a residency with composer Jennifer Higdon.

Visit vaecinci.com for the latest VAE artistic roster and season announcements.