Pre-concert 6:15 PM Performance in the Foyer by Kings High School Choir
Pre-concert 6:30 PM Conversation in Corbett Tower with Jason Alexander Holmes and composer Carlos Simon.
Don't miss a moment of the 2026 May Festival: visit mayfestival.com/calendar to view the full lineup of events!
Friday, May 15, 2026, 7:30 pm
Cincinnati Music Hall
Julia Bullock, soprano
Sankara Harouna, baritone
Norman Garrett, baritone
Jason Alexander Holmes, preacher
Carlos Simon, hammond organ
May Festival Chorus, Matthew Swanson, Director
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Cristian Macelaru, conductor
Buy Tickets
The concert experience doesn’t end with the final note! These questions are offered to enrich your experience and encourage conversation.
•In the settings of the poetry by Langston Hughes and his peers, how do words and music combine to deepen the emotional impact of each other?
•What connections do you hear between historical works and contemporary works? How do they speak to one another across time?
•What does sacred sound like to you and what might it sound like to others?
Anton Bruckner (1824–1896)
Psalm 150
Alexander Zemlinsky (1871–1942)
Selections from Symphonische Gesänge ("Symphonic Songs"), Op. 20
Margaret Allison Bonds (1913–1972)
Select Songs
Zemlinsky: Lied aus Dixieland (“Song from Dixieland”)
Bonds: To a Brown Girl Dead
Zemlinsky: Totes braunes Mädel (“To a Brown Girl Dead”)
Zemlinsky: Übler Bursche (“Bad Boy”)
Bonds: Poème d’automne
Bonds: Winter Moon
Bonds: April Rain Song
Zemlinsky: Erkenntnis (“Disillusion”)
Zemlinsky: Afrikanischer Tanz (“African Dance”)
Bonds: The Negro Speaks of Rivers
INTERMISSION
Eclectic Mass
Carlos Simon (b. 1986): Good News Mass, I. "Introit"
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525–1594): Missa Assumpta est Maria 1a. Kyrie 1
Palestrina: Missa Assumpta est Maria 1c. Kyrie 2
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750): Cantata No. 191, Gloria in excelsis Deo
I. Chorus: "Gloria in excelsis Deo"
III. Chorus: "Sicut erat in principio"
Simon: Good News Mass, VI. "Meditation of Grace"
Simon: Good News Mass, VII. "Prayer of Thanksgiving"
Simon: Good News Mass, XII. "Affirmation of Faith"
Margaret Bonds (1913–1972): Credo, V. I "Believe in the Prince of Peace"
Bonds: Credo, VI. "I Believe in Liberty"
Bonds: Credo, VII. “I Believe in Patience”
Simon: Good News Mass, X. "Meditation of Faith"
Simon: Good News Mass, XI. "Cry Holy"
Simon: Sanctus
Simon: Good News Mass, XV. "The Greatest of These..."
Simon: Good News Mass, XVI. "God's Love"
George Frideric Handel (1685–1759) arr. Mounsey: Soulful Hallelujah
Tonight’s concert will last approximately 120 minutes.
Special thanks to these generous sponsors who bring the May Festival to life!
The 2026 Festival Director Julia Bullock is sponsored by A Friend of the May Festival.
The Director of Choruses Matthew Swanson is sponsored by Sherry and Mark Holcomb.
The 2026 Premier Partner sponsor is Carol and Scott Kosarko.
The 2026 May Festival is presented by Fort Washington Investment Advisors.
The 2026 May Festival is sponsored by Chavez Properties.
The appearance of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is generously supported by the Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund of the Greenacres Foundation.
The appearance of conductor Cristian Măcelaru is made possible by Premier Partner sponsor Carol and Scott Kosarko.
The appearance of Julia Bullock, soprano soloist, is sponsored by Barbara Ann Feldmann.
The appearance of Jason Alexander Holmes as Preacher is sponsored by Bryan Hafertepe and Graham Hunter.
The May Festival Floral Sponsor is Chris and Beth Canarie.
Tonight’s pre-concert conversation is sponsored by Drs. William Hurford and Lesley Gilbertson.
WGUC is the Media Partner for these concerts. This concert will air on 90.9 WGUC on October 4, 2026, followed by 30 days of streaming at mayfestival.com/replay.
Steinway Pianos, courtesy of Willis Music, is the official piano of the May Festival.
Support the May Festival with a gift today!
Financial support beyond ticket sales ensures that the May Festival can continue to present vibrant Festivals at the highest level, reach new audiences, and offer community participation in the May Festival Chorus and Youth Chorus, cost-free!
Discover all of the benefits of giving and learn more about sponsorship opportunities to support the May Festival at mayfestival.com/support.
Langston Hughes and Capturing the Deferred American Dream
2026 May Festival Program Book
Reflect on one of the most influencial poets of the 20th Century. Read about the early years of Langston Hughes.
