Pre-concert 6:30 PM Conversation in Corbett Tower with Jason Alexander Holmes and CB2 Director Yoshihisa Arai
Don't miss a moment of the 2026 May Festival: visit mayfestival.com/calendar to view the full lineup of events!
Thursday, May 21, 2026, 7:30 pm
Cincinnati Music Hall
Matthew Swanson, conductor
Victoria Okafor, soprano
Sara Couden, contralto
Nicholas Phan, tenor
David Soar, bass
May Festival Chorus, Matthew Swanson, Director
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cristian Măcelaru, Music Director
Cincinnati Ballet 2
Yoshihisa Arai, choreographer
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*This program contains adult themes and language which may not be appropriate for children under the age of 13.
Igor Stravinsky (1882–1971)
Les noces ("The Wedding")
PART I
Scene 1: At the Bride's House
Scene 2: At the Bridegroom's House
Scene 3: The Bride's Departure
PART II
Scene 4: The Wedding Feast
INTERMISSION
Carl Orff (1895-1982)
Catulli Carmina
Prologue
Act I
Act II
Act III
Epilogue
Tonight’s concert will last approximately 125 minutes.
Tonight’s concert is sponsored by Drs. Manisha Patel and Michael Curran.
The appearance of Renée Fleming in this evening’s performance is generously sponsored by Barbara Ann Feldmann.
The 2025 May Festival is presented by Fort Washington Investment Advisors.
The 2025 May Festival is sponsored by Chavez Properties.
Thank you to the 2025 Festival Director Sponsor: A Friend of the May Festival
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 Juanjo Mena in tonight’s performance is sponsored by Drs. Manisha Patel and Michael Curran.
The appearance of Rod Gilfry in tonight’s performance is sponsored by Ronald C. Lamping.
This evening’s pre-concert talk is sponsored by Drs. William Hurford and Lesley Gilbertson.
This evening’s lobby entertainment is made possible in part by a generous endowment gift from Mr. and Mrs. S. Charles Straus.
Steinway Pianos, courtesy of Willis Music, is the official piano of the May Festival.
The concert experience doesn’t end with the final note! These questions are offered to enrich your experience and encourage conversation.
• Do these pieces portray love in a celebratory or painful way, or even in a more complex way?
• How does that evolve across the program, and do these portrayals still feel relevant?
• In what ways do the music and movement together express themes and emotions that words alone might not fully capture?
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Discover all of the benefits of giving and learn more about sponsorship opportunities to support the May Festival at mayfestival.com/support.
Choir Q&A: “Why Do You Sing in the May Festival Family of Choruses?”
2026 May Festival Program Book
From “building confidence” to “looking for a challenge” and “community,” read how May Festival Chorus and May Festival Youth Chorus members answered the question, “Why do you sing in the May Festival family of choruses?”
