The development of the rich cultural scene in Cincinnati is documented well and is simply inspiring; and after some research, I was astounded by how that became reflected in the May Festival over these past 150 years. In the programming for 2026, I sought out ways to explicitly draw attention to the traditions of the festival — which is based on gathering people together to sing, and enjoy each other and a wide variety of music!
What has been so special as a curator for this upcoming season is the collaborative spirit and expertise of both the May Festival team and the Cincinnati Symphony. Never have I felt so enthusiastic and excited while devising programs in partnership with an arts organization. What a lucky city to be filled with people who are so devoted to putting on a festival of this scale year after year!
I honestly just feel lucky, as a singer, to take part in this established, existing arts & cultural experience.
— Julia Bullock
2026 MAY FESTIVAL CONCERTS
May 15: An Eclectic Opening Night
From poetry-inspired works to a bold, genre-blending Mass, this celebratory opening night honors the May Festival’s history while embracing the sound of its future.
Anton Bruckner / Alexander von Zemlinsky / Margaret Bonds / Carlos Simon / Giovanni Pierluigi de Palestrina / J.S. Bach / George Frideric Handel
May 17: A Dream Deferred: Langston Hughes in Song
Join Julia Bullock and guests in this intimate recital setting to experience her critically acclaimed concert curation: A Dream Deferred – Langston Hughes in Song. This performance includes a post-concert Talk Back with Julia Bullock in Memorial Hall.
May 21: On Love and Lust
Featuring bold choreography by Cincinnati Ballet 2, Stravinsky’s Les noces and Orff’s Catulli Carmina explode with passion, ritual and pulse-pounding energy in a boundary-breaking night of music and movement.
Igor Stravinsky / Carl Orff
May 16: The Water’s Journey
Dive into the elemental power of water — from the soulful currents of Duke Ellington’s The River to the vast, choral expanse of Vaughan Williams’ “A Sea Symphony.”
Duke Ellington / Ralph Vaughan Williams
May 19: Vocal Arts Ensemble: Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle
May Festival is pleased to feature the talent of Cincinnati’s Vocal Arts Ensemble with Rossini’s charming Petite messe solennelle. Experience the mastery of this celebratory and entertaining cultural treasure under the direction of VAE’s new Music Director Joe Miller.
May 23: Porgy and Bess: Festival Finale
In a celebratory finale, 2026 Festival Director Julia Bullock takes center stage in her own deeply personal curation of Gershwin’s legendary Porgy and Bess.
The Gershwins / William Grant Still / Stephen Paulus / Leonard Bernstein / George Frideric Handel
FEATURED ARTICLES
Digging into the Past, Singing into the Future
by Casey Weldon
May Festival Preview
by Matthew Gureswitch, AirMail