Each May, Cincinnati is surrounded with song as the May Festival Chorus presents the oldest, and one of the most prestigious, choral festivals in the Western Hemisphere.
The Immortal
Sunday October 4, 2020 at 8 p.m.
Juanjo Mena, conductor Roomful of Teeth Rod Gilfry, baritone May Festival Chorus, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Originally performed on May 17, 2019
The May Festival gives the U.S. premiere of Mark Simpson's The Immortal, "the most thrilling new choral work I have heard in years" (The Times, London). An orchestral and choral séance with text from reports made by Late Victorian mediums, The Immortal uncovers voices of the psyche and seeks answers and reconciliation. The evening's exploration of the Great Unknown begins with some of the greatest choral works by Brahms and Vaughan Williams.
Music:
BRAHMS: Schicksalslied VAUGHAN WILLIAMS: Toward the Unknown Region MARK SIMPSON: The Immortal
Mahler and Mussorgsky: Games Of Thrones
Sunday October 11, 2020 at 8 p.m.
James Conlon, conductor Morris Robinson, bass Sarah Vautour, soprano Taylor Raven, mezzo-soprano Richard Trey Smagur, tenor Donnie Ray Albert, baritone May Festival Chorus Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Cincinnati Youth Choir Originally performed on May 24, 2019
Music mysteriously connects us to the past and sounds the truths to be found in fables. Here three masters lead us through a gallery of cautionary tales which warn of love for the throne and the sure weight of the crown. Mahler's grim vignettes from German fairy tales, Boito's devilish take on Faust and Mussorgsky's telling of Russian rule bring the dramatic ends of these desirous searches very much to life.
Music:
MAHLER: Das klagende Lied BOITO: Prologue from Mefistofele MUSSORGSKY: Prologue and Farewell from Boris Godunov
Bach's St. Matthew Passion
Sunday October 18, 2020 at 8 p.m.
Juanjo Mena, conductor Berit Norbakken Solset, soprano Carlos Mena, countertenor Werner Güra, tenor Ben Bliss, tenor James Newby, baritone Hanno Müller-Brachmann, bass-baritone May Festival Chorus and Youth Chorus Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Originally performed on May 25, 2019
Leonard Bernstein described Bach's St. Matthew Passion as "a revered masterpiece." This is "drama at the boiling point." Bach's Passion is an opportunity to marvel at the reach of human invention and perfection in all its forms. Bach colors a vision of a gospel and each brush stroke dispels the mists of separation between mere mortals and divine revelation.
Music:
BACH: St. Matthew Passion
The Dream of Gerontius
Sunday October 25, 2020 at 8 p.m.
Michael Francis, conductor Michelle DeYoung, mezzo-soprano Anthony Dean Griffey, tenor Matthew Brook, bass-baritone; Robert Porco, Director of Choruses; May Festival Chorus; Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Originally performed on May 26, 2017
Arguably Elgar's greatest work, the soaring music of The Dream of Gerontius traces the epic voyage of the soul, painting a world of dreams and shadows. From prayerful longing to searing intensity, this sonic masterpiece speaks to all who seek to understand humanity and life's meaning, regardless of background. This semi-staged exploration is the first of its kind, the world over. The Dream of Gerontius is half of the May Festival's Dream Project – two sublime concerts that weave together music, lighting, color, and drama.
Music:
ELGAR: The Dream of Gerontius
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