The May Festival Chorus is the official chorus of the Cincinnati Symphony & Pops Orchestras

Established in 1873, the May Festival is directly responsible for the development of Cincinnati’s modern musical life. Music Hall, the city’s primary concert venue, was built specifically to house the Festival's performances in 1878, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, can trace its lineage back to this great tradition. Under the direction of James Conlon since 1979, the prestigious roster of Festival Music Directors has included, among others, Theodore Thomas, Max Rudolf and James Levine. 

Formed in 1880 and directed by Robert Porco since 1989, the world-renowned May Festival Chorus is the core artistic element of the May Festival as well as choral performances presented by the CSO and Pops. This talented group of volunteers devotes countless hours to rehearsals and performances all year long.  Chorus members come from all walks of life; teachers, doctors, accountants, students, attorneys, parents and grandparents all have in common a love of music and the joy of singing in this magnificent chorus. 

Inducted into the Greater Cincinnati International Hall of Fame in 2004, the May Festival has earned critical acclaim both nationally and internationally and attracts serious music lovers from all over the world. 

2010-11 CSO & Pops concerts featuring the May Festival Chorus include:

NOV 18 & 20-21 | MOZART FESTIVAL: AMADEUS!
DEC 19 | HANDEL'S MESSIAH
JAN 28-29 | WATTS PLAYS BEETHOVEN

Visit the official website of the May Festival.