See Porgy and Bess as the finale of the 2026 May Festival on May 23.
In a finale that reimagines and uplifts iconic American music, 2026 Festival Director Julia Bullock takes center stage as Bess in her own deeply personal and poignant curation of Gershwin’s legendary opera, Porgy and Bess. William Grant Still’s Plain-Chant for America issues a stirring call for unity and resilience, while Stephen Paulus’s Prayers & Remembrances seeks to impart hope and healing, before a celebratory finale of Bernstein’s radiant “Make Our Garden Grow” from Candide. Finally, we close the 2026 Festival with what has become a beloved May Festival tradition, singing the “Hallelujah Chorus” together as one.
Program
The Gershwins®’ Selections from Porgy and Bess® by George Gershwin, DuBose and Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin
William Grant Still Plain-Chant for America
Stephen Paulus Prayers & Remembrances
V. In Beauty It Walks
VI. Eternity
Leonard Bernstein “Make our Garden Grow” from Candide
George Frideric Handel “Hallelujah Chorus” from Messiah
Artists
Anthony Parnther conductor
Julia Bullock soprano
Alfred Walker bass-baritone
May Festival Chorus
Matthew Swanson director
May Festival Youth Chorus
Jason Alexander Holmes director
Classical Roots Community Choir
Tickets to Porgy and Bess: Festival Finale
Individual tickets to Porgy and Bess: Festival Finale go on sale February 3. Festival Passes are available now.
Music Hall Venue Information
Parking
Near Music Hall, there is a 450-space underground garage, surface lots, and on-street parking. Use the Cincy EZ Park App to pay for parking as appropriate. Take the Cincinnati METRO to the venue.
Accessibility
The accessibility entrance is located on the southeast side of the building on Elm Street. Please ask a Music Hall usher or staff member for additional assistance or directions.
Prohibited Items
Music Hall restricts bag sizes to 12″ x 12″ for your safety. A staff member can make an exception for individuals with medical necessity. All bags and jackets are subject to inspection at the entrance.
View a list of prohibited items.
Additional Downtown Excursions
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