At the final concert of the Cincinnati May Festival’s current season on May 30, James Conlon received congratulations from Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, marking Conlon’s 30th anniversary as music director of the festival. The concert took place at Cincinnati’s Music Hall before an audience of more than 3,400; the program was Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand, which was performed by May Festival Chorus, Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, the Cincinnati Children’s Choir, eight guest soloists, and an expanded Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Festival officials announced that despite the current economic climate the 2009 season—which took place from May 22 to 30—witnessed record sponsorships by individuals, corporations, and foundations, and exceeded goals for ticket and subscription sales. In addition to his position in Cincinnati, Conlon is also music director of Los Angeles Opera and the Ravinia Festival in Chicago. The Cincinnati May Festival is a choral music festival now in its 136th year.
Posted June 9, 2009
Photo of James Conlon and Ohio Governor Ted Strickland by Mark Lyons
