Experience an enchanting evening of chamber music that beautifully intertwines nature and intimacy.

The combination of Leoš Janáček’s String Quartet No. 2 "Intimate Letters" and Gerald Finzi's song cycle By Footpath and Stile creates a tapestry of heartfelt reflection and deep emotional landscapes, inviting us to explore the complexities of human connection against the backdrop of the natural world.

CSI's second program dedicated to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - and the final in its German poets series The Belletrists - explores songs taken from the books of the great writer. The world of Wilhelm Meister offers notes of innocence, suffering, and longing, while The Book of Suleika brings out the interplay of passionate earthly love and transcendent, spiritual desire in a blend of Eastern and Western literary traditions.

To celebrate CSI's final season of its German poets series The Belletrists, Susan Youens delves into the profound contributions of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Known for his timeless poetry and dramatic works, Goethe's influence on the literary world is immeasurable. Through an exploration of love, nature, and the human experience that permeate Goethe's writing, Youens will illuminate how his insights remain viscerally relevant today.

Join four singer-pianist duos as they work with the renowned Scottish pianist and coach Iain Burnside. Get an exclusive inside look into the perfection of not only song performances, but the collaborative process of interpretation between singers and pianists.

Experience the magic of song in a concert celebrating the poetry of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of the most revered figures in literature. Often exploring the interplay between nature, the human spirit, and the quest for personal fulfillment, Goethe's text reflect a deep journey of self-discovery and emotional depth.

The ten fellows of CSI’s inaugural The Fellowship of the Song take the stage for the second of two scintillating programs.

Pianist, scholar, and Follow the Lieder podcast host Mandee Madrid-Sikich delves into the genre of the murder ballade in this intriguing Song Connect study event. Available to auditors for in-person attendance, live-streaming, and unlimited replays until June 26.

Pianist, scholar, and Follow the Lieder podcast host Mandee Madrid-Sikich leads a thoughtful Song Connect study event exploring our relationship with the concept of death through poetry and song. Available to auditors for in-person attendance, live-streaming, and unlimited replays until June 26.

The Fellowship of the Song’s fourth and final song workshop explores German music by Johannes Brahms, Hugo Wolf, and Erich Korngold. Available to auditors for in-person attendance, live-streaming, and unlimited replays until June 26.

Soprano Laura Strickling illuminates strategies and approaches for creating song programs that create the most impact for today’s audiences. Available to auditors for in-person attendance, live-streaming, and unlimited replays until June 26.

The Fellowship of the Song’s third song workshop explores Spanish music by Enrique Granados, Xavier Montsalvatge, Fernando Obradors, and Joaquín Turina. Available to auditors for in-person attendance, live-streaming, and unlimited replays until June 26.

The ten fellows of CSI’s inaugural The Fellowship of the Song take the stage for the first of two scintillating programs.

Soprano LaToya Lain and pianist/conductor Casey Robards provide an informative guide for engaging with the rich Spiritual repertoire. Available to auditors for in-person attendance, live-streaming, and unlimited replays until June 26.

Soprano Toni Marie Palmertree and pianist Ellen Rissinger shed light on under-programmed song repertoire by both beloved and lesser-known composers. Available to auditors for in-person attendance, live-streaming, and unlimited replays until June 26.

The Fellowship of the Song’s second song workshop explores French music by Lili Boulanger, Claude Debussy, and Francis Poulenc. Available to auditors for in-person attendance, live-streaming, and unlimited replays until June 26.

Soprano Toni Marie Palmertree and pianist Ellen Rissinger celebrate the opening of the inaugural Fellowship of the Song with a concert exploring stunning songs by underrepresented composers.

CSI Artistic Director Samuel Martin moderates a roundtable discussion that illuminates the process of artists engaging and interacting with composers, from the conceiving and commissioning of a new work through the preparation of its premiere performance. Available to auditors for in-person attendance, live-streaming, and unlimited replays until June 26.

The Fellowship of the Song’s first song workshop explores American music by Dominick Argento, Lori Laitman, John Musto, and Tania León. Available to auditors for in-person attendance, live-streaming, and unlimited replays until June 26.

Have you ever wondered what’s the deal with the songs of Hugo Wolf? Need an opportunity to tell the world why his songs are so great? Then join us for this friendly conversation where we’ll explore the songs of the big-bad Wolf! We’ll focus on two of his greatest songs, “Im Frühling” and “Ganymed,” for a lively discussion where all opinions are welcome. A short informative introduction by our host, Simon Barrad, will precede hot-takes, unpopular truths, and lively debate by the group.

The science is conclusive: our planet is warming to alarming degrees, and only we have the power to slow its effects. Be inspired to take action through the visceral words of Edna St. Vincent Millay, Henry David Thoreau, and UC poetry professor Felicia Zamora in this powerful Earth Day program.

You’ve probably heard of iconic Scandinavian composers Edvard Grieg, Jean Sibelius, and Carl Nielsen, but how many of their songs have you heard in concert? Though among the most beautiful and coloristic works in the repertoire, songs by Scandinavian composers are less frequently represented on song recitals in America. Guided by Dr. Alisa Jordheim, a Fulbright Scholar and Fellow of the American Scandinavian Foundation, we explore this stunning repertoire and introductory approaches to diction for performers.

You know them, you love them, and now you choose between them! Our first-ever Song Connect event explores iconic settings by Gabriel Fauré and Claude Debussy of two poems: Mandoline and Claire de lune. What makes them similar? What sets them apart from each other? And whose settings will emerge victorious? Come with your unwavering opinion or get ready to be swayed through conversation and listening during the event. Either way, it’s bound to be a great time!

Will Liverman, the multi-talented baritone, composer, and producer who knows no creative boundaries, joins the inimitable pianist Myra Huang for a one-time-only experience here in Cincinnati. Join these two dazzling artists for a varied and poignant journey through song.

In the third program of its series The Belletrists, Cincinnati Song Initiative explores an array of settings from the Romantic literary giant Josef von Eichendorff. Themes of wandering, the passing of time, and nostalgia permeate this program that explores German culture, poetry, and music.

The Mainstage season opens with a unique opportunity to explore the human condition through song. In partnership with the Cincinnati Music & Wellness Coalition, world-class artists share musical stories of life, love, struggle, and triumph, all through the lens of physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Tickets

Three artist-storytellers bring a program of varied American song to life. Nostalgic calls from the past, fused with jovial, reflective, and empowering stories of today help provide a path forward for the journey ahead.