Under the direction of Markus Stenz— a conductor celebrated especially for his mastery of the German repertoire—the 2017 Festival opens with a May Festival premiere: the first movement of Walter Braunfels’ Te Deum, music that powerfully articulates the German composer’s spiritual journey upon his return from the front line in the First World War. Beethoven’s remarkable “Ode to Joy” Symphony is among the best-loved symphonies of all time and an anthem to the dreams of all humankind to join together as one.

WALTER BRAUNFELS: Te Deum
BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 9

MARKUS STENZ: Conductor
CAROLYN SAMPSON: Soprano 
JENNIFER JOHNSON CANO: Mezzo-Soprano 
THOMAS COOLEY: Tenor 
ERIC OWENS: Bass-Baritone, Artist-in-Residence
ROBERT PORCO: May Festival Director of Choruses 
MAY FESTIVAL CHORUS 
CINCINNATI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA