2 0 1 5A N N U A L R E P O R T

D I D Y O U K N O W. . .

T H E M A Y F E S T I V A L C H O R U S

IS ONE OF THE MOST PROLIFICCHORUSES IN THE COUNTRY,performing more programs than nearly any other chorus.

T H E M A Y F E S T I V A L C H O R U Salso attempts to remove all �nancial barriers from participation by

NOT REQUIRING ANY DUES,TUITION OR MUSIC PURCHASE

from members.

L E T T E R T H E E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R & B O A R D C H A I R

Dear friends,

In this report, you will see snapshots of our incredible

2015 Festival season, and learn more about the remarkable

impact the May Festival has on the region to make a more

exciting and inspiring place to live, work and learn. You will

also notice our vibrant new look, which we were proud to

unveil this season. The brighter colors were inspired by the

new life of the spring season, while the logos themselves

capture the lyrical essence of the artistic experience. It

strives to embody all that the May Festival represents:

a sense of community, an elegant and long-standing

tradition, and the energy and joy inspired by the power

of great choral music. As with any "makeover", we feel

invigorated and refreshed and hope you love it as much

as we do.

Steven R. SundermanEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The May Festival has a proud history, and we are

immensely grateful for the loyal support of all who

have helped bring us to where we are today: a fiscally-

sound, vibrant, world-class choral organization that

plays a key role in the incredible strength, variety,

depth and excellence of Cincinnati’s cultural fabric.

To our sponsors and funders, donors, subscribers

and patrons, volunteers, chorus members, partners,

and more who play a role in making these

extraordinary performances possible: Thank You.

Looking ahead, the May Festival has a bright, exciting

future full of opportunity, and I look forward to sharing

our powerful choral performances with you.

Sincerely,

J. Shane Starkey2015 BOARD CHAIR

WE TAKE PRIDE IN OUR ABILITY TO MAKE

YOUR INVESTMENT CREATE

AMA ZING CHORAL EXPERIENCES THAT MAKE GREATER CINCINNATI A BET TER,

MORE VIBRANT, EXCITINGAND INSPIRING PLACE TO LIVE!

Patrons spend more than $250,000 in our OTRneighborhood during the two-week festival .

$250,000A N E C O N O M I C D R I V E R

92% of Chorus Members stated that par ticipation is an impor tant

reason for them to remainin the region.

R E C R U I T S& R E T A I N ST A L E N T

82% of Chorus Members said that ski l lsdeveloped by their par ticipation have

been useful in increasing personaland professional development.

H E L P S D E V E L O PV A L U A B L EL I F E S K I L L S

TRADITIONALSYMPHONY

CHORUS

CHORUS & YOUTHCHORUSES

(with a similar budget) CHORUS & YOUTH

0

1 0

2 0

3 0

4 0

5 0

T O T A L P E R F O R M A N C E S / Y E A R T O T A L A T T E N D A N C E / Y E A R

41

3,851TRADITIONALSYMPHONYCHORUS

18,986CHORUS & YOUTH CHORUSES (with a similar budget)

CHORUS & YOUTH

0 20000 40000 60000 80000 100000 120000

110,883

PERCENTAGE OF CHORUSES IN THE NATION THAT REQUIRE MEMBERS TO:

PAY DUES

78% 21% NOTRADITIONAL

SYMPHONYCHORUS

CHORUS & YOUTHchoruses

(with a similar budget)

MAY FESTIVALCHORUS & YOUTH

56% 11% NOTRADITIONAL

SYMPHONYCHORUS

CHORUS & YOUTHchoruses

(with a similar budget)

MAY FESTIVALCHORUS & YOUTH

32

12

PURCHASE MUSIC

W E A C H I E V E D A

BALANCED BUDGETFOR FY15

M A R K I N G T H E

25TH CONSECUTIVE YEARO F B A L A N C E D B U D G E T S .

T H I S I S A F E AT

UNMATCHEDB Y A N Y O T H E R A R T S

O R G A N I Z AT I O N I N C I N C I N N AT I .

2015 REVENUE: $2,101,5272015 EXPENSES: $2,101,458

2015 SURPLUS: $69

83%O F R E V E N U E S A R E I N V E S T E D

I N A R T I S T I C P R O G R A M M I N G & E X P E N S E S(industry average is 61%)

{ }O U R M I S S I O N

T O E N G AG E , E N E R G I Z E & C O N N E C Tour community with the

H I G H E S T Q UA L I T Y P E R F O R M A N C E Sof great choral music.

Time and again, May Festival performances are described asI N S P I R I N G , U P L I F T I N G , T H R I L L I N G , DY N A M I C

and more! Audiences in 2015 stated they left concerts inspired to:

STORIES LIKE THIS SHOW HOW THEMAY FESTIVAL HAS THE IMMENSE POWER TO:

“Be moreopen to

new ideas.”

“Undertakemore creative

projects.” “Remember thesimplicity of life,

and forget aboutdaily worries.”

“Engagefurther in the

arts of thecommunity.”

“Be more attentiveto the beauty

around us.”

“Wheneveryone else

gives up,stay positive!”

“Take morechances.”

I N S P I R E C R E AT I V I T Y& elicit joy

B U I L D B R I D G E S A C R O S S D I V I D E Sof race, culture, ethnicity, age, etc.

Bringresidentstogether

PREPARE & EMPOWEROURCHILDRENFOR THEIRFUTURES

FUELLEARNING

M A K E P E O P L E F E E L AT H O M E I N T H E I R C O M M U N I T I E S

O�er insightsand deeper understanding into our shared human experiences

O U R M E M B E R Scome from across the region, drawn by their shared love

of music and a desire to share that passion with their

friends, neighbors, co-workers, family, and city.

M A Y F E S T I V A L C H O R U S & M A Y F E S T I V A L Y O U T H C H O R U S

163 MEMBERSD E D I C AT E

43,000 HOURSE A C H Y E A R .

I have sung in the chorus for 20 years. It began as a musical outlet and turned into a ‘heartbeat’ for my life…I constantly feel the challenge of professionalism, the beauty of quality music, and the bonds of friendship.

I am in awe of the volunteers who give SO MUCH of their time and talent – this chorus is so magnificent! I know what is involved

and it is very moving!

FOR MANY OF THESE PASSIONATE YOUNG VOCALISTS, THE YOUTH CHORUS IS THE ONLY MUSIC EDUCATIONTHEY CAN ACCESS.

NO MATTER THE CAREER PATH MEMBERS TAKE,

STUDENTS LEARNTRANSFERRABLELIFE & SOCIALSKILLS THEY CAN USE THE REST OF THEIR LIVES.

The May Festival Youth Chorus provides the opportunity for students to study and perform challenging choral repertoire in a demanding environment. The students rehearse weekly and participate for free.

909 0 % R E P O R T

increased self-confidence

808 0 % R E P O R T

improved self-discipline

989 8 % R E P O R T

feel that their involvement hasprepared them for college

(no matter what the career path)

989 8 % R E P O R T

creating lasting friendshipswith people they otherwise

would not have met

838 3 % R E P O R T

feeling more creative

17%17% of Members

do not have aMUSIC PROGRAM

in their school.

S T U D E N T S Q U O T E S

“The repertoire isinteresting and it

really is a challenge...never a dull moment!”

“MFYC has shown me a wonderful

group of enthusiastic and

dedicated individuals–

there is a sense ofcommunity and

perseverance that Ihave rarely felt

in other groups.”

“I have had newexperiences thathave brought memore happiness

than I thoughtpossible.”

“It is a once ina lifetime

experience!”

“It is a place where youngsingers can learn and excel in

their field – and it is a fun, openenvironment where I can

meet people with mysame interests.”

C R I T I C A L A C C L A I M F O R

T H E 2 0 1 5 M A Y F E S T I V A L

MUSIC HALL1241 ELM STREET

CINCINNATI, OHIO 45202

"One of the finest community choruses anywhere, and itwas a joy to relish both their sound and their sheer discipline."

M U S I C I N C I N C I N N AT I

"The Chorus handled their daunting role throughout the challenging work with exactitude and keen expression."

M U S I C I N C I N C I N N AT I

"The sound was both majestic and precise."T H E C I N C I N N AT I E N Q U I R E R

"Nothing was as splendid as the chorus's final prayer of thanksgiving, against chimes, cannons and trumpet fanfares.

Listeners were on their feet, cheering.” T H E C I N C I N N AT I E N Q U I R E R