Renée Fleming has been appointed as the Festival Director for the 2025 Cincinnati May Festival.

"I am thrilled to take on the role of Festival Director for the 2025 May Festival and to work alongside Matthew Swanson and the Chorus," Fleming remarked. "Cincinnati is renowned for its dynamic music culture and its engaged audience, which allows us to present innovative musical experiences alongside classic pieces. We are increasingly recognizing music's profound ability to convey deep ideas and emotions, as well as its significant potential to enhance our health and well-being. This year's festival is designed with those objectives in mind, and I encourage everyone to join us for a week of impactful and transformative music."

During the festival, Fleming will feature in two programs, including one with Rod Gilfry where they will perform Kevin Puts’ "The Brightness of Light." The other program showcases Fleming's acclaimed "Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene."

Additionally, she will lead a panel discussion on the connections between the arts, health, and neuroscience, a field in which she is a passionate advocate.