Generously sponsored by Mona and Richard Kerstine

Friends of CSI enjoy priority booking two weeks before general tickets go on sale, as well as complimentary pre- and post-concert wine receptions. Become a Friend today.

The launch of Cincinnati Song Initiative’s tenth season brings us together with familiar stories of passion, pain, longing, nostalgia, and ecstasy. From cool, dew-filled mornings to warm summer Tennessee evenings, this evocative program features iconic twentieth century American giants alongside some of the greatest English and American composers of the next generation.
Charles Griffes Three Poems of Fiona Macleod, Op. 11
Jasmine Barnes A Miracle in Legacy (Midwest premiere)
Christopher Churcher Skysongs (North American premiere)
Will Liverman Morning // Life’s Tragedy (Midwest premieres)
Samuel Barber Knoxville: Summer of 1915
Program subject to change without notice.
Generously sponsored by Aliya Riddle and Bartlett Wealth Management
From the sommeliers at Hart & Cru:
For this program, we wanted to highlight American producers who are working outside the mainstream. These are winemakers reviving overlooked varietals and farming with conviction, making wines that feel deeply personal. Each bottle invites you to pause and reflect. They carry a sense of story and soul that resonates with the heartfelt, nostalgic, and atmospheric character of the concert. Together, these wines reflect what is most inspiring in American winemaking today. They are not about mass production but about artistry, farming, and storytelling. Just like the music in your program, they invite a moment of connection and deeper reflection.

Sparkling
Cruse Wine Co., “Eaglepoint Ranch” White Zinfandel Pétillant Naturel, California
Varietal: White Zinfandel
Michael Cruse is a self-taught winemaker from Sonoma who has earned a reputation for redefining sparkling wine in California. Instead of following the Champagne model, he embraces lesser-known varietals and older methods to create something uniquely American. This pét-nat is lively, textural, and full of character, offering freshness that captures summer evenings while carrying enough depth to stir reflection.

White
Ruth Lewandowski, “Naomi” 2023, California
Varietals: Grenache Gris with other field-blend whites such as Grenache Blanc, Arneis, and Malvasia Bianca depending on the vintage
Evan Lewandowski began his project in Utah with a vision to tell stories through forgotten grapes and regenerative farming. Now sourcing fruit in California, he works with organically grown vineyards and low-intervention methods to craft wines of singular beauty. Naomi is delicate and aromatic, full of quiet intensity that recalls dewy mornings and the intimacy of music that lingers.

Red
Enfield Wine Co., “Pretty Horses” Red Blend 2022, California
Varietals: Primarily Tempranillo with small amounts of Graciano and Cabernet Sauvignon
John Lockwood founded Enfield after training under iconic California winemakers, but his path started in woodworking and climbing before wine called him. He is known for precision and restraint, letting the vineyard’s voice come through with elegance. Pretty Horses is both structured and soulful, with dark fruit and savory notes that evoke longing and nostalgia, perfectly suited to the mood of the concert.
Enhance your concert experience with a Premium Wine Tasting ticket add-on.
We look forward to welcoming you as an audience member at our live broadcasts. Below are a few helpful tips to ensure a great experience:
- Audience members must be arrived and seated 15 minutes before the advertised start of the concert. Latecomers may be seated at the discretion of CSI and Cincinnati Public Radio staff.
- Get ready to enjoy a unique experience as we’re guided by an on-stage host who provides interesting insights before each group of songs.
- Yes, you can clap! Even though the concert will be live on the radio, our on-air host will explain that the broadcast includes you - a live studio audience - and that we’ll be applauding to celebrate the wonderful artists and their performances like at any concert.
- Please note that audio and video recording may take place during the concert.
- As a courtesy to performers and fellow audience members, please turn off all cell phones before the concert begins.