Cincinnati Song Initiative

What is CSI all about?
Cincinnati Song Initiative was founded to bring a concentrated and cohesive source of art song to the greater Cincinnati area.  Dedicated to providing unique experiences through the power of poetry and music, each performance creates a sense of relevance and active engagement between performers and audiences.  This is achieved not only through song, but also through spoken dialogue by the artists, which provides a context and historical background that connects audiences to the repertoire.  Concerts take place at different venues throughout the Queen City in order to connect with its many vibrant communities and explore all it has to offer.

What makes CSI different?
At the core of CSI is its innovative programming model: large-scale thematic projects and series that take multiple concerts to complete.  Each concert features singers and pianists of national renown, providing an unparalleled level of artistry within the context of an intimate and accessible atmosphere.  The CSI artist roster rotates seasonally, allowing for audiences to experience a fresh variety of voice types and artistic personalities.  Furthermore, Cincinnati Song Initiative remains devoted to the innovation of art song, commissioning and premiering new works to help lead the genre into the twenty-first century and connect more closely with today’s audiences.