Listening Post: Critic’s Picks for May, 2026

Each month, critic Doug DeLoach surveys a selection of performances that reflect the breadth of Atlanta’s contemporary classical and experimental music scene. May’s picks move between Baroque repertoire, modern chamber works and more exploratory sounds.

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CRITIC’S PICK: Cora Vocati: Dirt Roads and Footpaths

Sat., May 2, Sun. May 3
Cora Vocati: Dirt Roads and Footpaths
The Holy Innocents Episcopal Church

Cora Vocati’s concerts are always constructed around meaningfully clever themes. This Saturday and Sunday, the Atlanta-based choral ensemble presents “Dirt Roads and Footpaths,” a program conceived by artistic director and conductor Stanley Roberts focused on travels of the heart, mind and soul.

The concerts' centerpiece, John Corigliano’s setting of the Dylan Thomas poem ‘Fern Hill,’ evokes the exultant joy of playing outside as a child coupled with the inevitable loss of that fleetingly innocent revelry. Other works explore various aspects of life’s journey as metaphorical paths leading to knowledge, enlightenment and wonder.

The Holy Innocents Episcopal Church will provide an ideal listening environment. – Doug DeLoach
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CRITIC’S PICK: Vincent Dubois

Sun., May 3
Vincent Dubois
Spivey Hall

On Sunday, internationally renowned organist Vincent Dubois returns to Spivey Hall to play the magnificent 4,413-pipe Albert Schweitzer Memorial Organ.

One of three titular organists at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris, Dubois conducts masterclasses at universities and music institutions around the world and serves as professor of organ interpretation and improvisation at the Hochschule für Musik in Saarbrücken, Germany.

The 46-year-old Frenchman cites Bach, Ravel, Chopin and Fauré as primary influences, along with jazz pianist Michel Petrucciani. Recognized as a brilliant interpreter of the French organ tradition, Dubois imparts his performances with extraordinary precision, rich tonal colors and emotional depth. – Doug DeLoach
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CRITIC’S PICK: ensemble vim presents Ignite

Mon., May 4
ensemble vim presents Ignite
The Goat Farm

This Monday, ensemble vim presents “Ignite” at the Goat Farm. The final event of the all-women-run contemporary chamber collective’s 2025-26 season is also the launch of ‘spark2,’ the second cycle of a collaborative project, which pairs composers with Atlanta-based dance and movement groups.

Monday's program includes music by Leah Asher, Lera Auerbach, Emily Koh, Lauren McCall, and Alfred Schnittke, plus the announcement of the ‘spark’ 2026–27 composer fellows and a performance by one of the ‘spark2’ collaborating groups, FyreNation Dance Crew. – Doug DeLoach
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CRITIC’S PICK: No Words ATL music festival

Sat., May 9
No Words ATL music festival
Little 5 Points Cultural District

The No Words ATL music festival has become an annual institution since its launching in 2022. Originally conceived by Ann Wood as an exclusive, diverse showcase for instrumental performances, No Words remains mostly devoid of vocals with occasional divergences.

This year’s all-day (2-11 p.m.) event curated by Ben Garden in cooperation with the Little 5 Points Cultural District includes a cornucopia of genres and disciplines ranging from weird improv, jazzy jamband and reggae to prog-metal, DJs and dance.

As a special treat, a New Orleans-style second line parade featuring dozens of custom flags created by Art Span NOLA artists Monica Rose Kelly and Antonia Zennaro and the Atlanta-based Freak Flag Freedom Party begins at 2 p.m. at the L5P Community Center.

The 2026 No Words ATL musical lineup is a wonderfully eclectic roster, which includes W8ING4UFOS, Musicians & Movers, Bird City Revolutionaries, Flea Circus, Free Hat, Auxigen ATL, Rick Daum and North Scenic Route Arkestra. – Doug DeLoach
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For more critic-recommended concerts, performances and cultural events, explore CL Recommends.

Explore more:
• Music Critic’s Picks
• More from Doug DeLoach
• All CL Recommends