News Summary
The Savannah VOICE Festival is hosting its 13th annual event from August 7 to August 17, featuring the theme ‘Once Upon a Time.’ With a focus on family-friendly productions, it includes opera performances such as Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’ and various concerts designed to engage the community. Director Evelina Erikson emphasizes the festival’s role in nurturing local talent and collaborating with community organizations to enrich Savannah’s cultural landscape.
Savannah is set to host the 13th annual Savannah VOICE Festival from August 7 to August 17, 2025, with this year’s captivating theme, “Once Upon a Time.” The festival promises a variety of family-friendly events, opera productions, and concerts, all aimed at enriching the cultural landscape of the community.
The festival kicks off with an official welcoming by the South of DeRenne Association on August 6, signaling the beginning of a ten-day celebration filled with performances that highlight classical vocal excellence. Tickets for most events start at $42.50 for standard seating, making it accessible to families and community members alike.
This year’s festival will focus on Verdi’s famous opera, “Rigoletto,” featuring a tribute to renowned opera legend Sherrill Milnes. The performance is scheduled for August 16 at 6:30 PM at the Asbury Memorial Church.
Executive Director Evelina Erikson oversees the festival, which has become an integral part of Savannah’s cultural offerings since its inception. In addition to adult-focused events, the festival has introduced new family-oriented shows designed to engage younger audiences. Notable productions include “My Simple Wish”, composed by David Friedman, scheduled for August 9 at the Asbury Memorial Church; “Cinderella’s Royal Feast: A World Premiere”, a sequel to Rossini’s “La Cenerentola,” composed by Michael Ching, set to occur on August 14 at the Yamacraw Center for the Performing Arts; and “Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tales Come Alive,” directed by Fabrizio Melano and Maria Zouves, which will be held on August 15 at the First Presbyterian Church of Savannah.
The Savannah VOICE Festival is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit arts organization based in Georgia. It strives to bring classical vocal excellence to the community through a range of concerts, educational activities, and events. This year’s festival not only highlights talented vocalists but also collaborates with local organizations such as the Davenport House Museum, various houses of worship, and the Green-Meldrim House. Such partnerships enhance the festival’s ability to connect with diverse audiences in Savannah.
The Savannah VOICE Festival has been a guiding force for aspiring singers for the past 25 years through its VOICE program. This initiative focuses on nurturing the talents of both new and experienced vocalists, providing them with opportunities to perform and gain valuable experience in professional settings.
The festival’s support from organizations such as the Georgia Council for the Arts and the appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly highlight the importance of arts and culture within the community. Such backing sustains the festival’s mission to make classical music and opera more accessible to the general public.
As the festival approaches, residents are encouraged to participate in the various events and performances that showcase the rich tradition of opera and vocal performance. With its focus on family-friendly productions and engagement with the local community, the Savannah VOICE Festival is set to enchant audiences and foster a love for the arts throughout Savannah.
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Additional Resources
- WSAV: Savannah VOICE Festival Welcomes South of DeRenne Association
- Savannah Now: Savannah VOICE Festival Offers Family-Friendly Programs
- Savannah Tribune: Savannah VOICE Festival Returns with Opera and Musical Theater
- Opera Wire: Savannah VOICE Festival Presents Almo Julio Resende
- Wikipedia: Opera
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
