News Summary
The Savannah VOICE Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary from August 7 to August 17, themed ‘Once Upon a Time.’ Founded by opera legends, the festival aims to promote storytelling through music and features family-friendly performances, community engagement initiatives, and free master classes. Highlights include world premieres and a special performance of Verdi’s Rigoletto, alongside celebrating significant milestones in the opera community.
Savannah, GA – The Savannah VOICE Festival (SVF) is set to mark its 25th anniversary with a series of engaging performances and events taking place from August 7 to August 17. This year’s festival, themed “Once Upon a Time,” highlights the rich traditions of storytelling through music and opera.
This marks the 13th season of the festival, which is a part of the Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs. Founded by opera legend Sherrill Milnes and soprano Maria Zouves 25 years ago, the festival aims to nurture young talent and elevate the performance arts within the community.
In 2023, the SVF celebrates significant milestones, including the 90th birthday of founder Sherrill Milnes and the 60th anniversary of his debut at the Metropolitan Opera, making this year’s event particularly noteworthy.
Festival Highlights
The festival will showcase a variety of family-friendly performances designed to appeal to audiences of all ages. Key highlights include:
- My Simple Wish by David Friedman on August 9 at Asbury Memorial Church.
- Cinderella’s Royal Feast: A World Premiere on August 14 at the Yamacraw Center for the Performing Arts. This performance was inspired by the ideas of local middle school students.
- Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tales Come Alive on August 15, a concert featuring beloved fairy tales and their iconic music.
- Maria Zouves performing Everything: A Classical Cabaret on August 8, mixing Broadway and cabaret songs.
- The renowned Three Tenors performance on August 12, featuring the Sebek family.
The festival will conclude with a special performance of Verdi’s Rigoletto on August 16, celebrating the legacy of Sherrill Milnes and the contributions of classical opera to the arts.
Community Engagement and Educational Opportunities
In addition to the main performances, the festival emphasizes community involvement and education. Free events include VOICES in Sacred Song at First Baptist Church and a series of free master classes aimed at aspiring artists in the area. These initiatives are designed to engage the local community and promote the importance of music and storytelling in society.
Composer Highlights
David Friedman, known for his work with Disney films, will present a special concert featuring his music during the festival. Michael Ching’s opera Cinderella’s Royal Feast, which features the creative input of middle school students, balances classic storytelling with contemporary elements, reflecting the festival’s commitment to innovative art forms.
Information and Tickets
For those interested in participating in this celebratory event, tickets and a comprehensive schedule are available at savannahvoicefestival.org. The festival invites families and individuals to enjoy a diverse program that showcases the beauty of performing arts and its ability to captivate audiences across generations.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Savannah Voice Festival Hosting Ten Day Long Celebration
- Google Search: Savannah Voice Festival
- WSAV: The Savannah Voice Festival Begins August 7
- Wikipedia: Opera
- Savannah Tribune: Savannah Voice Festival Returns with Opera, Musical Theater, and Song
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Musical Theater
- OperaWire: Milnes Voice Programs to Celebrate Sherrill Milnes 90th Birthday
- Google News: Savannah Arts
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.
