SAVANNAH, GA– Savannah VOICE Festival (SVF) Season 14 is underway with performances through August 16, but audiences will experience much more than world-class performances. Through educational programs, community partnerships, free public events, and a new initiative designed to increase accessibility, SVF continues its year-round commitment to making classical vocal music available to everyone.
New this season, Savannah VOICE Festival is introducing “Pay What You Can” pricing for the following Festival performances while seating is available: Queens of the Night, Night and Day, Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), and American Opera Celebration. With a minimum ticket price of $5 at the door, patrons can contribute any amount above that based on what fits their budget. Available exclusively at the door, the initiative is designed to remove financial barriers and welcome new audiences to experience live opera and classical vocal performances, reinforcing SVF’s belief that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the performing arts.
Savannah VOICE Festival also continues its partnership with Georgia Southern University to provide exceptional educational opportunities for emerging vocal artists. As GSU-VOICE Apprentice artists, students receive full privileges and participation in the Milnes VOICE Studio two-week training program on a full scholarship. This includes financial support by way of scholarships and stipends to give artists the opportunity for direct mentorship from internationally acclaimed artists, Sherrill Milnes and Maria Zouves. Participants gain invaluable professional experience through intensive master classes, individual coaching sessions, rehearsals, and performance opportunities throughout the Festival.
“We are deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of artists by giving them invaluable, hands-on experience alongside some of the most esteemed performers and educators in the field,” said Torlef Borsting, executive director of the Savannah VOICE Festival. “Through this unique environment, students learn to refine their craft, build confidence, and develop the necessary artistry for a successful career. We are equally proud to partner with our vibrant community to ensure that the rich tradition of operatic and classical music continues to thrive in Savannah for years to come.”
Another cornerstone of SVF’s educational mission is its series of free master classes, which are open to the public throughout the Festival. These interactive sessions give aspiring singers, music students, and music lovers the opportunity to observe internationally acclaimed artists as they coach performers in real time, offering insight into vocal technique, interpretation, stage presence, and the professional rehearsal process. This year’s master classes will be led by award-winning artists Sherrill Milnes on Aug. 11 and Timothy L. Hall on Aug. 12. Classes on Aug. 12 will be held at First Baptist Church’s Educational Building, 102 W. McDonough St., Savannah. Milnes’ Aug. 11 master class will be held in the First Baptist Sanctuary, 223 Bull St., Savannah.
For a full lineup of Savannah VOICE Festival concerts, performances, master classes, and special events, or to purchase tickets, please call 855-766-7372, email info@savannahvoicefestival.org, or visit www.savannahvoicefestival.org.
Savannah VOICE Festival is a 501(c) 3 tax exempt nonprofit arts organization in the state of Georgia. The festival brings classical vocal excellence to the Savannah area through a two-week celebration of concerts, events, and educational presentations during the month of August and throughout the year. Focusing on arts awareness and audience development in the performing arts, it offers music from opera, musical theatre, and popular songs. The Savannah VOICE Festival is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly. GCA is a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Donations are tax-deductible.
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