New Voice Festival Commits To A Future In Savannah


Casey Aaron
Casey Aaron

On last Thursday at The Westin Savannah Harbor, opera legend Sherrill Milnes formally launched the program for the new `Savannah Voice Festival’ which will take place from August 3rd -17th 2013 and confirmed the Festival’s future commitment to Savannah.

“We are thrilled that this will now be an annual event and also plan to appear in Savannah throughout the year especially during National Opera Week this October and with our operatic collaborations with the Savannah Philharmonic” said Milnes who is the Festival’s Artistic Director, a five-time Grammy® nominated, three time Grammy® winner and 2008 Opera News Award winner. Milnes is internationally recognized as the leading Verdi Baritone of his time.

Maria Zouves, Executive Director of Savannah’s newest cultural event also announced the Festival artists including star of the festival, tenor, Aaron Casey. A special community presentation was provided courtesy of Team VOICE who performed the famous Johnny Mercer song – ‘Moon River’, led by Savannah based soprano and Team VOICE Co-coordinator, Rebecca Flaherty.

Team VOICE is a group of local young talent who will work as ambassadors during the Festival. These local students have benefited from the training provided by VOICExperience, the organization behind the VOICE Festival and they represent the future of vocal talent in Savannah’.

Zouves commented “We are thrilled with our collaboration with the Westin Savannah Harbor and the city’s level of support and enthusiasm. We are here to stay! Savannah is a cultural jewel of the south: people here appreciate wonderful music, exceptional talent and of course a bit of fun – we believe that the VOICE Festival provides all of these. We built on twelve successful years in Florida by launching this Festival and are committed to continuing to fulfill our mission of ensuring the quality, integrity, and perpetuation of the vocal arts at the highest level.” Zouves adds “We are confident that the month of August will make Savannah a destination for music lovers around the world”.

This summer celebration of beautiful singing through concerts, workshops and other events will feature extraordinary vocal artists of all ages – trained by the greatest artists of all time. The Savannah VOICE Festival will enable residents and visitors alike to enjoy free and ticketed musical events at venues throughout historical Savannah with a range of musical styles originating from the operatic tradition which will encompass Broadway and popular music.

For more information, please contact Executive Director Maria Zouves at 855 76 OPERA or visit www.savannahvoicefestival.org


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