Savannah Voice Festival facts for kids
The Savannah VOICE Festival is a special event that celebrates classical music, opera, and art songs. It takes place in the beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia. This festival brings amazing singers and musicians together to share their talent with everyone.
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What is the Savannah VOICE Festival?
The Savannah VOICE Festival is a yearly event where you can enjoy many different kinds of musical performances. These include concerts, recitals (where one or two musicians perform), full opera shows, and even master classes. Master classes are like special lessons where experienced musicians teach and guide younger artists.
How it Started
The festival was created in 2013 by two famous opera singers, Sherrill Milnes and Maria Zouves. They had already started a non-profit group called the VOICExperience Foundation in 2001. The festival grew out of this foundation, which helps young singers learn and grow.
Where the Festival Happens
The festival uses many different places around Savannah for its shows. Some of these cool spots include the Westin Savannah Harbor, the Yamacraw Center for Performing Arts, the historic Davenport House Museum - Kennedy Pharmacy, and the Charles H. Morris Center.
What Happens at the Festival?
The main part of the festival usually runs throughout August. During this time, you can see performances by talented artists who are part of the festival. There are also educational programs where people can learn more about music. Sometimes, special events happen at other times of the year too, not just in August.
New Music Premieres
The festival has even helped bring new music to life!
- In 2015, they showed the very first performance of an opera called Alice Ryley. It was written by a composer named Michael Ching.
- Then, in 2017, they presented another new opera by Michael Ching, called Anna Hunter (the Spirit of Savannah).
Michael Ching has worked with the festival for several years as their main composer.
Special Recognitions and Awards
The Savannah VOICE Festival is also a place where great musical achievements are celebrated.
- In 2015, a famous singer from the Metropolitan Opera, Jennifer Johnson Cano, and pianist Christopher Cano recorded a live album at the festival. It's called Unaffected: Live from The Savannah Voice Festival and you can find it online.
- The festival also gives out a special award called the Sherrill Milnes VOICE Award. In 2015, they gave this award to the composer Carlisle Floyd. Before him, the award went to Mignon Dunn in 2014 and Diana Soviero in 2013. This award is part of a bigger event called National Opera Week, organized by Opera America.
