SAVANNAH, GA – May 19, 2026 –The Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs held its 12th annual VOICE Gala on May 6 at the historic Harmonie Club in New York City. This prestigious annual fundraiser celebrated the enduring legacy of opera while raising vital scholarship funds for the next generation of world-class vocalists.
The 2026 Milnes VOICE Gala celebrated three titans of the opera world: composer Michael Ching, director Fabrizio Melano, and soprano Carol Vaness. Michael Ching, the prolific composer of the hit opera Speed Dating Tonight! and former artistic director and composer in residence of Savannah VOICE Festival, was recognized for his innovative contributions to contemporary repertoire. Legendary director Fabrizio Melano, a mainstay of the Metropolitan Opera since 1969, who famously collaborated with Maria Callas and directed the first Live from the Met telecast, was also honored for his many professional achievements. Rounding out the trio was world-renowned soprano Carol Vaness, a definitive interpreter of Mozart’s leading ladies who notably performed as Tosca for Luciano Pavarotti’s final stage appearance and now serves as a distinguished Professor of Voice at Indiana University.
“The VOICE Gala is so special to me, it’s a powerful reminder of why we do this work,” said Maria Zouves, Co-Founder and President of the Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs. “Each year, we come together to celebrate the extraordinary individuals who have shaped our profession while also creating space, opportunity, and momentum for artists whose voices will carry this art form forward.”
The event included a cocktail reception, formal dinner, live performances and award ceremony. Singers who have been mentored by Sherrill Milnes and the VOICE programs throughout their career performed exciting music from opera, musical theatre, and song. It included many pieces from Michael Ching’s operas, such as “Alice Ryley,” “A Savannah Ghost Story” and song composer David Friedman’s “Two Different Worlds,” played by Friedman himself. President of Milnes VOICE Programs Maria Zouves had a touching moment with Ching’s song “Old Soldiers” accompanied by Ching.
Opera VIPs of the evening included past honorees and opera legends, James Morris and Diana Soviero, as well as new CEO and President of Opera America Michael Bobbitt.
Attendees got a glimpse at how the Milnes VOICE Programs are helping artists in real time. Benjamin Sokol, an artist with the Milnes VOICE Programs, was announced as the winner of the 2026 Carlisle Floyd Centennial Prize, recognizing his talents as a promising young opera singer. Sokol will also be recognized at the Carlisle Floyd Centennial celebration concert on June 20 at Carnegie Hall.
The gala serves as a cornerstone for the Milnes VOICE Programs, with net proceeds directly benefiting arts education and artist scholarships. By providing financial support to emerging talent, the gala ensures that the art form continues to thrive through rigorous training and mentorship.
The Milnes VOICE Programs serve artists and patrons locally and globally, always embracing the ideals of a diverse community. VOICExperience is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by world-renowned baritone Sherrill Milnes and soprano Maria Zouves. Its mission is to pass on the traditions of great singing and develop new audiences for opera. Since 2001, VOICExperience has helped thousands of singers find their career path through educational programs and workshops, where emerging artists work with the best names in opera, musical theatre and song.
For more information on the Milnes VOICE Programs, visit voicexperiencefoundation.org.
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