SAVANNAH, GA – July 18, 2023 – The Savannah VOICE Festival (SVF) is lining up its eleventh season with three different operas produced by Savannah OPERA at the Festival this August. Patrons can experience the timeless magic of Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas, Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.
This season’s theme is centered around “A Lasting Legacy,” honoring the artistic legacy of the Milnes VOICE Programs, and in particular the commitment made by co-founders Sherrill Milnes and Maria Zouves to teaching and nurturing the next generation of opera singers.
Throughout its existence, the SVF has strived to continue the legacy of Sherrill Milnes and opera singers of his generation. “We’ve gathered great artists to come to Savannah – some of them have come for many years – to perform and offer this music,” said Zouves. “In SVF’s second decade, we begin a new era and generation of VOICE artists and initiatives.”
Mozart’s Don Giovanni is a masterpiece adaptation of Don Juan’s last night on earth created by Mozart and master librettist Da Ponte. Audience members can see it live with a traditional production that originated at the Estates Theater in Prague with the production’s original directors, Sherrill Milnes and Maria Zouves. Legendary baritone Milnes was the first American to play Don Giovanni at the Estates Theater in Prague where Mozart himself premiered the work. This production will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12 at the beautiful Asbury Memorial Church, 1008 E Henry St.
For opera lovers, Purcell’s Dido & Aeneas, a baroque masterpiece, will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10 at the scenic Telfair Academy, located on 121 Barnard Street in downtown Savannah. This production is directed by SVF Executive Director Chad Sonka and conducted by Artistic Director Jorge Parodi.
Directed by Maryanne Telese, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly will be brought to life under conductor Jorge Parodi for the first time in Savannah at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, August 19 at the Savannah Cultural Arts Center, located on 201 Montgomery Street.
For a full lineup of all Savannah VOICE Festival operas and other events, or to purchase tickets for one of these breathtaking operas, please visit www.savannahvoicefestival.org, call 855.766.7372, or email info@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 song. 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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