VOICExperience and Savannah VOICE Festival announce that the nonprofit organization’s annual gala will take place via its web-based streaming service at 7p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday March 25, 2021. This vital fundraiser will be hosted by legendary baritone and VOICE Co-Founder, Sherrill Milnes. The gala will be a night to remember with special guest appearances by opera notables Thomas Hampson, Mark Delavan, Denyce Graves, James Morris, Fabrizio Melano and Frederica von Stade.
The gala will feature performances by VOICE Program alumni including Santiago Ballerini, Jessica Ann Best, Emily Yocum Black, Angela De Venuto, Mariano Gladić, Lauren Jelencovich, Peter Lake, Liz Lang, Paulo Lapa, Meechot Marrero, Tiago Matos, Chad Sonka, Jonathan Walker-VanKuren, Melanie Spector and Hanna Atsedewoin.
During the gala, renowned baritone, Thomas Hampson, will be presented with the prestigious 2021 Milnes VOICE Award. Thomas Hampson, America’s foremost baritone, hails from Spokane, Washington. He has received many honors and awards for his probing artistry and cultural leadership. He enjoys a singular international career as an opera singer, recording artist, and “ambassador of song,” maintaining an active interest in research, education, musical outreach, and technology. Comprising more than 150 albums, his discography includes winners of a Grammy Award, five Edison Awards, and the Grand Prix du Disque. Through the Hampsong Foundation which he founded in 2003 he employs the art of song to promote intercultural dialogue and understanding.