Mission Statement
To create a sought-after festival that is a unique destination for music lovers locally and globally, thus artistically and economically serving the communities of Savannah, Georgia and the performing arts at large.
The VOICE Programs (Savannah VOICE Festival and VOICExperience) are committed to welcoming all. To discriminate is to fail in our mission. We strive to keep from making judgments based on someone’s race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or identity, age, education, socioeconomic status, or ability. VOICE serves artists and patrons locally and globally, always embracing the ideals of a diverse community. We acknowledge that there is much to be done to raise our voices against hate, injustice, and inequality both in the arts community and in our everyday lives. We are committed to doing our part to make sure everyone feels welcome and valued. We support all who join us in this mission.
#BlackLivesMatter
Who We Are
The Savannah VOICE Festival is a non-profit arts organization that brings classical vocal excellence to the Savannah, Georgia area through a celebration of concerts, events and educational presentations during the month of August and throughout the year.
Our Programs
The programs range from opera and classical music to musical theater and popular song, and offer accessible events to the public while highlighting the intrinsic value the vocal arts bring to the quality of life. Working with its sister organization, the VOICExperience Foundation, which helps young artists pursue their careers in the performing arts, the Festival annually serves over 100 artists, 5,000 audience members and provides over 45 events and community enrichments programs.
Now under the umbrella of The Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs, both programs continue their dedication to the quality, integrity and perpetuation of the vocal arts through life–changing intensives, performances and community enriching outreach events in New York, Georgia, Florida and Illinois.
Both organizations were founded by opera legend Sherrill Milnes and soprano Maria Zouves. They work together to serve the community by providing the highest level of education and quality performances by talented artists for all to enjoy.
Our Background
The Savannah VOICE Festival and the VOICExperience Foundation were founded on the musical principles of a golden age of opera. During the long and prolific career of its founder, Sherrill Milnes, the generation of artists with whom he collaborated represented some of the great singers, directors and conductors in the history of opera. Richard Tucker, Robert Merrill, Leontyne Price, Anna Moffo, Joan Sutherland, Renata Tebaldi, Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Franco Zefferelli, Karl Boehm, George Solti, Herbert Von Karajan and so many other legends have shared the stage with the founder, teacher and musical force behind VOICExperience.
Milnes passes his experiences, insight and musical knowledge onto the young artists who attend these programs. His guidance enables them to keep the great traditions of opera alive today for audiences to experience and enjoy.