The Savannah VOICE Festival blends music, art, and exclusive insights into its unique performances throughout the festival, particularly through its series of masterclasses.  The festival will be making its 2016 debut in less than two weeks, beginning on August 7th, and the first masterclass will be held by Metropolitan Opera star and world renowned director, Fabrizio Melano on Monday, August 8th. Melano has joined the Faculty of the 2016 Savannah VOICE Festival as stage director of the Festival opera – Romeo and Juliet which takes place on August 7 and 9 at Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church and Theatre. In Melano’s class, “Opera as a Drama,” the audience will become privy to the Master’s vast experience in the international opera scene. The event will take place at the Westin Savannah Harbor Ballroom from 1PM to 3PM. The admission for this studio event is $25 in advance and will feature singers from the Milnes Voice Studio Training Intensive.

In addition, the VOICE Festival once again fulfils its mission of community outreach and making the Festival accessible to all by offering four free master classes with Sherrill Milnes, legendary baritone and artistic leader of the VOICE Programs. Milnes’ educational and illuminating classes will be held at the Westin Savannah Harbor Ballroom from 1PM to 3PM on Wednesday, August 10, Friday, August 12, Saturday, August 13, and Monday, August 15. In these free studio events, Milnes’ wisdom shines through as he offers feedback and guidance to the 2016 Studio Artists following their performance during the class.

Finally, Sherrill Milnes will take his musical expertise to Armstrong State University as they collaborate with the SVF for the first time on Friday, August 19 from 3PM to 5PM, Milnes will share his understanding and insight of the opera world with the next generation of singers. Taking place in the Armstrong State University Fine Arts Auditorium and sponsored by a special grant from WTOC, students from both the VOICE studio and Armstrong will perform for the “Maestro” and be given valuable and inspirational critique. This is a special free presentation for the general public as well as Armstrong students and Milnes VOICE Studio Singers.   

Maria Zouves, Executive Director of the SVF says “We are delighted to be collaborating with both ASU and WTOC for the first time as we become more embedded in the Savannah community during our fourth season.  These free masterclasses are a passion for my husband Sherrill Milnes and I and we are delighted to increase their breadth and depth during the 2016 Festival”.

These free presentations do not require reservations. To purchase tickets for the Melano masterclass, Romeo and Juliet or other ticketed events at the 2016 Savannah VOICE Festival, for more information or become a member of the VOICE Society, visit www.savannahvoicefestival.org, email [email protected] or call 855-76-OPERA (67372).