The Savannah VOICE Festival will return for its sixth annual festival — themed “Stories Great and Small” — with a sweeping array of over 30 concerts, operas, master minis and recitals taking place Aug. 4-26 around the Coastal Empire. With 130 artists and production staff from 15 countries, it will once again vibrate throughout the city.

it's a wonderful time to join the Festival membership the "VOICE Society", to take full advantage of this year’s prestigious events and heightened perks. Each year, with their membership cards, Society members enjoy early seating, exclusive access to members-only events (such as the highly acclaimed Salon Series), early ticket sale access for events throughout the year, a personalized SVF seat cushion, members-only newsletter and an impressive selection of incentives and discounts offered by local businesses. Membership not only includes these and other advantages, but more importantly helps to support the Savannah VOICE Festival's vital education and outreach programs in the schools, hospitals and those unable to attend their musical events.

“It is our honor and pleasure to reward our wonderful VOICE Society Members with special access and events, as well as a multitude of services offered exclusively to them by our fantastic Community Partners,” Savannah VOICE Festival Executive Director and co-founder Maria Zouves said. “Without the generosity of VOICE Society Members and community partners alike, the extraordinary work of the Savannah VOICE Festival would simply not be possible. We are forever grateful to them both!”

The Salon Series begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7 at the Green Meldrim House, 14 W. Macon St., with the inspirational exhibit “Summer Blooms.” Gorgeous floral paintings by George C. Konstatinidis will be displayed as the SVF artists interpret flower-themed music by various composers. Guests will enjoy an hour-long concert followed by an elegant buffet supper and champagne reception in the historic home, with a silent auction as an opportunity to take home an original painting.

The second Salon Series Event is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21 at the Green Meldrim House with “Stories on the Gondola.” Though a relatively young country, Italy’s culture and musical traditions run deep. Italian music boasts many forms, from early music to Neapolitan song. In this exclusive VOICE Society salon, the Savannah VOICE Festival artists embark on a tour of the birthplace of opera, la Repubblica Italiana. Guests will enjoy an hour-long concert again followed by an elegant buffet supper and champagne reception.

VOICE Society Members will be delighted at this year’s bountiful selection of services offered by this year’s generous Community Partners. Members will enjoy a 25% discount (alcohol excluded) at Savannah restaurant Cha Bella, a 15% discount at any of the esteemed Gaslight Group of restaurants (b. Matthews, The 5 Spot, Blowin’ Smoke and East End Provisions) and a 20% discount (off any regular priced item) at Savannah Clothing Company and J Parker Ltd — just to name a few of the many highlights. Other community partners are 1540 Room at 15 East Liberty Street, 24e Design Co., 45 Bistro, Back in the Day Bakery, Belford’s, Bozena’s, Curry Dry Cleaners, Milan Day Spa, Savannah Coffee Roasters, The Salt Table and the Westin Savannah Harbor Aqua Star.

“Creating strong, community partnerships have been a desire of the Savannah VOICE Festival since its inception. Building business relationships, offering them the exposure they need and deserve, is an extension of building the community in general, and is directly in keeping with Savannah VOICE Festival’s overall mission of serving the Coastal Empire and the performing arts communities at large,” Zouves said.

The Savannah VOICE Festival offers three annual membership levels beginning at $175. To become a member or for more information, please visit: www.savannahvoicefestival.org/join-the-voice-society/.