Download (DOC, Unknown)

LAUNCH OF ‘VOICE SOCIETY’ AS STELLAR LINE UP
IS REVEALED FOR AUGUST VOICE FESTIVAL
(SAVANNAH, GA), April 16TH 2013: Today, VOICExperience’s Executive Director, Maria Zouves,
launches the ‘VOICE Society’ festival membership for lovers of the vocal arts; which will provide unique
benefits and insights into the new `Savannah Voice Festival’, taking place from August 3rd -17th 2013.
A stellar line up of performing artists is announced who will both appear and teach during the Savannah
VOICE Festival’s summer celebration of beautiful singing throughout twelve events. This has been made
possible by Sherrill Milnes, an operatic legend and the most recorded American opera singer in history,
who is bringing his friends to Savannah this summer. These friends are some of the highest caliber
artists in the world today and this star faculty will ensure Savannah residents and visitors are enthralled
with a range of musical styles originating from the operatic tradition which will encompass Broadway and
popular music.
Joining Milnes – who needs no introduction – will be:

Tito Capobianco – this Argentinian born legendary director has enjoyed a long career at the
highest levels of opera. From New York City to Los Angeles, he made his Metropolitan Opera
debut in 1978 where he has directed a number of great operas over the years with such singers are
Beverly Sills, Luciano Pavarotti and his long-time friend, Sherrill Milnes. From founding the
Julliard Opera Studio to serving as Artistic and General Director of Pittsburgh Opera, he has
contributed directorial, administrative and educational leadership to the operatic world for over
four decades

David Friedman is known for his work as composer, conductor and vocal arranger of many
classic Disney animated musicals including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Pocahontas and the
Hunchback of Notre Dame. His many songs have been recorded by stars including Diana Ross,
Barry Manilow, Petula Clark and Laura Branigan and his expertise as a composer makes him
sought after on Broadway and by classical vocal artists

Maria Spacagna is the Providence born soprano who has been a regular guest artist at many of the
world’s most prestigious opera houses and was the first American born artist to perform the role
of Madame Butterfly at La Scala. Spacagna has performed more than 40 roles in her career and
has been acclaimed as “one of the greatest singers of her generation”. She is a graduate of the
New England Conservatory of Music and was a member of the Julliard School of Music’s Opera
Center. She was Lecturer in Voice at Boston University from 2005-2012 and is now an Associate
Professor of Voice at Carnegie Mellon University School of Fine Arts. She has been a
VOICExperience faculty member since 2002.

Stella Zambalis began her studies as a mezzo-soprano at Florida State University then moved to
Houston where she became a member of their Grand Opera young artist program. She first
captured the attention of the opera world by winning the Metropolitan Opera National Council
auditions in 1983. Switching to soprano in the 1990s, Zambalis is a regular guest of many
leading opera companies and frequently performs the roles of Puccini’s heroines
Milnes said “Our star faculty recognizes the potential of the Savannah Festival and every one of them is
committed to ensuring that a magical time of singing excellence will take place this August. I am happy
that they will be joining us and grateful for their commitment to our vision.”
Membership for the new VOICE Society is $150 for individual members, $250 for couples and $300 for
families. Benefits include exclusive member only events, the opportunity to buy tickets early before the
on sale date of May 6th, a bi-monthly newsletter and special discounts with partner organizations
including the Westin.
Zouves says, “We wanted to reward our founding donors who have made it possible for us to find a home
for the new Savannah VOICE Festival by launching the VOICE Society and giving them automatic
membership. However, we have had many inquiries from people who want to help support the
educational and community outreach programs of the Festival. We are delighted to launch the VOICE
Society which not only fulfills this aim but also enables people to enjoy some exclusive events which will
enable them to meet the stars of today and tomorrow.”
To join the VOICE Society or for more information about membership and August’s VOICE Festival,
email [email protected] or call 855.76.OPERA.
- ENDS For media enquiries call Lesley Francis at - 912-429-3950 or [email protected]
EDITOR’S NOTE
VOICExperience is a non-profit 501(c)3 arts education program, founded by opera legend Sherrill Milnes
and soprano Maria Zouves: the highest level of opera and theater experts’ work on programs that teach,
inspire and share knowledge of great singing and performing traditions to talented artists and diverse
audiences. For more information, please contact Executive Director Maria Zouves at 847-707-0177 or
visit www.savannahvoicefestival.org