SAVANNAH, GA. () – The Savannah VOICE Festival (SVF) returns for its 13th season beginning August 7.

Themed ‘Once Upon a Time,’ this annual Festival celebrates classical voice in Savannah with concerts, events and educational outreach. SVF is part of the Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs, which were founded 25 years ago by opera legend Sherrill Milnes and his wife soprano Maria Zouves to help young artists develop careers in the performing arts.

This year, SVF features a series of new family friendly shows. They feature shows “My Simple Wish” on Saturday, Aug. 9, “Cinderella’s Royal Feast: A World Premiere” on Thursday, Aug. 14 and “Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tales Come Alive” on Saturday, Aug. 15. All shows begin at 6:30 p.m.

“My Simple Wish” by David Friedman will also be performed at Asbury Memorial Church in Savannah. Friedman is a renowned composer of Broadway and American Song, famed conductor and arranger of famous Disney scores and winner of the 1997 Johnny Mercer Award for Songwriter of the Year. All are welcome to join Friedman as he presents the featured artists in a special concert of his career’s music, including some family-favorite Disney songs.

“Cinderella’s Royal Feast: A World Premiere” by Michael Ching will be performed at the Yamacraw Center for the Performing Arts in Savannah, located at 649 W Jones Street. As a sequel to Rossini’s “La Centerentola,” Ching’s fairy tale opera transports viewers to a special party celebrating Cinderella’s wedding. Suitable for both children and adults, the story was written with the help of Savannah-Chatham County School students. Through a collaboration with Savannah Chatham County Public School System, this will be an evening of musical whimsy and wonder for all to enjoy.

“Once Upon a Time: Fairy Tales Come Alive,” directed by Fabrizio Melano and Maria Zouves, will be performed at the First Presbyterian Church of Savannah, located at 520 Washington Avenue. The popularity of fairy tales in opera, musical theater, and song makes this an event ideal for the whole family. Attendees of all ages will be captivated by the iconic stories and styles that take place in a delightful concert of scenes.

“Everything: A Classical Cabaret” takes place at 6.30pm on Friday August 8.  Maria Zouves is well known as the Co-Founder and President of Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs as well as a talented soprano and classical singer. Zouves will dazzle the audience with her rich vocal color and storytelling through song as well as sharing stories from her life in the world of opera and Mediterranean influences. Joined by a five piece band, Zouves presents beloved Broadway and cabaret songs from her newly released album entitled, “Everything.” You’ll “Get Happy” as she takes you “Over the Rainbow.”

“The Three Tenors” will feature the Sebek brothers and father at 6:30pm on Tuesday August 12 at Asbury Memorial Church performing a mix of musical genres from opera to Broadway. There are also a number of free events for the community including “VOICES in Sacred Song” at First Baptist Church, 223 Bull Street on Sunday August 10 at 5 pm.  This celebration of inspirational music from opera, oratorio and song will feature beautiful voices and the opportunity to join in song with the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah.  Also at Savannah’s First Baptist Church a series of free master classes will give audiences an inside look at the preparation and performance of the operatic style of singing by renowned artists.

To honor Savannah Voice Festival president Sherrill Milnes’90^th birthday earlier this year, this season will especially focus on Rigoletto, one of Milnes’ great Verdi roles and will take place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Asbury Memorial Church in Savannah, located at 1008 E. Henry Street. “With Verdi’s score and a cast of exceptional vocal talent, “Rigoletto” is a tribute to the enduring strength of the Milnes VOICE legacy,” said Evelina Erickson, Executive Director of the Savannah VOICE Festival. “It’s a must-see event for anyone who not only loves classical opera but who enjoys music and drama.”

For ticket information, click here.