That's how long it's been since Sherrill Milnes and Maria Zouves started the Savannah VOICE Experience, cultivating the local operatic singers as well as those from elsewhere.
Then, in 2013, they began the Savannah VOICE Festival, a celebration of both the music and the artists - and the pandemic was not about to stop them.
For this Stay-At-Home Season VIII (or svf-8 as I call it), the goal was to continue to bring exceptional music by professional singers, even though the venues were now merely the homes of those artists and not elaborate stages or sets, even though the audience was distant listening through laptop speakers or other amateur devices.
The point was this: We are all in this together.
We all know that Art Matters, especially during times of crisis.
And so, that is why the theme is "Art Matters: We Have A Voice".
As the lyrics of Scott Joiner's song reminds us:
We have a voice
we tell stories
we sing songs...
because the echo carries on.
Amen to that!
So, what's the format of this year's productions?
Any operas, as in years' past?
Well, it's more akin to the Lake Street Dive's online act this spring.
In other words, svf-8 seems to be patterned like a traditional variety show, complete with humorous sketches, commercials for both Savannah and the school, serious pieces, and song performances - hooray!
I grew up loving variety shows, including everything from "The Muppet Show" all the way to "The Carol Burnett Show" and "Hee Haw" - that's a pretty big range!
due to my continued status as a busy, vibrant woman.
I know, who else would have a schedule conflict (i.e., Bananas' game with Blowfish) in a pandemic?
My double-dipping from the festival means I've had two helpings of the smorgasbord in the Bento box, as well as assorted tapas and desserts.
These were the segments from last night (left) and tonight (right).
With each, I was treated to a very generous helping of knowledge on the topics of interest.
I learned about the personalities of Gilbert and Sullivan, and I found out that the story of Cinderella was an opera before it was a ballet...
or an animated movie.
(smile)
What a hoot and a half!
The first night found Meechot Marrero getting lathered up to "Je veux vivre" from Charles Gounod's "Roméo et Juliette".
This evening, David Pratt had his turn at the sink, timing his wash in accordance with a classic, Debussy's "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune" - tre bien!
I had so very much loved the show in SVF7 with these four fellows, so seeing them again perked me up!
Last night, they'd been a surprise about halfway through the program, but they opened the show tonight... with dad jokes!
"Why is Cinderella bad at sports?"
"She's always running away from balls!"
Hahahaha! Hahaha!
The coffee cup is from the slide show presented by one of the students, Hanna Atsedewoin.
I totally related to that importance.
Then there's Nan Qin, reading a yueren fairy tale to his children, along with family photos underpinning the moment.
I very much liked that.
Oh, yes, "Inside the VOICE Studio".
Friday night introduced us to Maria Spacagna, one of the faculty members.
(My favorite moment with her was in the tag, when she was blowing bubbles!)
This time around, there were a bunch of students of the Studio, with an emphasis on Paul Gutmann.
Nice to meet you!
Being a local, I certainly second that motion!
"Art Matters" was a similar type of segment, just omitting the gastronomic and historic aspects.
What was that all about?
Well, I've only seen him in the Saturday show, when he performed "Savannah, G A" (the the tune of "New York, New York") in his best lounge lizard style -
fabulous, simply fabulous!
But the man never took off his shades...
and he wasn't even listed in the program.
Who was he???
Both are tenors, both have delicious senses of humor, both have that same mustache and smile.
Yes, indeed, Carlton Moe, you've been busted!
There may have been something about his performance of "Questa o quella", swiping left and right on Tinder as he did so -
yes, that gave him away Saturday.
(smile!)
After all, she provided the motivation for me to get out of the house and go to the museums for almost three hours today.
Here she is in her home, no doubt laying down the tracks for "Casta Diva", which was partly filmed at the Telfair Academy.
What a magnificent video!
And how about this nice touch - the color of her gown matched that of the velvet drapes in the background!
The song was "Donde lieta" from Giacomo Puccini's "La Bohème",
and it had a truly fine setting.
I do have a fondness for his works, ever since the SMF gave me opera, not once, but twice in 2015.
I have attended enough of those at the Fine Arts Auditorium at Armstrong to recognize, and embrace, that look.
So, my thanks to Lawrence Barasa Kiharangwa for singing "Deh miei bollenti spiriti…O mio rimorso" in this one, with the piano (and Nathalie Fortin) as backdrop.
Good memories of good times!
(My students always loved when I said "let's... shall we?)
That's him, bottom right, conducting Angela De Venuto for her rendition of "Funiculì, Funiculà", accompanied by Chad Sonka and Lani Winskye (both on the left) and Maria Zouves.
Such a lively piece to set the pace for the inaugural svf-8's "We Have A Voice: A Festival Kick-off"!
From right to left, that's Natalie Rumor, long hair loose; Melanie Spector, with braided hair; and JoAnna Pope, hair pulled back.
This video points out the joys of having longer hair -
so many styling options!
(smile!)
"Let There Be Peace On Earth".
Ah, yes, I am well acquainted with this one, as we sing it fairly regularly at Asbury Memorial.
Now, if you'll pardon me, I must fly!
I am quite late for a PFS event that began at 8 PM...
yes, still, busy, vibrant...
as I flit from hither to yon!
(smile!)
I had spoken of this clip and thought it rude of me to leave without showing it.
Here's the post-credits tag for last night's episode...
with the teacher, Maria, blowing soap bubbles...
that's sure to leave everyone smiling!
Bye!
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