click to enlarge courtesy of the Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice
The Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice has always been known to mix international artists and local talent. It’s a showcase that happens in Phoenicia the first weekend every August. And with its open-air format, where attendees picnic in the parks and watch the stars emerge during performances, and its $5 youth tickets, the festival is the perfect place to share with children a love of music and theater, in a variety of styles.
Founded by a group of internationally acclaimed opera singers in 2009, the Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice is a labor of love. Its purpose is to promote the human voice as an instrument of healing, peace, and artistic expression through world-class performances. From opera to gospel, world music to Broadway, the festival celebrates the human voice in all its multi-faceted glory. Alongside performances, there will be workshops, lectures, panels, and meet-the-artist sessions. It’s a festival that draws thousands of enthusiasts from all over the world.
The festival’s theme this year is in honor of Shakespeare, and includes an original production featuring six of the most experienced young talent from New Genesis Productions, a West-Shokan-based youth theater company dedicated to the Bard.
Muse of Fire will be presented throughout the festival weekend. “This is what I hope to represent at the festival,” says writer/director Brandon Cobalt. “How we have a raw, passionate relationship with Shakespeare’s words - something you can only get from growing up with the Bard.”
The Phoenicia Festival will also be presenting youth artists from the Woodstock-based Paul Green Rock Academy Showband, the Connecticut-based youth ensemble Sing Out!, and An Crann Og, which features young musicians all the way from Donegal in Ireland.
The Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice in Phoenicia Park on Ursula Drive in Phoenicia: Thursday August 4th through Sunday August 7th, individual performance tickets priced at $5 Youth Admission for ages 18 and under, about $25-35 General Admission (bring blanket, lawn chair, or rent a chair), and $90+ VIP Admission with reserved section seating, champagne, snack, and a festival souvenir. Free Latte Lectures on various topics throughout the weekend and Master Class by donation. See the full schedule on their website for details. And buy tickets online.
Don’t miss the free Saturday morning latte lecture for child and youth performers.