February 20, 2026 – The Savannah VOICE Festival (SVF) recently announced the appointment of renowned conductor Andrew Bisantz as its new Artistic Director. A longtime collaborator with The Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs, Bisantz brings over two decades of elite operatic experience to the role as the Festival prepares for its upcoming summer season.
Bisantz, who has been an integral part of the VOICE programs since 2007, steps into this leadership position following a distinguished career that includes over 90 productions across the United States. His appointment marks a homecoming of sorts; he previously conducted the world premiere of Michael Ching’s A Royal Feast for SVF and has worked closely with legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes and Maria Zouves for 18 years.
“Andrew’s deep history with our artists and his extraordinary musical vision make him the perfect leader for our next chapter,” said Torlef Borsting, Executive Director. “His ability to bridge the gap between traditional masterpieces and contemporary works ensures The Milnes VOICE programs remain a premier choice for the Milnes VOICE legacy.”
Currently the Principal Opera Conductor at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Bisantz has earned critical acclaim from The New York Times, Opera News, and The Washington Post. He will lead Boston Conservatory in the world premiere recording of Laura Kaminsky and Crystal Manich’s new opera Time To Act later this spring. He is also currently in his ninth season as Artistic Director and Conductor of Eugene Opera; prior to that he was Music Director. In his 18 seasons in Eugene, he has led over 30 productions, and this season conducts The Pirates of Penzance and the Eugene premiere of Three Decembers.
Bisantz says, “It is an honor to be selected for this role. I am excited to bring my ideas to the Savannah VOICE Festival and bring music to the community.” Throughout his career, Bisantz has collaborated with some of the industry’s brightest stars, including Nadine Sierra, Michael Fabiano, and Lisette Oropesa. His versatile portfolio spans major houses and festivals, including Florida Grand Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, and Boston Lyric Opera.
In his inaugural season as Artistic Director of the Savannah VOICE Festival, Bisantz will take the podium to lead a new production of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute). For more information about the upcoming season or to purchase tickets for the VOICE Salon Series: Music in Bloom on April 16, please visit www.savannahvoicefestival.org.
The VOICE Programs (Savannah VOICE Festival and VOICExperience) serve artists and patrons locally and globally, always embracing the ideals of a diverse community. The Savannah VOICE Festival is a nonprofit arts organization that brings classical vocal excellence to the Savannah, Georgia area through a celebration of concerts, events and educational presentations during the month of August and throughout the year. VOICExperience is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by world-renowned baritone Sherrill Milnes and soprano Maria Zouves. Its mission is to pass on the traditions of great singing and develop new audiences for opera.
