Looking back at the 2013 Festival

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The 2013 Savannah Music Festival was a tremendous success, thanks to enthusiastic participation by our patrons, artists, volunteers, community partners and educators, an increase in out-of-town visitors and unprecedented national/international critical acclaim. Heralded by the Chicago Tribune as an event that is “breaking the sound barriers,” SMF continues to be recognized by music lovers throughout the world as a distinctive cross-genre music festival, with programs that are set apart by a composed handling of diverse musical traditions. Add to that the alluring atmosphere of historic Savannah in the springtime, and you have a musical celebration unlike any other in the world.We hope that you’ll join us between March 20th and April 5th of 2014, our 25th anniversary season. The following are some of the key successes, facts and thoughts about the 2013 festival:

  • With record ticket sales for the eleventh consecutive season, attendance increased by 20 percent from 2012 to 2013.
  • Over forty percent of the 2013 audience was from out of town, making SMF one of the Southeast’s most popular cultural tourism destination events.
  • For every dollar of public funding received for SMF 2013, nearly ten dollars in local tax revenues were returned.
  • Supplemental arts education programs produced by SMF in 2013 reached nearly 9,000 area schoolchildren.

Relive the festival in pictures. Visit our Flickr Page.

 

The 2013 Savannah Music Festival in the media

“Superb classical concerts, jazz and a panoply of indigenous regional and world music… the first rich taste of Savannah has left me craving more.”
– Wall Street Journal

“A splendid way to experience the spirit and soul of the city… innovative, creative collaborations that honor area roots while drawing top international performers.”
– Charlotte Observer

“A ’boutique festival’ that combines high-end chamber music, jazz and world music, and at the same time shows off music of the American South.” – Charleston Post & Courier

“The Savannah Music Festival has made life better for thousands throughout the region… this year’s audiences are reflecting more than ever Savannah’s rich demographics.”
– Bill Dawers, Savannah Unplugged

“An artistic success and a public relations dream.”
– Savannah Morning News

“A showcase of music for every stripe.”
– Atlanta Journal-Constitution