The Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs held its 12th annual VOICE Gala on May 6 at the Harmonie Club in New York City, honoring three figures from the opera world while raising scholarship funds for emerging vocalists.

This year’s honorees were composer Michael Ching, director Fabrizio Melano, and soprano Carol Vaness. Ching, known for his widely performed opera “Speed Dating Tonight!” and his tenure as artistic director and composer-in-residence of the Savannah VOICE Festival, was recognized for his contributions to contemporary repertoire.

Melano, a presence at the Metropolitan Opera since 1969, was celebrated for a career that included collaborations with Maria Callas and directing the first “Live from the Met” telecast.

Vaness, long regarded as a definitive interpreter of Mozart’s leading ladies and notable as Tosca for Luciano Pavarotti’s final stage appearance, currently serves as Professor of Voice at Indiana University.

The evening included a cocktail reception, formal dinner, live performances, and an awards ceremony. Singers mentored through the VOICE programs performed works from opera, musical theatre, and song, including selections from Ching’s operas “Alice Ryley” and “A Savannah Ghost Story,” as well as songs by composer David Friedman, who accompanied himself at the piano.

Also announced at the gala was bass-baritone Benjamin Sokol as the winner of the 2026 Carlisle Floyd Centennial Prize, recognizing him as a promising emerging artist. Sokol will be celebrated again at the Carlisle Floyd Centennial concert on June 20 at Carnegie Hall.

“Receiving the Carlisle Floyd Prize from the Carlisle Floyd Foundation is an honor for which I am deeply grateful,” said Sokol, who will receive a $2,500 cash prize, per an official press release. “I am mindful that any work I do is possible only because of the generosity of the great opera singers, teachers, and educators who have guided and mentored me, and whose example continues to shape my path.”