Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 7, 1995 TAG: 9505050032
SECTION: TRAVEL PAGE: F-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Newport News Daily Press
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
When founder Gian Carlo Menotti quarreled with the Spoleto Festival U.S.A. board over artistic matters and withdrew his support early last year, many wondered whether the annual arts festival would survive.
Though programming was a bit more conservative, last summer's 1994 festival stayed within its budget and presented both provocative and mainstream performances. The artistic triumvirate that replaced Menotti last year - conductor Spiros Agiris, pianist Charles Wadsworth and choral director Joseph Flummerfelt - has returned to program the 1995 festival.
If you're thinking of attending this year, now is the time to order tickets and make reservations. The festival offers ticket packages ranging from $45-$140.
Jan. 20 was the deadline for some subscription and package deals. Call the festival office at (803) 722-2764 for information.
Here's a sampling of the opera, symphony and dance events coming up. Many events are not presented throughout the entire festival.
nOpera: This year's offerings include Richard Strauss' ``Der Rosenkavalier'' featuring soprano Renata Scotto and the American premiere of ``Der Prince von Homburg'' by German composer Hans Werner Henze.
nMusic: Eleven different programs of first-rate chamber music by up-and-coming artists and two symphony concerts fill the bill. The world-renowned Westminster Choir performs, plus cabaret singers and a contemporary music series.
nJazz: Concerts by Karrin Allyson, Chick Correa, The Tommy Flanagan Trio and Pharoah Sanders build to the festival's jazz finale.
nDance: Visits by Dance Theatre of Harlem, North Carolina Dance Theatre and the National Ballet of the Ukraine are balanced by the works of small, progressive companies. A play yet to be chosen, poetry and literary series complete the lineup.
For information on Charleston and surrounding areas, write the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, P.O. Box 975, Charleston, SC 29402, or call (803) 853-8000. The bureau also has introduced a toll-free fax line so callers can automatically obtain information on hotels, restaurants, bed & breakfasts, and attractions. Dial (800) 853-4FAX, enter extension 430, then your fax number. A directory of information will be faxed to you immediately.
Here is where to call for tickets to the Spoleto Festival:
Box office:| 800-255-4659 or 803-577-4500
(South Carolina Automated Ticketing).
Spoleto USA: 803-722-2764.
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by CNB