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Fancy yourself as a cultured being? If so, you’re in for a treat, as in two weeks the Bermuda Festival 2006 begins.

If you don’t have your tickets yet, log on to www.bermudafestival.org to order. Many events are already sold out, but if you’re lucky, there’ll still be tickets for your favourite events. Due to popular demand, some new dates have also been added. This year’s Festival features artists from all corners of the globe, from the Italian Connection to local pianist Kimberley Cann. Festival Chairman Geoffrey Moore said in a press release, “No matter what your taste when it comes to the performing arts, The Bermuda Festival has something for everyone!”

The festival box office re-opens on January 9, 2006 and remains open until February 25, 2006 from 12noon to 2pm, Monday to Saturday. Ticket purchases can be made over the telephone during box office hours by calling 296-5774

The events for this year’s festival are as follows:

Steve Solomon’s “My Mother’s Italian…”

January 12-15 — A one-man show filled with comedy and musical surprises. Steve Solomon invites the audience to meet ‘The Family’, whose sole purpose in life is to drive him into therapy.

The Acting Company Presents Macbeth

January 19-21 — After an eight year absence, this highly respected U.S. touring repertory group returns to Bermuda to perform William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Combines swift action and soaring poetry.

The King’s Consort, The Italian Connection

January 25 & 26 — Performed by the acclaimed musicians of The King’s Consort, this is an evening of highly original Italian and English chamber music.

Soweto Gospel Choir

January 27-29 —The thirty voices of this African choir are said to be incredibly powerful. They will deliver a non-stop pageant of African Gospel music.

Garth Fagan Dance

February 1&2 — The 35-year-old Garth Fagan Dance Company comes to Bermuda to share a singular dance style that draws on many sources: Ballet, post-modern, and Afro-Caribbean.

Gareth Armstrong’s Shylock

February 3&4 — Former Royal Shakespeare Company actor Gareth Armstrong has captivated audiences worldwide with this engaging one-man performance centred on Shakespeare’s famous Jew.

The Ahn Trio

February 7&8 — Three sisters, violinist Angella and her twin sisters pianist Lucia and cellist Maria – breathe new life into piano trio literature. Universal appeal.

St. Petersburg Classic Ballet Theatre of Marina Medvetskaya

February 10-12 — This young company features some of the finest ballet artists from the mature companies of St. Petersburg, including the Kirov and the Maly. Performing well-known pieces by renowned choreographers such as Pepita and Bournonville, audiences are promised an evening of classical ballet in the best Russian tradition.

Kimberly Cann

February 14 — Kimberly Cann grew up in Bermuda submerged in music, her talent becoming apparent in her early teens. She is now embarking on a professional concert career, and The Bermuda Festival say they are thrilled to include this wonderful young pianist in this year’s programme.

The New Shanghai Circus

February 17-19 — People raved about the New Shanghai Circus in 2002, and The Bermuda Festival will feature this group again in 2006. Said to perform ‘amazing feats of balance and athleticism’, these youthful acrobats are likely to impress — and have been one of the most highly sought after acts in terms of ticket sales so far. The New Shanghai Circus will give five performances.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

February 20-22 — Named after the famous hall in the French Quarter of New Orleans, this jazz band aims to embrace the music that is unique to New Orleans whilst remaining loyal to Preservation Hall.

Ramsey Lewis

February 24&25 — Jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis takes audiences back through his 40-year career, featuring familiar melodies of the past and new tunes that identify the present.[[In-content Ad]]

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