More about Spoleto

With such a rich heritage, it's hardly surprisingly that Charleston is the host city for Spoleto, which has been a major festival since 1977, when it was founded as the American counterpart to an annual festival in Spoleto, Italy. Gian Carlo Menotti, a Pultizer Prize-winning composer, began the original Spoleto festival in 1958 as a forum for young American artists in Europe.

In the 1970s, Menotti and other festival organizers looked for the city to host a similar festival in the United States. Charleston, with its beautifully preserved historic districts well as an ample number of performance venues, was ideal.

As might be expected for a festival with roots in Italy, opera—in a major way—is always a highlight. A goal of the festival is to bring to the stage productions rarely seen in the United States. A prime example is the new production of "Louise," an opera by Gustave Charpentier, which is rarely staged because of the large number of roles. The Parisian setting, made famous by Puccini's "La Boheme," is the inspiration for the production.

Also on the playlist is the premiere of "Don John," the newest production from Britain's Kneehigh Theatre, which was inspired by Mozart's "Don Giovanni." The production, which features a specially commissioned score of contemporary music, is being produced in association with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Bristol Old Vic.

One of the most innovative offering is the operetta, "Addicted to Bad Ideas: Peter Lorre's 20th Century," with music by the New York punk band World/Inferno Friendship Society. The story is based on the colorful and ultimately sad life of an actor known for his roles in such classic films as "The Maltese Falcon" and "Casablanca."

Other highlights of the packed schedule are "Dogugaeshi," an elegant and imaginative play by puppeteer Basil Twist, performances by legendary blues musician Beverly "Guitar" Watkins, and the festival debut of Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet. A range of blues, jazz, bluegrass/folk and chamber music performances add diversity to the schedule.

One of the most impressive and memorable aspects of Spoleto is, of course, emerging talent. This year, the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra, which is composed of young musicians from leading music programs and conservatories, will perform Gustav Mahler's song symphony, "Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth)" and along with violinist Sarah Chang, Brahms' "Violin Concerto in D major."

But if opera isn't your thing, there's ballet — and blues and jazz — and with the addition of Piccolo Spoleto, free and nominally priced performances around Charleston.

And if you can't make it to Spoleto or the House and Garden Festival this year? Not a problem. Charleston, perpetually on the top of the list of best mannered cities in the United States, is always ready for guests.