Spoleto Festival USA, commonly known as the Spoleto Festival, is an annual performing arts festival in Charleston, South Carolina that features theater, dance, opera and music. The festival takes place at venues throughout the city during 17 days in late May and early June.
History
Spoleto Festival was founded in 1977 to coincide with the annual Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy. Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti and his partners sought an American city that could echo the charm of Spoleto and offer a range of performance sites.
Program
Spoleto Festival has hosted more than 200 national and world premieres during its 34-year history. During the festival, the program features daily performances by artists from around the globe. The festival closes with a musical finale and fireworks at Middleton Place.
Admission
As of 2010, Spoleto Festival ticket prices range between $10 and $150, depending on the event. The festival offers free tickets to nonprofit organizations and social service groups that apply. Piccolo Spoleto Festival, a regional talent festival, takes place simultaneously with the Spoleto Festival and offers family programming at low or no cost.
