The Spoleto Festival is taking a cue from 19th century literary Paris this year with their new Spoleto Salon, a series of evening discussions with festival and performing arts staff. Guests who attend can expect a behind-the-scenes look at both the festival and two of this year’s performances.
The first Salon is scheduled for April 28 with Nigel Redden, the fest’s General Director. Redden will talk about the history of Spoleto Festival USA, including why and how it ended up in its relatively unlikely host city. Resident Conductor and Director of Orchestral Activities John Kennedy will talk about the Spoleto Festival USA Orchestra on May 12, and Director of Choral Activities Joe Miller will discuss the Westminster Choir on May 26.
Two Salon events will be focused on the performance side: on May 5, you can hear from members of the artistic team for the opera Paradise Interrupted, and on May 20, from those working on Veremonda, l’amazzone di Aragona.
All the talks will be held at the Murray Center at 14 George St., and begin at 6 p.m. Tickets, available on the festival website, are $15 and include light refreshments. If you want to attend all five, you can buy a special ticket package for $50.
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