Spoleto Festival USA’s newly released 2025 lineup features more than 120 performances over 17 days this spring. Among the highlights are two operas, a special cabaret, multimedia offerings and myriad concerts across Charleston — plus plenty of “hidden delights.”
While more details will emerge, performers will include cultural icon Isaac Mizrahi, who will offer a cabaret at Charleston Music Hall that blends comedy, performance art and music. Other featured performances during the festival include saxophonist Branford Marsalis, operas by Benjamin Britten and Jules Massenet and shows by legendary singers Patti Smith, Mavis Staples and Lucinda Williams. Also expected to generate lots of interest are performances by Band of Horses and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy.
To get the scoop on some of this year’s insider favorites before ticket sales begin Feb. 21, we went straight to the source. Below is a list of some of the 49th season’s can’t-miss offerings, as told exclusively to the Charleston City Paper by festival General Director and CEO Mena Mark Hanna.
‘Fragments’
“This massive undertaking by world-renowned cellist Alisa Weilerstein is a monumental artistic achievement,” Hanna said.” It is the result of a multi-year commissioning project, pairing new works from 27 of today’s leading composers with Bach’s timeless cello suites.
“It’s also a testament to Weilerstein’s vision and artistry. At Spoleto, you will see the world premieres of ‘Fragments 5’ and ‘Fragments 6,’ marking the first time she performs the entire six-part cycle in a single engagement. Each ‘Fragment’ pairs newly commissioned works and is a counterpoint between past and present.”
Performances are scheduled May 26, 28, 29 and 31 at the College of Charleston’s Sottile Theatre.
The Turn of The Screw
For Hanna, Spoleto’s world-premiere production of The Turn of the Screw is a fantastic opera, especially if you’re new to the genre.
“You may even be familiar with the story through the popular Netflix series The Haunting of Bly Manor, which is also based on Henry James’s chilling novella,” he said. “This chamber opera offers a more intimate experience, and the story itself is a super suspenseful ghost story — very relatable and captivating.
“The music is gorgeous and atmospheric, and the whole thing is a manageable length — perfect for dipping your toes into the world of opera, especially in the rumored-to-be haunted Dock Street Theatre.
On the power of opera, in general
Hanna says opera is a breathtaking blend of music, theater, visual art and storytelling that excites people.
“Spoleto understands its unique power to transport audiences, creating an immersive and often transformative experience unlike anything else,” he said. “This commitment to opera, a tradition true to our roots, aligns perfectly with the festival’s mission to present ambitious and impactful works.
“Plus, where else in the world could you see Wilco front-man Jeff Tweedy and Thaïs, Jules Massanet’s late–19th century French grand opera, at the same festival? Spoleto is all about putting strange bedfellows together, juxtaposing the new with the old, the experimental with the traditional.”
Britten’s The Turn of the Screw is set for a world premier at the Dock Street Theatre, with performances on May 30 and June 1, 3 and 6. Massanet’s Thaïs also is a world premier production with performances on May 23 and 25 at the Charleston Gaillard Center.
Legendary artist Patti Smith
Lots of people are excited Smith will be at Spoleto Festival USA this year.
“Patti Smith is a total legend — punk rock icon, poet, artist … the works. Seeing her live is something you’ll remember long after Spoleto,” Hanna said. “And can you imagine her in the College of Charleston’s Cistern Yard? It’s gorgeous and historic — huge live oaks and beautiful architecture. That setting combined with Smith’s energy will be pure magic. It’ll be an unforgettable night.”
Smith will perform June 3 in the Cistern Yard at the College of Charleston.
120 shows in 17 days
Also be on the lookout for:
- Bank of America Chamber Music: 24 world-class musicians with 11 programs over 17 days, including two new evening concerts.
- Orchestral concerts featuring music by Strauss, Sibelius, Mendelssohn and Mozart.
- Cecile McLorin Salvant, a visionary vocalist.
- Saxophonist Branford Marsalis with his quartet.
- Trumpeter Etienne Charles who will explore Gullah roots with local drummer Quentin Baxter.
- Kronos Quartet, renowned musical innovators.
Tickets for Spoleto Festival USA go on sale at 10 a.m. Feb. 21 at spoletousa.org. The 49th season of the festival will start May 23 and end up with a finale on June 8.
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