38th season of internationally known Spoleto Festival USA opens in Charleston

CHARLESTON, S.C. – A new edition of the Spoleto Festival USA is underway in South Carolina following the ringing of church bells, a brass fanfare, speeches, a shower of confetti and a dance performance in front of City Hall in Charleston.

The 38th season of the internationally known arts festival founded by the late composer Gian Carlo Menotti opened Friday at noon and continues through June 8, featuring 148 performances by 63 artists and ensembles.

This year’s Spoleto features three operas, a show by Ireland’s Gate Theatre and a range of musical performances including concerts by singer Kat Edmonson and banjoists Béla Fleck and his wife, Abigail Washburn.

During the opening ceremonies, Jason Hortin of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, one of this year’s dance ensembles, performed.

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