Spoleto Festival 2024

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The Piccolo Spoleto Festival 2024

The greater Charleston, South Carolina footprint offers a plethora of vacation options - for the Nature enthusiasts we have miles of coastline, for the foodies we have world renowned chefs, cuisines and experiences, and for the history buffs - Charleston has a history as long and varied as our country itself!  What isn’t always mentioned though, is Charleston’s culture, deep roots, and celebration of artistic endeavors. 

Specifically, in 1977, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, sought to recreate a festival he founded in Italy almost 20 years prior - The Annual Festival of Two Worlds.  He chose Charleston as the location for what is known today as the Spoleto Festival, because he believed his performers could captivate the audience here as well as support the event with the necessary metropolitan infrastructure.  For many the Spoleto Festival kicks off the summer season, as it begins every year on Friday before Memorial Day.

Over its 45 year history, the festival has grown into a flagship event that brings local, nationwide, global artists together for the enjoyment of the community.  From May 22nd until June 9, over 100 artists will take the stage to share and celebrate their art form.  Opera, theatre, dance, and a variety of musical performers have been selected to contribute their unique flair and expression for the festival.  The Spoleto Festival celebrates diversity of thought and artistic expression.  Charleston will host the Spoleto artists in premier venue locations, such as:

 

The Spoleto Festival is a very popular event, and therefore all performances and events are ticketed.  Review the full calendar of events here and purchase tickets individually to one event or a full day of events.  2024 planned Festival highlights include the world premiere of the opera "Ruinous Gods," Yo-Yo Ma's return, a new play "The Song of Rome" by Denis O’Hare and Lisa Peterson, Benjamin Millepied's multimedia take on Prokofiev’s ballet "Romeo & Juliet," and performances by Jason Isbell, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Sasha Velour.

 

One particularly unique event that has piqued the interest of many is the “Ugly Duckling Performance.”

Lightwire Theatre Overview

 

Talk about a ‘glow-up’: Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless tale “The Ugly Duckling” illuminates the Robinson in a spellbinding production from America’s Got Talent semifinalists Lightwire Theater. The classic story unfolds in a vibrant, family-friendly production featuring handmade electroluminescent costumes, poignant choreography, and creative use of music ranging from classical to pop. With dazzling visuals and enduring themes of belonging and self-discovery, The Ugly Duckling is a feast for both the eyes and the soul.

 

Another highly anticipated performance is the Lowcountry: South Carolina Music in the Gullah Tradition performance.

 

In a celebration of Gullah history and musical heritage, 20-plus South Carolina artists join drummer Quentin Baxter, trumpeter Matt White, and saxophonist Chris Potter for a musical fusion of jazz and praise house melodies.

Are you a regular attender of the Spoleto or a resident in the area interested in becoming more involved?  Spoleto is supported by local organizations, such as Festival Circle, Spoleto Society, Spoleto Bridge, and Spoleto SCENE.  Joining these organizations gives attendees opportunities to go behind the scenes of the event and mix and mingle with artists and Spoleto patrons.  The opening Spoleto Gala is a favorite event of mixing and mingling with artists. The Spoleto Festival also relies heavily on volunteers to facilitate this world-class performing arts event.  Volunteers bring their energy and experiences to make this event an inviting, seamless, and safe event for all attendees.

 

We invite you to stay for a weekend, a week, or for the full 17 days to enjoy the Spoleto festival!  Peruse and enjoy the festival performances, local cuisine, and linger on the beautiful South Carolina coastline.   At IOP Escapes, we would be happy to host you and your family or friends in one of our beautiful Isle of Palms Vacation Rental Properties.  Isle of Palms is a short, easy 25 minute drive from most of the performance locations.