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Event
Blue Bicycle Books Charleston Author Series Luncheon with Spoleto USA General Director Nigel Redden
Join us Tuesday, May 10th at noon for Blue Bicycle Books Charleston Author Series luncheon at Halls Chophouse, with Spoleto USA General Director Nigel Redden discussing "Spoleto 40" written by NY Times classical music critic, journalist and author Allan Kozinn. Redden will illuminate the history of this extraordinary festival, from its inaugural offerings in 1977 to this years wide-ranging celebration.
Tickets are only $30 for the author talk and delicious three-course luncheon at Halls Chophouse, or $105 that includes the luncheon plus a hardcover copy of "Spoleto 40." Halls Chophouse is located at 434 King Street in downtown Charleston. Of course, there is a full-service cash bar for your enjoyment.
About Nigel Redden
Spoleto USA General Director Nigel Redden will give an insider's look at 40 years of highlights up to this year's Festival that runs from May 22 through June 7.
For 17 days and nights each spring, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charlestons historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces with performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers in opera; theater; dance; and chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music.
As general director Redden is responsible for all aspects of the festival including fundraising, financial administration, marketing, union negotiations, artists' contracts, board development and programming.
Redden rejoined Spoleto Festival USA in October 1995. He had previously been general manager from 1986 to 1991. After leaving the festival in 1991, Mr. Redden served as executive director of the Santa Fe Opera and executive producer of the Lincoln Center Festival.
Spoleto Festival USA was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, Christopher Keene, and others who sought to create an American counterpart to their annual Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy. Looking for a city that would provide the charm of Spoleto as well as its wealth of theaters, churches and other performances spaces.
About the Book
"Spoleto 40" -- written by classical music critic, journalist and author Allan Kozinn -- illuminates the history of this extraordinary festival, from its inaugural offerings in 1977 to this years wide-ranging celebration. That history has not always been a smooth path. There have been battles over the festivals artistic shape and direction, as well as times when global economic pressures and even the forces of nature took their toll.
But the festival has consistently met these challenges and emerged triumphant, with its artistic mission intact and capacity to grow undiminished.
Mostly, though, the story of the Spoleto Festival USA is the story of the artists who have come to Charleston to perform. Some have come to the festival with programs that show what they do best. Some have brought tryouts of works in progress, giving the festivals audiences an advance view of a production.
When the Spoleto Festival USA was launched in Charleston four decades ago, it was offered almost as an act of faith. Although the festivals founders had put together a world-class schedule, no one could be certain that arts lovers would flock to Charleston to attend, and if they did, whether they would return year after year.
With the wisdom of hindsight, we know that they have. The festival has become an important part of the annual global arts calendar, with a reputation for innovative and varied music, dance and theater productions as well as groundbreaking art and multi-media projects.
It has also contributed importantly toward the revival and transformation of Charleston itself, which this year celebrates not only the 40th installment of the festival but the opening of the new world-class Gaillard Center, which will be home to the festivals opera productions and dance presentations, as well some of its pop and classical concerts.
And some have come to the festival to present new works commissioned by the festival itself.
This book is a must-read for anyone who has an appreciation of the festival itself, its performers, and producers as well as what it means to the remarkable city that has been its host for 40 years. "Spoleto 40" is edited and published by Evening Post Books in Charleston.
Tickets are $30 for lunch plus tax and processing fee, or $105 for lunch and a signed, hardcover copy of "Spoleto 40." Doors open at 11:30 AM and lunch is served promptly at noon. Limited seating provides an intimate experience with the author. There is a cash bar bar for your enjoyment.
Halls Chophouse is located at 434 King Street, where the luncheon and discussion will take place.
Parking is available at the Visitors Center Garage on Ann Street between King and Meeting Streets, the Camden Exchange Garage between John and Hutson Streets, or at meters on the street.
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LocationHalls Chophouse (View)
434 King Street Street
Charleston, SC 29403
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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