The 51 st edition of the Festival of Two Worlds at Spoleto, Umbria  now re.named the Spoleto Festival International  kicks off with a lavish production of the ballet-opera Padmavati by S.L. Bhansali on the 27^th June and closes on the 13 th July with the traditional concert in the Piazza del Duomo.

The Spoleto Festival, appreciated world-wide by cognoscenti of the arts, was founded in 1958 by Italian composer Gian Carlo Menotti, who presented top artistes and avant-guarde productions from all over the globe in the theatres and squares of this perfectly preserved medieval town in what is known as śthe green heart of Italy. Famous names who have appeared at past Festivals include Ken Russell, Rudolf Nureyev, Ezra Pound and Luciano Pavarotti.

In 1977, the Festival of Two Worlds was twinned with the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston and, in 1986, with the Melbourne International Arts Festival. Maestro Gian Carlo Menotti died in 2007, but the Festival, which now has Foundation status, continues with the support of the local council.

This years edition brings works from China, Germany, South Africa , the USA and France. Special highlight will be an evening with American director Bob Wilson on the 28^th June. Wilson returns to the Festival after 34 years to present his celebrated monologue of Hamlet. In addition, there will be two performances of Brechts Threepenny Opera, directed by Wilson, on the 5 th and 6 th July.

For information: www.festivaldispoleto,com