Culross Festival sets the stage for music lovers

Culross Musical & Arts Festival is delighted to present the following events on the weekend of Friday, 4 to Sunday, 6 June 2010.

Eddi Reader raises the curtain when she takes to the stage on Friday evening at 7.30pm supported by The Deal and Alex Hynes. Well known and much loved for her unique voice and interpretation of Burns’ songs, the former Fairground Attraction member is now well established as an attraction in her own right.

Opera Novella is described as the most dynamic and exciting opera company in the industry today. Accompanied by their own chamber orchestra, they will perfom Carmen on Saturday afternoon. A story of jealousy and desire, Carmen tells the tale of forbidden passion between a young soldier and a fiery gypsy girl. Bizet’s enduring classic features some of opera’s most popular and beloved melodies.

Mozart’s enchanting Cosi fan tutte is brought to audiences on Sunday by Opera Project. Fresh from Salisbury’s International Arts Festival, and enjoying their seventeenth season, this performance will live up to a well deserved reputation as “one of the best small-scale touring companies in Britain” (New York Times). Opera Project made their debut with Cosi fan tutte in 1993 and their performance earned them the review; “It was compelling enough to entrance my nine-year old from start to finish”.

Fife’s original hidden gem, Culross is a stunning heritage village unique in offering residents and visitors professional, open air, opera at a very competitive price. Culross Music & Arts Festival has staged its events every summer in the gardens of Lord Bruce’s Abbey House since 1996. On opera performance days, the grounds are open from 2.00pm to allow for picnics to take place prior to the productions beginning at 4.00pm. Operaction is a special performance to introduce the operas and takes place on Sunday, 23 May in Culross Abbey Church at 3.30pm.

Lord Bruce said, “I am delighted to be hosting this prestigious festival in the grounds of Abbey House, once again.”

Dorothy Browse, Service Manager, Libraries, Arts & Museums said: "Fife Council’s investment in Culross Festival recognises its importance as a key event in this special year of culture. Celebrating Fife 2010 showcases Fife's unique environment, cultural identity and lifestyle activities. The programme of events and opportunities is ambitious, and aims to raise awareness of Fife's heritage and its hidden cultural gems. There is something here for everyone and we know that visitors will take away vibrant images and strong memories of the Kingdom.”

For more information about the festival please contact:
Ann Macdonald Tel:01383 880349.