A stellar line-up of talent — including Bermuda’s own Broadway sensation Rebecca Faulkenberry — will be on offer at the 2015 Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts.

Ms Faulkenberry, known for starring roles in Rock Of Ages and Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark, performed on the Island for Greenrock’s Earth Hour last March.

Since then she’s believed to have been taking time to regroup and seek out her next big challenge.

Ms Faulkenberry stepped down as Mary Jane Watson in the Broadway adaptation of Spider-Man last March. Days later, news broke that the production was to close after months of declining ticket sales.

Outside of Ms Faulkenberry, lots of excitement is expected to surround the performance of renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

The Grammy-award winning musician will headline this special 40th Anniversary Bermuda Festival with a recital commemorating the three founders.

Other special performances at this year’s event will be provided by the English Chamber Orchestra, American jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis, Opera A La Carte performing La Traviata, The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, pianist William Howard, The Schubert Ensemble of London, San Francisco’s Alonzo King Lines Ballet, The Aquila Theatre Company with a production of Wuthering Heights, Walnut Street Theatre performing A Life in Theatre and Canadian Bee Gees Tribute Band, Stayin’ Alive.

Festival chairman Ian Davidson said he was thrilled about the diverse range of performances on offer from international and local artists.

“We are thrilled with this year’s line-up and encourage all residents to be part of this historic event,” he said. “Whether it be by purchasing tickets for the various performances or by being a part of our special team of volunteers, the 40th anniversary of the festival is a truly special occasion.”

The Bermuda Festival started back in 1976, thanks to the vision of founders: Yehudi Menuhin, former Governor of Bermuda Sir Edwin Leather and John Ellison.

“Forty years later, we have chosen to look back over those years and to celebrate our special ruby anniversary by inviting back some of the most popular performers who have established a special relationship with the Island,” Mr Davidson said.

“From workshops with the youngest of children, to master classes for adults and collaborative performances, the opportunities provided to local residents by these performers have been rich and varied.

“It’s a pleasure to see these talented individuals return to join our celebration. In addition, we are delighted to include some new faces.”

Tickets for the 2015 festival will go on sale at www.bermudafestival.org and www.bdatix.bm on Tuesday, November 25 at 10am. For more information on the festival, which runs from January 23 to March 8, visit its pages on Facebook and Twitter.