This week marks the official opening of the 2010 Bermuda Festival now in its 35th year, its mission has never wavered: to bring to its audiences a cultural feast of world-class, international performances.

Dancers, singers, actors, musicians, magicians and more, from a host of nations, have all made their way to this tiny speck of mid-Atlantic real estate over the years to share their art with patrons of all ages, and at a variety of venues.

When the curtain rises at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts in Devonshire on Wednesday, it will once again mark the end of countless hours of advance planning and preparation by Festival staff, technical crews, and a small army of volunteers, and the beginning of what promises to be another exciting line-up, with something for everyone.

Leading the way, and back by popular demand, is the Soweto Gospel Choir, which was last here in 2006. With those memories clearly still fresh in people's minds, the South African singers have graciously added an extra performance on January 23 to the three already scheduled for January 20, 21 and 22.

It is a similar story with the Moscow Circus, which returns to present the first of its five performances on January 29. It has had to add two extra performances to the three previously scheduled for January 30 and 31, and these will take place at 2.30 p.m. on January 30, and 8 p.m. on January 31.

The Bermuda Festival Chamber Orchestra, the sole local act in this year's Festival line-up, is also back by popular demand following its successful debut in 2009. Directed by Ryan Ellis, the featured soloists will be visiting British oboist Andrew Knights, and pianist Oliver Grant, during its February 2 all-classical programme at City Hall.

Jazz is next, with a one-night debut performance at Ruth Seaton on February 6 by award-winning band leader Arturo O'Farrill and his 16-piece Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra.

The National Black Touring Circuit has been coming to Bermuda for many years, most recently in 2007. This year's presentation, 'Sweet Mamma Stringbean', stars Sandra Reaves-Phillips as the legendary Ethel Waters and again, due to popular demand, a third performance has been added. The play runs at City Hall from February 9 to11.

Award-winning, Mexican-born classical guitarist Morgan Szymanski gives a one-off performance at City Hall on February 13, and he will be followed by the ever-popular Aquila Theatre Company, which has been a Festival 'regular' since 2001.

Last here in 2007, the Company will present two performances of Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' on February 18 and 19 (the first being an extra performance, due to popular demand), and one performance of Ibsen's 'An Enemy of the People' on February 20 all at City Hall.

February 23 marks the City Hall debut of Trio Hochelaga. One of Canada's most important chamber music ensembles, its members are Anne Robert (violin), Stephanie Lemelin (piano), and Paul Marleyn (cello).

Rioult, Pascal Rioult's vibrant modern dance company, another Bermuda Festival 'regular' since 2001, was last here in 2004. Like other acts, it too has extended its original one-night engagement into two, and will now perform on February 26 and 27 at Ruth Seaton.

Continuing the dance theme, A Gala Evening of Ballet, also at Ruth Seaton, will provide a rare and glittering treat for Bermuda, and feature principal soloists and dancers from the American Ballet and the New York City Ballet on March 2.

Voces8, an award-winning a cappella octet founded by ex-choristers of London, England's famed Westminster Abbey, will bring the 2010 Bermuda Festival to a close with two City Hall performances on March 5 and 6.

As always, some of the visiting artists will participate in the Festival's popular outreach programme, either conducting workshops or giving mini performances followed by question and answer sessions for primary, middle and senior school students in both the public and private schools.

In an overview of this year's Festival, chairman Ian Davidson noted that, while last year's edition was much larger because it was a special celebration, this year's was more in line with 'regular' editions.

"To me it is an exciting Festival. Although some groups are returning artists, the programme itself is brand new," he said.

Of the Festival's outreach programme, Mr. Davidson said this was of particular interest to him. "It has a huge emphasis in Bermuda. If we don't reach our younger audience we would be failing to protect ongoing interest in future Festivals."

¦ To purchase tickets on line, with an option to print tickets at home, see websites www.bermudafestival.org or www.bdatix.bm To order by telephone dial 232-2255.

Tickets can also be purchased at the BDATIX Ticket Centre as follows: the iStore, 46 Reid Street, Hamilton (open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and at Fabulous Fashions, Heron Bay Plaza, Southampton (open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).