ance, theatre, storytelling, comedy, mind-reading and magic, opera, classical music and jazz are all in the line-up for next year?s Bermuda Festival, details of which have now been released.

From January 11 to March 3, 2007, 15 different acts will take to the stage at one of three venues: City Hall theatre, Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts, and Daylesford Theatre.

While most acts will be making their Bermuda debut, at least three are returning by popular demand. These include principals and soloists from Britain?s famed , along with former principal dancer Wayne Sleep; the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, and the Aquila Theatre Company.

Following the sell-out success of this year?s dynamic Korean sisters, The Ahn Trio, another all-female group, , is set to dazzle with its technical virtuosity and elegant playing.

Opera buffs will no doubt be intrigued by ??s production of Puccini?s ?La Boh?me?, this time set in the 1960s with four students who have deliberately dropped out to enjoy the Bohemian life.

Also putting a modern spin on things will be , whose dramatic theatrical presentation of Baroque music, with outlandish costumes and ?breathtaking? technical and visual effects, is described as ?red hot?.

Jazz lovers will be taken on a musical journey to New York?s jazz scene thanks to the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, while renowned US singer will reprise her career via an autobiographical play with musical support by her musical director on piano, and a quartet of musicians on bass, drums, saxophone and guitar.

Storytellers will appeal to children and adults alike. Award-winning British author will bring her well-known stories to life in a programme involving songs and audience participation, while South African actress tells her own story in her work, ?A Woman in Waiting?, which pays homage to those who have waited for their voices to be heard.

An evocative tribute to the human spirit based on South Africa?s torn past and hopeful future.

Stand-up comedian who opens the Festival, will make musical fun of high-profile world figures with the aid of caricature paper in a show that is described as ?short, slick, and high-energy?.

On the classical side, in addition to the exquisite musicianship of the players, fellow Russian and award-winning young pianist will present one classical concert.

Shakespeare and Chaucer are the authors of choice for the which will close the Festival with two performances each of ?Romeo and Juliet? and ?The Canterbury Tales? ? the latter in a production described as having a ?deliciously saucy, slightly naughty treatment.?

Details of venues, times and more are published on the Festival?s website www.bermudafestival.org, which also includes an interactive look at the performers, with audio and video highlights and links to their websites.

Tickets for all events are: adults $55, students $25, with the exception of ?The Gruffalo and Friends? for which there is one price of $20 per ticket.

Booking tickets online begins on October 30, and the Festival suggests that patrons make a note of the date now as almost one quarter of this year?s tickets sold within 24 hours.

However, benefactors, sponsors and individual patrons may book advance tickets now.

Supporting the Festival in this way includes extra privileges, and guaranteed ticket availability for each event.

For further information on these packages, either check the website and click ?Support Your Festival? ; contact Christine Barnes at 295-1291, or e-mailbdafestlogic.bm

The Festival box office, located next to the Ferry Terminal on Front Street, will first open from November 27 to December 9, and again from January 8 to March 3, 2007 between the hours of 12 noon and 2 p.m. daily except Sundays.