It's been a much longer wait than usual, but today the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts releases full details of its 2009 programme.

And as befits the year when Bermuda will celebrate the 400th anniversary of its settlement, the January 8 to February 28 event will be a bumper one. As always, there will be something for everyone including children: Jazz and classical music, dance, theatre, and comedic clowns/mime artists.

2009 will also see the return of the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts as a Festival venue.

Not only will next year's Festival be the longest ever, but also it will boast the greatest number of performers — including, quite fittingly, many Bermudians.

Leading the way will be the highly popular and much-loved 'Not the Um Um Players' with four performances at City Hall Theatre. Other local acts include the Civic Ballet's production of 'Coppélia', 'Rising Stars' featuring three very talented young Bermudians: Imani Woodley, Leidy Sinclair and Kerri-Lynn Dietz; and the Concepts in Motion Dance Company. The Bermuda Chamber Choir, directed by Ryan Ellis, will join forces with the especially-formed Bermuda Festival Chamber Orchestra for 'Laudate', a celebration of special anniversaries; and soprano Marcelle Clamens will present 'A Night at the Opera'. Bermudian soloists in 'Concerti through the Ages' will be Kent Hayward, Adrian Ridgeway, Nancy Smith and Gaynor Gallant, who will be accompanied by the Bermuda Festival Chamber Orchestra.

Ruth Thomas & Company will present a new 'Mosaic' of women's contributions to Bermuda's history, while Heather Nova, Craig Lemont Walters, and Kenneth Amis are among the Bermudian artists returning home from abroad to perform.

A star-studded production of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', directed by Joel Froomkin, will mark the grand finale of the culturefest.

Festival chairman John Ellison also announced the addition of a fringe Festival next year. Entitled 'Dahn De Hill to Daylesford', it will run from January 21 to 30 at the Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society's Daylesford Theatre. Designed to allow for a wider array of acts and later performance hours, it will feature informal poetry readings, stand-up comedy, and jazz

"This year's programme is unlike any we've had to date, and is one Bermuda Festival season you won't want to miss," the chairman promised.

Tickets for the Bermuda Festival 2009 (adults $60, students $25, for most performances) will go on sale Monday, November 10 on the organisation's website, www.bermudafestival.org.

Fuller details of performances are as follows:

NOT THE UM UM PLAYERS (January 8-11, City Hall Theatre)

Bermuda's infamous local comedy troupe — Bruce Barritt, Fred Barritt, Chris Broadhurst and Tim Taylor — will kick off the 2009 Festival with an irreverent look at Bermuda's past and present.

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL CHOIR OXFORD (January 13 Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts. January 14 St. John's Church, Pembroke)

Daring and adventurous musical programming is the hallmark of this illustrious choir from Oxford, England. Unique in that it is both a Cathedral and College choir, its repertoire is wide-ranging, from early sacred music to the works of modern composers such as Howard Goodall. The first programme will include an exciting collaboration with a local choir. The second will be a more traditional concert sung in St. John's Church, Pembroke.

CLIVE DRISKILL-SMITH, ORGAN (January 15, St. Paul's Church, Paget)

Award-winning Clive Driskill-Smith, one of the leading organists of his generation, will be heard in recital. Constantly in demand, Mr. Driskill-Smith balances his position as sub-organist at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, with performing recitals at prestigious venues around the world. He is also involved in teaching the young choristers and assisting with the choir at Christ Church Cathedral.

COPPELIA (January 16-17, Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts)

Bermuda's own Civic Ballet will present the popular ballet, Coppélia. First staged in Paris in 1870, it is a fun-filled ballet which tells of a doll-maker, his doll, a spirited girl, and her fiancé, who falls for the doll. The Bermuda production promises to be a visual delight, and will be staged by Bermudians Ray Tanva, who is based in London, and Coral Waddell, who is based on the Island. It will feature Bermudians now studying or working abroad professionally, as well as local dancers. The principal roles will be performed by international dancers, yet to be named.

LORD OF THE FLIES (January 20-23, Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts)

William Golding's classic tale of human nature exposed after a plane crashes on a remote island, is brilliantly dramatised in an award-winning production by the UK's Pilot Theatre in association with York Theatre Royal. Golding's disturbing and celebrated story traces the progression of the stranded survivors from a well-behaved group of school boys accustomed to rules and adult guidance, to a bloodthirsty, murderous tribe whose activities soon take on a more sinister significance with the discovery of 'the beast'. This production received rave reviews from the British national press when it first opened.

RISING STARS (January 24, City Hall Theatre)

This concert shines the spotlight on three young Bermudian musicians who have benefited from the extraordinarily high standard of teaching on the Island. Each one shows a prodigious sense of dedication and commitment to her talent, and a determination to flourish in her art. The programme opens with 11-year-old pianist Imani Woodley, who has already won many prizes, including a competition held at New York's Carnegie Hall. Following Imani will be 15-year-old violinist Leidy Sinclair who has been studying at the New England Conservatory under Mary Lou Churchill, and will be moving to Europe to continue her studies. Bringing the event to a spectacular finale will be 20-year-old mezzo-soprano Kerri-Lynne Dietz. A student at the Royal Academy of Music in London, she is already making a name for herself there.

MOSAIC (January 27-28, City Hall Theatre)

'Women of Our Time — On Whose Shoulders We Stand', performed by Ruth Thomas & Company, is a celebration of 400 years of Bermudians. Written and directed by Ruth Thomas and choreographed by Conchita Ming, it is a tribute to significant women of Bermuda — their strengths, struggles and successes. Through dance and drama, the mosaic will provide a kaleidoscopic view of the rich, colourful and binding threads of the social, cultural and historical tapestry woven by the women of Bermuda.

HEATHER NOVA (January 30-31, City Hall Theatre)

Heather Nova, whose rise to fame in the pop world in Europe is well documented, returns home for two intimate concerts at City Hall. Known for her dynamic performances, the singer will play a 90-minute set featuring material from her seven albums, and spanning her 17-year career in the music industry. Selections will include her hits, 'Walk This World' and 'London Rain', as well as her more intimate and introspective songs.

CONCEPTS IN MOTION (February 2, Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts)

Concepts In Motion Dance Company, under the direction of Lizz Pimentel, presents a night of dance featuring some of Bermuda's best, performing works by talented choreographers from around the world. The diverse programme will include some signature pieces, as well as new works by various choreographers including Slam, bj Sullivan, Ashley Lindsay and Bermudians Jennifer Soares, Laurie Marshall, Lauren Rowntree and Ty Barker. Concepts is redefining the local language of dance with a thrilling blend of modern, contemporary ballet, jazz and acrobatics.

ENGLISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (February 4-5, Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts)

This celebrated orchestra makes another welcome return to the Island for two concerts. The first, conducted by the world-renowned Vladimir Ashkenazy, will include Haydn's 'Cello Concerto in C' with Caroline Dale as the soloist. Ms Dale made her name as the cellist who played in the sound track of the controversial film, 'Hilary and Jackie' about the late cellist Jacqueline du Pré.

The second concert will feature youthful violinist So-Ock Kim, who has already made numerous acclaimed appearances with prestigious orchestras around the world. She will be the soloist in Vivaldi's much-loved 'The Four Seasons' concerto. One of Bermuda's favourite sons, Kenneth Amis, will be the soloist in Gordon Jacob's 'Suite for Tuba and Orchestra'. This programme will be directed by the eminent musician and conductor Roy Goodman, who is principal guest conductor of the English Chamber Orchestra.

EMPIRE BRASS QUINTET (February 6-7, City Hall Theatre)

This legendary ensemble also makes a welcome return to the Bermuda Festival for two different programmes. The first, in a lighter vein, will feature a mix of music, including pieces by George Gershwin ('Porgy and Bess'), Meredith Willson ('The Music Man') and Duke Ellington ('It Don't Mean A Thing'). The second will be more classical, including works by Pachelbel, Telemann, Albinoni, Handel, Purcell and others. Bermudian Kenneth Amis is a long-standing member of this ensemble, but his talents extend far beyond the tuba. This engagement will also include the world première of one of his own compositions. Entitled 'The Scent of Paradise', it has been commissioned by The Bermuda Festival to commemorate Bermuda's 400th anniversary, and will be performed on both nights.

DAVID BREWER MASTERCLASS (February 9, City Hall Theatre)

David Brewer, international tenor and voice coach of numerous renowned singers including 'Destiny's Child', will give a masterclass for up to six local singers in either the popular or classical vein. The class will be open to the public to observe, for which tickets can be booked in the usual way. It promises to be both an entertaining and enlightening evening. Anyone wishing to be considered for participation in the masterclass should contact the Festival office on 295-1291 or e-mail adminoffice@bermudafestival.org.

AN EVENING OF JAZZ AN EVENING OF JAZZ (February 10, City Hall Theatre)

Based in Berlin, Germany, Bermudian Craig Lemont Walters has pursued his career in Europe as both an opera and jazz singer for over 20 years. His repertoire ranges from the standard operatic literature for bass to the musical and jazz genres. His roles in many popular musicals include 'Evita', 'The Phantom of the Opera' and 'Porgy and Bess'. For his Bermuda performance, during which he will be accompanied by Marc Schmolling, piano; Jonathan Robinson, bass; and Juraj Rasi, drums, Mr.Walters will concentrate on his jazz repertoire. Part of the programme will be devoted to the works of Edward 'Duke' Ellington, and will include 'Don't Get Around Much Anymore', 'Mood Indigo', 'In a Sentimental Mood', and 'I Got It Bad'.

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA (February 11, City Hall Theatre)

Bermuda's gifted soprano Marcelle Clamens presents a thrilling programme from the classical repertoire, with international tenor David Brewer as guest artist. Accompanying the duo will be pianist Olga Zeidel, and the especially-formed Bermuda Festival Chamber Orchestra. The concert, to include such favourites as Mozart's 'Exultate Jubilate', 'Libiamo ne'lieti calici' from Verdi's 'La Traviata', and Puccini's 'Nessun Dorma', will be conducted by Bermuda musician and teacher Ryan Ellis.

AGA-BOOM February 13-15 (Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts)

Rooted in a unique style of theatrical clowning, AGA-BOOM combines the unbridled silliness of slapstick and the humour of physical comedy with theatrical expressionism, poetry and a touch of European avant-garde. These clowns/mime artistes quite magically blend the best elements of circus, comedy and experimental theatre, and are guaranteed to entertain and delight the child in all of us. Visual comedy, with plenty of audience participation, is the order of the day.

ANGELE DUBEAU & LA PIETA (February 17-18, City Hall Theatre)

Angèle Dubeau, one of Canada's most prominent artists, formed the string ensemble La Pietà in 1997, sincewhich the nine-strong, all-female group has earned an enviable reputation from its many recordings and live performances. Music critic Francois Tousignant of 'Le Devoir' praised the ensemble for its "… precision of attack, quality of ensemble playing…spirit and energy" , and concluded that the delight they take in making music is "contagious". Angèle Dubeau & La Pietà will provide an up-tempo programme featuring a wide variety of styles to appeal to all lovers of classical music.

LAUDATE (February 19, Wesley Methodist Church)

The Bermuda Chamber Choir has earned an enviable reputation for the high standard of its performances. Aiming to nurture the art and love of choral music, most recently under the baton of Ryan Ellis, the Choir has enriched the community with its uplifting performances of choral masterworks. For this concert, the Choir will be joined by the especially-formed Bermuda Festival Chamber Orchestra. The concert will also include a piano concerto performed by Bermuda resident and music teacher Oliver Grant, who has been wowing audiences with his formidable talent.

Entitled 'Laudate', the programme celebrates a series of anniversaries: the 200th anniversary of Haydn's death; the 250th anniversary of Händel's death; and of course the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Bermuda.

THE JAMES MOODY QUARTET (February 20-21, Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts)

Saxophone master James Moody has serenaded music lovers for over six decades. As a young man he joined the seminal bebop big band of Dizzy Gillespie, an association which afforded him worldwide exposure and ample opportunity to shape his improvisational genius. Renowned for playing with deep resonance and wit, Moody has a healthy respect for tradition, but takes great delight in discovering new musical paths, which makes him one of the most consistently expressive and enduring figures in modern jazz today. In addition to his trio, Moody will be joined by celebrated trumpet player Randy Brecker as guest artist. Brecker's varied career has spanned more than three decades shaping the sound of jazz, R&B and rock.

CONCERTI THROUGH THE AGES (February 24, St. Paul's Church, Paget)

Enjoy four wonderful contrasting concerti in the intimate setting of St. Paul's Church, Paget. Under the baton of Dr. Madeline Frank, former first violist of the New York Met, Bermudian soloists Kent Hayward, Adrian Ridgeway, Nancy Smith and Gaynor Gallant, who returns to the Island especially for the Festival, will each play a concerto accompanied by musicians from the Bermuda Festival Chamber Orchestra. For this event, the Orchestra will be embellished by a number of Dr. Frank's associates.

THE TEMPEST (February 25-28, City Hall Theatre)

As the culmination of the 2009 season, the Bermuda Festival proudly presents William Shakespeare's fantasy, 'The Tempest' — reputedly inspired by tales of the wreck of the Sea Venture. A large-scale production, it promises to be a visually arresting and suitably memorable production to close the Festival's contribution to the celebration of Bermuda's heritage.

Following their acclaimed Festival production of 'The Unexpected Man', producer Richard Najuch and Bermudian director Joel Froomkin direct this original production, which is filled with fantasy and the exotic beauty of our island. A star-studded cast of some of the world's finest classical actors will bring the Bard's magical tale of romance and revenge to life. The imagery of the production will be drawn from local flora and fauna, and projection designer Kevin French will bring Prospero's conjured wonders, and the danger of stormy seas, to vivid life on City Hall stage.

For ticket information see www.bermudafestival.org

• The Bermuda Festival was founded in 1976 to increase cultural awareness on the Island, and to share the performing arts with Bermuda residents and visitors. Representing a diverse range of disciplines, the Bermuda Festival highlights a selection of internationally-recognised artists covering the entire spectrum of the performing arts.