Flying acrobats and Russian clowns have delighted audiences around the world for decades with their stunts and zany routines. Now the Moscow Circus will bring their production to the Island at the 35th Annual Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts in 2010.

Ian Davidson, festival chairman yesterday announced the performance line-up which also includes the Soweto Gospel Choir from Africa who have "rocked the house" in past years. The Grammy Award winning choir is expected to bring rich harmonies and a cappella singing to the stage on January 20, 21 and 22 and will be accompanied by a four-piece band and percussion section.

Mr. Davidson said: "This year's programme features a carefully chosen selection of performers whose shows were hugely popular on previous visits. We also have several new performers who are sure to delight (and) are thrilled that Soweto Gospel Choir is making a return visit to the Festival.

"Tickets for this event were hot items last time and sold out immediately, so we hope that all those who were unable to get tickets on the last visit will act quickly to avoid disappointment. Also, for one night only, thanks to the generosity of donors both locally and abroad there will be A Gala Evening of Ballet featuring principals and soloists from New York City Ballet and from American Ballet Theatre."

The Moscow Circus will perform, with Emmy-award winning producer Sasha Vosk on January 29, 30 and 31; while the Bermuda Festival Chamber Orchestra will entertain audiences on February 2, with Oliver Grant on piano and Ryan Ellis as the conductor. Fans of composer Edvard Grieg will be happy to hear them play a 'Piano Concerto in A Minor' with Mr. Grant as the soloist.

On February 6, for one night only, The Arturo O'Farrill Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra will play. The jazz orchestra described as a "fiery working band" by Baltimore City Paper will be lead by pianist Arturo O'Farrill, known for fusing Latin jazz with Cuban and American rhythms.

Other performances include: a play called Sweet Mama Stringbean, on February 9 and 10, based on the story of Ethel Waters and acted out by the national black touring circuit; guitarist Morgan Szymanski who will appear on February 13; and a performance of William Shakespeare's 'As you like it' by Aquila Theatre Company on February 19.

On February 23, Trio Hochelaga, one of Canada's most important musical ensembles, will perform a instrumental performance called 'Ménage a Trois'. On February 27 Pascal Rioult's vibrant dance company will perform an exciting new repertoire; and on March 2 there will be a gala evening of ballet with performances by dancers from New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. These signature performances will be accompanied by a duo of live musicians, and will feature pieces from choreographers Twyla Tharp and George Blanchine as well as exciting new choreography.

The final performance on March 5 and 6 will be from Voces8 an international award-winning octet, founded by ex-choristers of Westminster Abbey.

Tickets for the event will be on sale on Monday, November 9 through the company's website www.bermudafastival.org and through www.bdatix.com. Tickets are also available by phone on (441) 232-2255 and as of November 9th will be open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.