Kilkenny Arts Festival line-up unveiled

Irish author Colm Toibín and renowned violinist Catherine Leonard are two of the high-profile acts lined up for the 34th Kilkenny…

Irish author Colm Toibín and renowned violinist Catherine Leonard are two of the high-profile acts lined up for the 34th Kilkenny Arts Festival, it was confirmed today.

The ten-day event, which will take place in early August, was announced in Dublin, with contemporary dancers Sara Rudner and Anneke Hansen showcasing a sample of the programme's highlights.

"The Kilkenny Arts Festival, now in its 34th year, has long been celebrated for its unerring commitment to artistic excellence and innovation," a festival spokeswoman said.

"The 2007 festival continues with the overwhelmingly successful curator model which will see some of Ireland's most accomplished arts practitioners present a wonderful mix of music, theatre, dance, art, literature and children's events."

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Festival highlights include the inaugural Hubert Butler lecture by Pulitzer Prize-winning Samantha Power, the world premiere of Lee Breuer's A Prelude to A Death in Venice, and the Irish debut of American cellist Ani Aznavoorian.

There will also be free outdoor theatre performed by Polish company Theatr Osmego Dnia and productions from Belgian aerial theatre company Compagnie du Mirador.

As well as classical music, the festival will also showcase the best in international and Irish music throughout the event, including jazz from the Norwegian Tord Gustavsen Trio, singer Fay Claassen from The Netherlands and jazz/folk singer Eivor Palsdottir from the Faroe Islands.

The Kilkenny Jazz Festival runs from August 10th to 19th.

PA