Salisbury International Arts Festival (21 May, 2010 – 05 June, 2010)

The beautiful cathedral town of Salisbury plays host to an annual festival that showcases a range of arts, from classical and contemporary music to theater.

Highlights of Salisbury festival 2009 included a concert by jazz Major events take place in Salisbury Cathedral, a unique medieval masterpiece, Trafalgar Park, and Wilton Church, and in other locations in and around the town. Other historic landmarks, such as Stonehenge and Danebury Hillfort, are also incorporated into the event.

The event is launched in Salisbury’s historic market square. At the Family Finale on the last day the ancient streets around the Cathedral Close will be filled with street theater, music, dancing and fireworks.

The 2010 Festival takes Russia as its main cultural theme, with an environmental focus on chalk and stone providing artistic inspiration. These elements are woven through a packed program of visual arts, literature and music.

There will be a rare appearance of the Russian Patriarchate Choir, performing Russian music by candlelight in Salisbury Cathedral. This magnificent building also plays host to legendary violinist Pinchas Zukerman and his long-time collaborator Itzhak Perlman. The Israeli theater company Orto-Da makes its UK debut with a premiere of ‘Stones’, while Shakespeare’s Globe Theater Company performs A Midsummer Night’s Dream against the atmospheric ruins of Old Wardour Castle.