PO.Box 3594 Norfolk,Virginia 23514-3595
TEL: 757.664-6490 to FAX: 757.622.3663

CONTACT:
Aili Jokela, 202/828-8807
Fleishman-Hillard Public Relations
Julie Stafford, 757.491-2105
Virginia Waterfront International Arts Festival
http//www.vaintlartsfest.com

Festival Fast Facts

The Virginia Waterfront International Arts Festival is an 18-day festival showcasing world class events from around the globe. The artistic excellence of internationally acclaimed performers from as far afield as Great Britain, Germany and Chile will be complemented by an array of the region's own exhibitions, concerts and special events. Staged in the springtime to take full advantage of the natural amenities of The Virginia Waterfront, the premier season features renowned artists from the worlds of classical, contemporary and world music, jazz, dance and music theatre, along with such unusual family fare as a storytelling circus and the breathtaking pageantry of an International Military Taboo.

April 24, 1997-May 11, 1997

Where: Performances are staged in a variety of locations throughout The Virginia Waterfront, a 50-mile region comprised of Norfolk, Portsmouth and New port News on the Elizabeth River to the oceanfront resort Virginia Beach, and from the historic triangle of Williamsburg, Yorktown and Jamestown to Hampton on the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Venues include opera houses, museums, recital halls, outdoor gardens and amphitheaters, oceanfront stages, historic churches and other performance spaces, all within a 60-minute drive of one another. Why: The Virginia Waterfront Intemational Arts Festival was created, according to director Rob Cross," ...to applaud the enriching experience, the unifying power, and the joy the arts bring to life." It is an outgrowth of the region's efforts to promote the area as a rising cultural center and tourism destination. Festival sponsors include American Express, Virginia Is For Lovers, The Virginia Waterfront, The Virginian-Pilot, WHRO and Norfolk Southern.
Classical Music: The Hanover Band, Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, the Virginia Symphony.
Chamber Music: Miami String Quartet, Lunchtime Chamber Music Series. Music Theatre: STOMP, Virginia Opera, Virginia Stage Company, Garrison Keillor, Victor Borge. Theatre: The Theatre of the Millennium. Jazz/Big Band: DIVA, Ramsey Lewis and Billy Taylor, Jae Sinnett with Cyrus Chestnut.
World Music: Steve Reich and Musicians, Bob Becker, Inti-lllimani.
Contemporary Music: Gerard Errante.
Dance: Garth Pagan Dance, Mark Morris Dance Group.
Family Entertainment: International Military Tattoo, Circus Flora. (Partial Listing)
How Much: Tickets for individual events range from S9-550. Discounts for seniors, military, students and groups are offered for select Festival events. Packages are available from $40-$ 112. The Port Folio Pass allows you to choose 5 select events for $97. Some events, such as the Opening Night Celebration, the Kids' Fundango Festival, Art Explosure and the Multicultural Festival, are free.
(Note:Student performances and workshops can be arranged through Young Audiences at 757-466-7555.)
More Info: For a Festival brochure, ticket packages, Port Folio Pass orders, group rates or Festival membership information, contact the Festival Box Office at 232 E. Main St., P.O. Box 3595, Norfolk, VA 23514-3595. Phone: 757-664 6492. Fax: 757-664-6838. http://vaintlartsfest.com. For single tickets call TicketMaster at 757-671-8100.