The highly popular St Magnus Festival is Orkney's annual celebration of the arts.
Founded in 1977 by Orkney's distinguished resident composer, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, the festival has grown from small beginnings into one of Britain's most highly regarded and adventurous arts events.
The unique combination of world-class performance, community participation of the highest quality and the magic of Orkney at midsummer attracts audiences from throughout Britain and further afield, with many returning year after year.
Over the years, numerous distinguished artists have appeared at the festival, including Vladimir Ashkenazy, Andr Previn, Julian Bream, Imogen Cooper, Georgy Pauk, Evelyn Glennie, John Harle, Joanna MacGregor, Steven Isserlis, John Lill and Angela Hewitt.
Visiting orchestras and ensembles have included the Royal Philharmonic, the BBC Philharmonic, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, the Nash Ensemble, the Scottish Ensemble and Psappha.
The festival has recognised the talent of and commissioned works from young composers who have gone on to become established figures - James MacMillan, Judith Weir and Simon Holt are just a few examples.
Other commissioned composers have included Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, Thea Musgrave, Sally Beamish, Alasdair Nicolson, Edward McGuire, William Sweeney and Gordon McPherson.
For more information about next year's event, visit www.stmagnusfestival.com
Date: June 20-25, 2008
www.stmagnusfestival.com
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