In 1977, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti, Christopher Keene, and others sought to create an American counterpart to their annual "Festival of Two Worlds" in Spoleto, Italy. With the help of Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr., the 17 day festival, designed to highlight both new and established artists, found its home stateside in the historic city of Charleston. Spoleto Festival USA was born.

In the decades since its inception, Spoleto Festival USA has been regarded as one of the world's leading festivals, with more than 200 premieres. World-renowned artists who performed here early in their careers include Renée Fleming, Emanuel Ax, Joshua Bell, Yo-Yo Ma, the Emerson String Quartet and Jean-Yves Thibaudet.

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Source: http://www.thestate.com/