THE Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts yesterday announced a world-class line up for its 2005 season as part of commemorations honouring its 30th year.

A host of entertainers to thrill all ages of audiences and meet all interests are planned for the upcoming Festival, scheduled to run January 13 through February 26.

"We have a number of performances that will interest people of all ages," said Bermuda Festival chairman Geoffrey Moore in announcing the list of events. "Couples will laugh along with Chris Sullivan, star of Rob Becker's Broadway hit (and longest running solo play in Broadway history), . Children and adults will wonder at Michael Moschen's circus art that he combines with his passion for ballet. Opera fans will be thrilled to see Opera ? la Carte Company's rendition of Mozart's Anyone who attends AMICI Forever, will be spellbound by the quintet's energetic blend of pop and classical music. We are also thrilled to welcome, for the first time, the Moscow Chamber Orchestra. Overall it is shaping up to be a very exciting Festival."

The Bermuda Festival was founded in 1976 to increase cultural awareness and provide entertainment for locals and visitors during the tourism off-season. Since then, a diverse range of disciplines and a variety of artists have performed to the delight of audiences.

In addition to those performances mentioned by Mr. Moore, the Festival will also showcase the following:

Duo Lisitsa and Kuznetsoff: A husband and wife duo from the Ukraine give alluring performances on two Steinway pianos.

The McCoy Tyner Quartet: The legendary modern jazz pianist is joined by virtuoso Latin flute player, Dave Valentin.

Great Men of Gospel: The National Black Touring Circuit Inc., will perform a dramatic presentation tracing the history of gospel music, with such favourites as and .

Alonzo King's LINES Ballet: A San Francisco-based contemporary dance company which redefines classical ballet through innovative collaborations with musicians from diverse backgrounds and traditions.

The Unexpected Man by Yasmina Reza: Harriet Harris (of and ) stars in this story of two strangers who undertake an adventure on a train from Paris to Frankfurt.

MOMIX Opus Cactus: MOMIX returns to Bermuda after captivating audiences at the 2003 Festival. Their performance, combining illusion and dance, is inspired by the flora, fauna and magic of America's southwest.

Showstoppers! The Best of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society: Bermuda's own will perform renditions of past glories and current Broadway hits, including and .

Performances will be held at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts and at the City Hall Theatre. Tickets are $45 for adults, $20 for students. Ticket reservations may be made online, beginning October 1, at . Additional tickets will be available at the Festival box office next to the Ferry Terminal on Front Street from November 29. Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The box office closes December 11 and re-opens January 10.