Bermuda residents may still be dozing under the wilting summer sun, but at Bermuda Festival headquarters they're wide awake and rarin' to go, having lined up a diverse new programme for 2004 which includes several innovations and more performances.

Some acts, like the Aquila Theatre Company, Canadian opera "diva" Natalie Choquette, and the Black Dyke Band, will be returning due to popular demand, while others - like saxophonist Branford Marsalis, puppetry and mime artists Teatro Hugo and Ines, and Les Ballets Africains - although new to the local stage, consistently thrill audiences wherever they perform.

As always, the 2004 programme will draw on all facets of the performing arts: theatre, dance and music, and include what Festival organisers hope will be something for everyone, although chairman Geoffrey Moore does admit to feeling "a little apprehensive" about what he calls "bending the (traditional Festival) mould" in two ways.

"The first is a performance of children's theatre, and the second is a different sort of entertainment at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess hotel: a spectacular evening of good food, fine wines and amusing entertainment in the form of `Hic! or The Entire History of Wine (abridged)' presented by actor Julian Curry (the junior partner in the popular television series `Rumpole of the Bailey').

It should be a splendid evening which will begin with a champagne cocktail reception, and end with a sumptuous, four-course dinner including fine wines," he says. "I have met Mr. Curry; he is a charming man and I anticipate a wonderful event."

The second is a production by Polka Theatre (PT), whose performances are geared to audiences aged between five and eight, although young families and parents will enjoy it too. `Martha's Wild Goose Chase' has been chosen for the Bermuda debut at City Hall.

"This renowned British children's theatre company was introduced to the Bermuda Festival by Lady Vereker, who was closely associated with PT," Mr. Moore says. "I saw a performance in London. It was captivating, so I anticipate parents and children will have a lot of fun. I don't think the Festival has done anything specifically for young children for some time; they are our future audiences."

As always, sell-out performances are anticipated for many of the 2004 acts, including those of Brandon Marsalis, Les Ballet Africains, Ms Choquette, and Teatro Hugo and Ines in Short Stories.

"We have gone for a few more shows than normal," the Festival chairman reveals. "In all, there will be about 38 performances of which six will be drama. We will have ten nights of instrumental music, and three comedic opera nights."

Among the classical music presentations, fans can look forward to two events which will have a strong Bermuda connection. Returning home especially for their relevant performances are actress Diana Douglas and concert pianist Mandy Wong.

In addition, local dancers will perform `Frivolity' which Conchita Ming has choreographed especially for the occasion.

Ms Douglas is to be a guest narrator during the first of the Russian National Orchestra Wind Quintet's performances. This group will present Prokofiev's `Peter and the Wolf', as well as a newly-commissioned work, `Wolf Tracks'. Ms Douglas is the former Diana Dill, and mother of actor Michael Douglas.

Concert pianist Mandy Wong will be the featured soloist in the Festival's "all Bermuda" production. She will join teachers from the Menuhin Foundation in a programme of quartets and piano solos.

Canadian comedienne Natalie Choquette will make her second, consecutive appearance at the Bermuda Festival following an overwhelming demand for her return. Similar audience response has led to the return of the Black Dyke Band, who will again be heard at the Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel.

"The audience two years volubly requested their early return," Mr. Moore says.

Organist and Master of Choristers at Liverpool Cathedral, Ian Tracey, will make his Festival debut at St. Paul's Church, Paget - another "coup" for Festival organisers.

"He is one of the best known organists in the world," the chairman says.

Celebrated saxophonist Brandon Marsalis will need no introduction to jazz fans, and is expected to play to sell-out audiences at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts.

Cuban guitarist Manuel Barrueco and Danish recorder payer Michala Petri will present a diverse musical programme which is guaranteed to be inspiring.

New York University's theatre-in-residence, the Aquila Theatre Company, will again return to the Festival stage in response to public demand. This time it will present Shakespeare's `Othello' as well as Rudyard Kipling's `The Man Who Would Be King'. As they have done previously, the Company will also present pre-performance talks at the Bermuda National Gallery.

"This is their third consecutive year of coming to Bermuda, and we decided to bring them back because they love Bermuda and Bermuda thoroughly enjoys them. They will give two performances of each production," Mr. Moore says.

"They do a very eclectic version of well-known plays, and when I first saw them in Florida five years ago I was impressed by their modern approach to Shakespeare which did not detract from the essence of his works."

The Black Touring Circuit Inc. is another Festival returnee, and this time will present `Marian Anderson - Things of the Heart', a dramatisation of the story of the famed black contralto.

Dance will be well represented with three very different productions. The Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre is set to thrill local audiences once more with a diverse programme showcasing its "highly physical, ground-breaking" choreography.

Also returning to the Festival stage is the Dance Theatre of Harlem. This neo-classical company, which is renowned for its unique style, will again present a varied programme featuring many of its principal performers.

Les Ballet Africains from the Republic of Guinea will bring the 2004 Festival to a spectacular conclusion with its heady mixture of acrobatics, storytelling and traditional dance.

Last but by no means least is what Mr. Moore predicts will be another big Festival hit: `Teatro Hugo and Ines in Short Stories', who use puppetry and mime to stunning effect.

"I have spoken to people in the United States who have seen them, and they have told me that we will be absolutely astounded by what they can do. I think it will be a sell-out."

Viewing the 2004 line-up overall, the Festival chairman says: "We are trying to bend the mould this year, and at the same time look at our costs and what we can afford. We also need to have enough volunteers to put on a festival of this size.

"Our enthusiasm presently doesn't allow us to get smaller. I have been told that there is a saying in the performing arts world that if you are making money you are doing something wrong', so in my book that means we are doing everything right."

Mr. Moore describes the annual cultural feast as "a people's Festival".

"It is for the general public. We aim to provide eight weeks of wonderful entertainment for Bermuda in the somewhat slower months of the year to keep their hearts spirits up".

Most performances will again take place at City Hall, with others slated for the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts, Daylesford Theatre, and the Fairmont Princess hotels. Ticket prices will be the same as last year, and patrons will be able to book on line when the Festival's more sophisticated and user-friendly website is up and running in approximately mid-October.

The Front Street box office, managed by Tony and Antoinette Davis, will open in early December. Meanwhile, the 2004 programme has been mailed to benefactors, sponsors and patrons, and around the first two weeks in October it will be mailed to the general public.

For fuller details on all events see separate story.