The Russians are coming ? tonight! And so are the Dills. Bermudian actress Diana (Dill) Douglas, and her nephew, actor Sean Dill are all appearing on City Hall stage as part of this year?s Bermuda Festival.

Tonight?s programme is particularly designed with families in mind. The Russian National Orchestra Wind Quintet (which is making its first appearance here), Ms Douglas and Mr. Dill will present Prokofiev?s ?Peter and the Wolf?, and ?Wolf Tracks? ? a modern adaptation of the well-loved tale. Both pieces have been transposed for wind quintet by the group?s oboist and resident composer, Andrey Rubtsov. Ms Douglas is the narrator for ?Peter and the Wolf?, which takes up the first half of the evening and sets the scene for the second half. Mr. Dill is the narrator for ?Wolf Tracks?, which follows.

?Wolf Tracks? puts a contemporary spin on the classic story of a boy and a wolf. Emphasising sensitivity to the environment and the need for balance between man and nature, it is a modern tale that converts the image of the wolf from fearsome creature to one that represents the imperative to cherish and protect natural resources. The environmental message is conveyed in an engaging way that educates and entertains all ages.

Born in Devonshire, Ms Douglas studied at New York?s Academy of Dramatic Art before going on to enjoy an extensive career on stage, in film and on television. Her latest appearance on film was in ?It Runs in the Family? in 2003, which brought together three generations of the Douglas family: ex-husband and actor Kirk, and son Michael, which had its pre-premi ?re screening at the Bermuda International Film Festival. Married to actor, producer and successful novelist Bill Darrid for 37 years until his death in 1992, she then married Donald Webster at old Devonshire Church in 2002. This is Ms Douglas? first Bermuda Festival appearance.

Born and raised in Bermuda, former journalistSean Dill appeared in a number of local theatrical productions, including the Bermuda Festival?s ?Falstaff?, but is probably best known for his work as co-writer/producer and performer with The Not the Um Um Show.

Mr. Dill and his wife, artist Margaret Downing Dill, moved to New York a few years ago to pursue their artistic interests. Since graduating from The Actors? Institute, Mr. Dill has acted in a number of New York and regional productions, and in featured roles in independent films, including the thriller ?Valentine?, which premi?red at the 2002 Venice Film Festival. He is delighted to be a part of tonight?s performance.

Tomorrow night the RNO Wind Quintet will share the stage with Bermudian dancer/choreographer Conchita Ming in an all-musical programme that will include music by Haydn, Mozart, Strauss and Ravel.

The Russian group has been developing a cycle of works written by Mr. Rubtsov, and tonight?s performance will present his ?Three Moods? with choreography by Ms Ming.

Mr. Rubtsov, a 22-year-old Muscovite, is a laureate of several Russian and international youth competitions. He became first oboe and wind section concertmaster of the Youth Symphonic Orchestra of Russia at age 13, and has performed with the Bolshoi Theatre orchestra, the Moscow Symphonic Orchestra, and the Moscow Philharmonic. Soon after joining the Russian National Wind Orchestra in 2001, he became a member of the Wind Quintet, and has written numerous pieces for woodwind quintet.

The Russian National Orchestra, regarded as one of the world?s finest ensembles, is comprised of Mr. Rubtsov, Andrey Snegirev (bassoon), Maxim Rubtsov (flute), Alexey Serov (horn) and Andrey Shuty (clarinet).

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