Hundreds of College of Charleston students, faculty, staff and alumni contribute to Spoleto Festival USA and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. You’ll see them center stage and back stage – they’re also the people who tear your tickets and guide you to your seat. Plus, dozens of events are held at the College’s historic venues.

The College’s School of the Arts plays an integral role with faculty and students starring in dozens of events. As part of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, the Department of Theatre presents its Stelle di Domani (“stars of tomorrow”) series, the Department of Music presents its Young Artists Series and music department chair Steve Rosenberg produces the Early Music Series which features faculty, students and alumni. The College of Charleston Concert Choir will also present a free concert at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church (142 Church St.) on May 29, 2011 at 5 p.m.

View a full list of Stelle di Domani events featuring College performers.

View a full list of Young Artists Series events.

View a full list of Early Music Series events featuring College performers.

The School of the Arts also offers one of the most popular Maymester classes focusing on the festivals. Students learn about all aspects of the productions and attend many performances as part of the annual course. Watch a video of the Spoleto class offered during Maymester.

Watch a video of some of the College’s artists talking about their experience performing in 2009’s Piccolo Spoleto Festival.

College of Charleston faculty will also be center stage for some of the Festival’s special performances.

Robert Taylor, associate professor of music, will conduct the Taylor Festival Choir in a concert at Mepkin Abbey in Moncks Corner on June 10, 2011 at 4 p.m. The choir will perform The Vespers by Sergei Rachmaninoff, which is often regarded as the most grandiose masterpiece in the entire repertory of the Russian Orthodox Church. The concern will be followed by a reception under the shady oaks, overlooking the Cooper River. Tickets can be purchased for $36 by calling (866) 811-4111.

Franklin Ashley, theatre professor emeritus, will perform with the Franklin Ashley Quintet on the Piccolo Spoleto Harbor Cruise from 8 to 10 p.m. on May 31, 2011 aboard the Spirit of Charleston. Tickets can be purchased for $16 by callling 866.811.4111.

Several College of Charleston professors will perform in the Piccolo Spoleto Pipe Organ Recital Series on June 2, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church (5 Clifford Street). Suzanne Fleming-Atwood (soprano), adjunct faculty member, performs regularly with the Charleston

Symphony, Chamber Music Charleston, and Charleston Chamber Opera. William Gudger is professor emeritus of music at the College of Charleston and organist at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul, and is widely known as an expert scholar for the music of George Frideric Handel.

Adjunct flute professor Tacy Edwards and Christopher Teves will perform as part of The Remington Concerts at Franke at Seaside series at Franke at Seaside (1885 Rifle Range Rd., Mount Pleasant) on June 7, 2011 at 3 p.m.