b'La bohme, 2008Princeton Festival HistoryFounded in 2004, the Princeton Festival quickly established a reputation for artistic excellence and innovative programming in the performing arts. Every year in June, thousands of people from the mid-Atlantic region and beyond come to the Festival to enjoy the quality and variety of its programs. Offerings include opera, musical theater, jazz, and a constantly evolving selection of other genres, including dance, world music, orchestral pops, choral concerts, country music, chamber recitals, and an annual piano competition. The Festival haslong-standing partnerships with public libraries and local churches, and promotes life-long learning inthe arts through free educational lectures presented to a wide and diverse community.Major Milestones and Highlights: 2005-2021The 2005 Inaugural Season featured fourThe Spanish-themed season included the musical performances of Sondheims Sweeney Todd inMan of La Mancha and introduced two new genres: the Kirby Theatre at the Lawrenceville School. TheDance (a flamenco company) and Piano Recital. Concordia Chamber Players gave the first of 172008 inaugurated the Festivals annual Piano consecutive annual concerts. Competition. A new genre and venue were added: In 2006, the Festival staged a production ofOrgan Recital in Princeton University Chapel.Puccinis Madama Butterfly, plus the Gian CarloIn 2009, a magical production of 20-th century Menotti musical The Old Maid and the Thief. Twocomposer Benjamin Brittens opera A Midsummer genres were added: Jazz and Orchestra Concert.Nights Dream using projected images marked Festival opera productions moved to McCartera break from standard repertoire and traditional Theatre in Princeton in 2007 for Bizets Carmen.staging. The production got an excellent review in 64 The Princeton Festival princetonsymphony.org/festival'