Spoleto Festival was founded in 1977 to coincide with the annual Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy. Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti and his partners sought an American city that could echo the charm of Spoleto and offer a range of performance sites.
Spoleto Festival has hosted more than 200 national and world premieres during its 34-year history. During the festival, the program features daily performances by artists from around the globe. The festival closes with a musical finale and fireworks at Middleton Place.
As of 2010, Spoleto Festival ticket prices range between $10 and $150, depending on the event. The festival offers free tickets to nonprofit organizations and social service groups that apply. Piccolo Spoleto Festival, a regional talent festival, takes place simultaneously with the Spoleto Festival and offers family programming at low or no cost.