CHARLESTON, SC (AP) -- The Spoleto Festival USA has opened its 33rd season in Charleston with speeches, a brass fanfare and a tribute to longtime chamber music director Charles Wadsworth.
A crowd of about 1,000 gathered in front of Charleston City Hall on Friday as Mayor Joe Riley thanked Wadsworth, who has directed Spoleto chamber music programs, first in Italy, and since 1977 in Charleston, for 50 years.
Riley said the arts festival would not be in Charleston had it not been for Wadsworth.
Both Riley and actress Jane Alexander told the audience that, during tough economic times, people need the arts more than ever.
The 17-day festival continues through June 7th.
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