The dramatic cliff-top city of Orvieto in Umbria hosts its 19th winter music festival.

(TRAVPR.COM) UK - November 17th, 2011 - Umbria is well known for its summer jazz festival, established in 1973, and now one of the biggest in the world. Its popularity led organisers to see that once a year wasn’t enough, and the Winter Jazz Festival began in 1993.

In Orvieto from December 28th to New Year’s Day, this year’s winter festival will again bring premier jazz performers, their fans and visitors to the walled town’s extraordinarily scenic hill-top location.

This feast for the eyes and ears runs day and night as numerous venues present favourite compositions in a variety of styles, both ticketed and with free admission.

The festival’s longstanding location here has led the town’s restaurants and clubs to adopt jazz as their principle theme and repertoire, so enthusiasts are certain to feel entirely at home in Orvieto’s unique atmosphere.

Among the stars performing this year are jazz piano maestros Michel Camilo, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chano Domínguez and Danilo Rea. Gifted trumpeter Paolo Fresu and trombonist Gianluca Petrella will set toes tapping; the full line-up will be made available by the end of October.

Orvieto is undoubtedly the place to be for jazz-lovers to see in 2012. After a concert before midnight on the 31st, New Year's Day will see a gospel choir accompanying a ceremonial mass in the amazing medieval cathedral.

Cottages to Castle can provide luxury Umbria villas for anyone wanting to attend this atmospheric winter festival. Contact them on +44 (0)1622 775217 or view the Umbria villa collection at http://www.cottagestocastles.com.

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