An exceptional line-up of internationally acclaimed composers, choreographers, directors, dancers and artists will join New Zealand's finest artists next March for Auckland's third biennial festival, AK07.

Auckland Festival director David Malacari has taken the lid of the festival's programme by naming four key acts that will be part of the Auckland Festival, AK07. An exceptional line-up of internationally acclaimed composers, choreographers, directors, dancers and artists will join New Zealand's finest artists next March for Auckland's third biennial festival, AK07.

Auckland Festival director David Malacari has taken the lid of the festival's programme by naming four key acts that will be part of the Auckland Festival, AK07.These include; world-class DJ, producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and orchestral composer Nitin Sawhney's evocative new score for the classic silent movie A Throw of Dice (1929) by German director Franz Osten, performed by Nitin Sawhney's band and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra; France's groundbreaking dance company Compagnie Preljocal's latest work The Four Seasons; New Zealand directors Christian Penny and Jade Eriksen's epic and ambitious stage production Penumbra; - and turbulence - the 3rd Auckland Triennial, which will be presented in association with The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, Artspace, the Gus Fisher Gallery and St Paul Street Gallery.

Prime Minister and Auckland Festival patron, Helen Clark, attended last nights' preview and revealed the new look for the Auckland Festival, AK07. The deep red and bright yellow swirls of AK07 draw inspiration from Auckland's volcanic natural heritage as well as the heat and warmth of summer and celebrate the vitality of Auckland city.

His Worship the Mayor of Auckland City, Dick Hubbard said Auckland City was delighted to support the festival again and reaffirmed their core funding status with Auckland Festival, AK07.

It was also announced that SKYCITY is to be the principal sponsor for the Auckland Festival, AK07.

SKYCITY General Manager Communications, Megan McSweeney, said SKYCITY was proud to support a festival with such scope and strong international flavour.

"Auckland Festival, AK07 is about bringing the best the world can offer to the New Zealand stage, and sharing a slice of New Zealand's own art and culture with the local and international audiences the festival attracts. Auckland Festival, AK07 creates magic, memories and experiences that last a lifetime, and it's incredibly exciting to have such a diverse selection of performances happening here in our backyard."

A Friends of the Festival scheme was also launched last night which provides significant incentives and savings for people who become a Friend of the Festival. More information is available about the Friends of the Festival programme, and a new donor programme, at www.aucklandfestival.co.nz

David Malacari said, "These exciting acts are only a taste of the wonderful programme that will be announced later in the year. Tonight marks the beginning of the Festival's campaign to encourage arts' lovers to become Friends of the Festival and to take advantage of the great benefits and discounts that come with that. Audiences can look forward to an outstanding line-up of dance, drama, music, cabaret and visual arts treats - and Friends of the Festival get to choose the best seats first!"

The full programme for the Auckland Festival, AK07, will be announced in October.

"Another great adventure is in store for Auckland next March and there will be something that grabs everyone." said Malacari.

More information on the four highlight acts announced in advance of the official programme launch: