Upcoming Season Highlights Announced
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Performing Arts Center has announced the dates for the 2018 season, highlighted by the first-ever Capital Region appearance of the internationally renowned National Ballet of Cuba, known around the world for its exuberant flair and uniquely Cuban, athletic training based in the Russian style. Slated for three performances of Giselle on June 6, 7 and 8, the performances are presented in partnership with Skidmore College.
SPAC also confirmed that New York City Ballet will return to its summer home for four distinct programs over seven performances on July 17-21, including an all-Balanchine evening, a program featuring 21st century choreographers, a celebration of the centennials of both Jerome Robbins and Leonard Bernstein, and a story ballet.
“On the heels of a successful 2017 summer season, we are realizing our new vision of year-round programming that extends into the fall and winter months and we’re seeing many new faces coming to these varied SPAC events,” said Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC’s President and CEO.
“From the brilliant Sachal Ensemble musicians visiting SPAC in October as part of their first US tour, and the kick-off to our winter “Live at the Jazz Bar” series packed with swing dance and music enthusiasts – to the upcoming “SPAC @ Bethesda Church” events featuring the Orchestra of St. Luke’s festive performance of the Brandenburg Concertos, and the Decoda Ensemble’s songwriting workshop with students from Saratoga Independent School — the year will conclude with unique performances and new experiences.”
“Looking ahead to our exciting 2018 season, we are delighted to bring the passion of National Ballet of Cuba to the region for the first time, and announce the return of our beloved NYCB for diverse programming highlighted by a centennial celebration of Robbins and Bernstein. While we plan to share our full programmatic schedule in the New Year, we are eager to announce our performance dates for those who wish to plan travel and vacations around our schedule,” added Sobol.
2018 Season Dates:
National Ballet of Cuba, June 6 – 8: National Ballet of Cuba in three performances of Giselle.
Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, June 23 – 24: A dynamic line-up of headliners on SPAC’s Amphitheatre Stage and up-and-comers on the Charles R. Wood Gazebo Stage.
New York City Ballet, July 17 – 21: Four programs over seven performances: An all-Balanchine evening, focus on 21st century choreographers, celebration of the centennials of both Jerome Robbins and Leonard Bernstein, and a story ballet.
The Philadelphia Orchestra, August 1 – August 18: The Orchestra returns with dynamic Music Director, Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, August 5 – August 21: Six performances featuring adventurous classical programming performed by acclaimed soloists and emerging young talents.
SPAC on Stage, Summer 2018: Back by popular demand will be SPAC on Stage, featuring dynamic, young, genre-crossing artists, in a fresh format that involves seating the entire audience on the stage to create a unique and immersive experience.
Opera Saratoga, June 29 – July 15: Four operas: Franz Lehár’s rollicking operetta The Merry Widow; Gian Carlo Menotti’s Pulitzer Prize winning The Consul; and a double bill featuring David T. Little and Royce Vavrek’s Vinkensport, and the American Premiere of Rocking Horse Winner by Gareth Williams and Anna Chatterton — the first opera to prominently feature horse racing on Opera Saratoga’s stage.
As part of Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s continued commitment to presenting programming that extends beyond the traditional summer months, several events are slated for the winter months. More information about SPAC and upcoming events can be found online at SPAC.org:
• December 15: “SPAC @ Bethesda Church”: Decoda Ensemble and Saratoga Independent School performs for a free family-oriented concert. The program will feature a new, collaboratively composed song, and the Decoda Ensemble’s presentation of Wynton Marsalis’ A Fiddler’s Tale Suite. The performance is free for the community, however reservations are strongly recommended; visit spac.org for details.
• December 16 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.): SPAC’s Holiday Box Office Opens. The regular Holiday Collection discount will apply with a one-day-only discount for purchases of the Trustco Bank Ultimate Classical Season Lawn Pass (available for $150, in person only) and no processing fees or facility fees. Audiences can also enjoy hot chocolate and holiday cheer while making their purchase.
• March 3: SPAC’s Winter Ball, Presented by the Junior Committee
