SARATOGA SPRINGS -At its March board meeting, Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced its free spring education programs, including the expanded “Classical Kids,” which will visit three new schools this season – Burnt Hills O’Rourke Middle School, Broadalbin-Perth Middle School and Schuylerville Elementary School – and a new partnership with the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company. Additionally, it revealed that the acclaimed genre-defying duo, Black Violin, will hold a free in-school performance at Saratoga Springs High School on April 9. Elizabeth Sobol, president and CEO, said that the programs bring world-class artists directly into the classroom and are part of a larger strategy aimed at increasing access to the arts through outreach in Capital Region schools.
“In 2017, we significantly expanded our education offerings. This year, we are building off that success with the addition of new schools and the first-ever partnership with the incredible dancers of the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company,” said Ms. Sobol. “Black Violin was unable to perform last year at SPAC on Stage due to a hurricane — I am delighted that they will be holding a special program with students at the Saratoga Springs High School, offering a preview of what audiences can expect this summer.”
SPAC also announced a variety of new ticketing offers and packages to encourage audience development and multiple ticket buyers for classical performances. New promotional offers for the 2018 season include an “Experience SPAC” discount, where new customers are offered an introduction to a broader range of classical performances and genres through a “buy one get one free” ticket deal.
New classical ticket incentives will include:
* SPAC Bonus Bundle: Purchase any two performances of National Ballet of Cuba, New York City Ballet, or Philadelphia Orchestra and get a third for free. Offer available online at spac.org – enter coupon code BB2018 at checkout and the offer will be applied in shopping cart. Amphitheater tickets only.
*Experience SPAC! New customers can receive buy one get one free tickets for performances of National Ballet of Cuba, New York City Ballet, and Philadelphia Orchestra. Offer available online at spac.org – enter coupon code NEW2018 at checkout and the offer will be applied in shopping cart. Amphitheater tickets only.
“We have renewed our commitment to expanding access to world-class performances for not only our dedicated base of classical fans, but newcomers who haven’t yet experienced the exhilarating sounds of The Philadelphia Orchestra or witnessed the beauty of New York City Ballet,” said Ms. Sobol. “Our hope is that by removing barriers for first-time classical attendees, that the ‘SPAC Experience’ will become more accessible and perhaps will inspire new summer traditions for audiences in the Capital Region and beyond.”
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Cultivating the Next Generation: Arts Education Programming Expands
As part of its deepening commitment to youth arts education, SPAC will be expanding its school and community-based arts education programs reaching an estimated 10,000 students in 2018 – a 25% increase from last year. Ms. Sobol also cited the success of SPAC’s in-school dance residency this past February with students at Malta Avenue Elementary and Wood Road Elementary in the Ballston Spa district, noting that the four-week-long program, was met with unanimous enthusiasm by the 90 participating students, administrators and parents.
Programs set for this spring include:
* Black Violin at Saratoga Springs High School, the popular hip-hop meets classical music duo will provide a free, interactive performance at Saratoga Springs High School on April 9 for students.
* Classical Kids, presented by Union College, is a curriculum-based experiential program that takes the performing arts directly into elementary and middle-school classrooms around the Capital Region. Professional music and dance presentations are followed by attendance at SPAC to experience exhilarating live performances by the New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra.
* March 19 — April 19: Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company will visit 22 schools, demonstrating basic dance vocabulary and providing insights into the art form to prepare students for NYCB’s Romeo and Juliet program on July 20.
* April 23 – April 27: Philadelphia Orchestra cellist, Bob Cafaro, will lead orchestra demonstrations in 10 schools throughout the Capital Region. Students who participate in the program will be invited to the Orchestra’s performance of The Planets: an HD Odyssey on August 3.
* May 9 – May 22: Fourteen schools will experience music from gypsy, jazz swing quartet, Hot Club of Saratoga. Participating students will be invited to The Philadelphia Orchestra’s performance of The Planets: an HD Odyssey on August 3.
For more information about SPAC’s education programs or to purchase tickets, visit spac.org.
