“SPAC @ Bethesda Church” Program Honors IMG Artists Founder + Arts Champion Charles Hamlen
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced that it will once again present Orchestra of St. Luke’s performing Bach’s beloved Brandenburg Concertos at Bethesda Episcopal Church in downtown Saratoga Springs on Saturday, December 15 at 7 p.m. The evening will pay special tribute to classical music management visionary and the founder of IMG Artists, Charles Hamlen, who passed away on August 1, 2018 following a long battle with leukemia. Hamlen, a passionate advocate of the arts, was also an artistic advisor to Orchestra of St. Luke’s and a Schenectady native.
“Charlie Hamlen was one of the most beloved leaders in classical music — and my greatest mentor and friend. I literally started my career in a basement apartment in Manhattan that housed the fledging Hamlen Management, which later became the global leader in the field, IMG Artists. His important work in the arts and advocacy in support of AIDS groups touched the lives of countless individuals,” said Elizabeth Sobol, President + CEO of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
“Charlie was instrumental in bringing Orchestra of St. Luke’s to Saratoga last year with the goal of making the Bethesda Brandenburg Concertos an annual tradition in the region. To be able to bring this incredible orchestra back for a return visit is not only a great moment for our community, but also a meaningful tribute to Charlie, who inspired so many with his love of music and his generosity of spirit,” Ms. Sobol continued.
The “SPAC @ Bethesda Church” performance is part of the Center’s expanded vision to present programming year-round and to create meaningful cultural experiences for the community.
“Following the success of last year’s program, which completely sold out, we are bringing back the treasured Brandenburg Concertos. Once again, our community will have the opportunity to experience one of the world’s great chamber orchestras in an acoustically and architecturally exquisite space,” Ms. Sobol concluded.
Photo:- Richard Termine
Orchestra of St. Luke’s, one of America’s most versatile orchestras which has been praised as “fresh and invigorating,” by the New York Times, collaborates with the world’s finest artists and performs approximately 70 concerts each year at venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
Tickets for the performance are all $25 General Admission seats and are available online at spac.org.
