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Philadelphia Orchestra’s Summer Residency at SPAC

The Philadelphia Orchestra performing live at SPAC during their summer residency.

News Summary

The Philadelphia Orchestra will present a summer residency at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, featuring a diverse array of musical performances from August 6 to 23. Music lovers can enjoy film concerts, classical masterpieces, and performances by rising stars, including a special presentation of ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert’. With renowned conductors and engaging programs, this residency promises activities suitable for all ages and memorable experiences for families.

Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Orchestra will host a vibrant summer residency at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) from August 6 to August 23, 2023, featuring a diverse lineup of musical performances, including film concerts and appearances by rising stars of the classical music world.

This three-week residency will showcase an array of performances that blend classical masterpieces and contemporary works, ensuring an engaging experience for music lovers of all ages. Ticket sales are now open, with a promise of memorable events suitable for the entire family.

Highlights of the Summer Residency

A notable aspect of this year’s programming includes film concerts, where audiences can enjoy popular movies paired with live orchestral performances. Among the anticipated events are:

“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert” on August 16, where the orchestra will perform the film score live while the movie screens.
“Back to the Future in Concert” on August 23, celebrating the film’s 40th anniversary with a live orchestration of the iconic score.

The residency will kick off with three programs conducted by renowned conductor Marin Alsop from August 6-8. The opening concert will feature Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture as part of a Tchaikovsky Spectacular, alongside Holst’s The Planets and an evening of American classics by composers such as Gershwin and Bernstein.

Conductor and Featured Performers

Another highlight of the summer residency is the performance of Verdi’s Requiem on August 14, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, marking its first return to SPAC in 35 years. On August 13, Nézet-Séguin will conduct a program featuring Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite and the SPAC premiere of William Grant Still’s Second Symphony.

This summer’s residency will also spotlight rising stars of classical music, with performances by:

Violinist Randall Goosby on August 7
Pianist Clayton Stephenson on August 8
Pianist Beatrice Rana on August 13
Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason on August 20

The contemporary string trio Time for Three will return on August 21 to perform a new concerto by composer Mason Bates, under the direction of conductor Teddy Abrams, who will make his debut at SPAC.

Vocal Performances to Note

The season will also feature outstanding vocal performances, including:

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Laufey on August 9
Renowned soprano Renée Fleming on August 15, who will perform selections from her acclaimed project “Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene”, complemented by immersive visuals from National Geographic.

A Cultural Tradition at SPAC

The Philadelphia Orchestra has established a strong cultural tradition at SPAC, returning annually for a residency that highlights both classical and contemporary works. This summer’s lineup promises to be one of the most exciting yet, appealing to both dedicated symphony-goers and new audiences alike.

Tickets for the summer season can be purchased through the official SPAC website at spac.org, offering an opportunity to experience world-class performances in a picturesque outdoor setting.