This summer, from August 5th to 22nd, The Philadelphia Orchestra will return to SPAC, marking the 60th anniversary of partnership between SPAC and the Philadelphia Orchestra. The return will be in the form of a three-week summer residency celebrating and showcasing an array of talented musicians.
The residency is led by Yannick Nèzet-Séguin, the music and artistic director, who pairs classical masterworks with SPAC premieres and performances by world-renowned artists.
On August 4, 1966, the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra took up residence at Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center (SPAC) for the very first time with Maestro Eugene Ormandy conducting. The maestro helped shape SPAC into the perfect venue for such a performance and brought the orchestra much acclaim throughout his 44 years as conductor. Read more about this inaugural performance here.
Opening the 2026 season is Principal Guest Conductor Marin Alsop, from August 5th to 7th. He will showcase three performances including the “Tchaikovsky Spectacular” program. This will be followed by the SPAC premiere of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 with pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason.
The Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Elizabeth Sobol, commented that, “Our 2026 Philadelphia Orchestra season marks a milestone celebration- 60 years of extraordinary music at SPAC with the Orchestra. Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, which opened the Orchestra’s first season here in 1966, returns as the centerpiece of this summer’s session, led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. This monumental work, with its transcendent choral finale, offers our community a stirring experience that celebrates decades of artistry and the enduring partnership between SPAC and the Orchestra.”
As a part of the residency, John Groban, on August 14th, will debut for a special Stage, Screen & Symphony program, which will highlight his diverse talents and symphonic arrangements. Groban is known for his blockbuster albums, Josh Groban, Closer, Noël, Awake, Illuminations, All That Echoes, Stages, Bridges, and Harmony.
In addition, Gregory Alan Isakov, on August 22nd, will perform to close the season. Gregory Alan Isakov is a Grammy Award-nominated indie-folk singer. He showcases poetic verses alongside expansive melodic and musical moments.
Leading the residency, Yannick Nézet-Séguin will anchor SPAC’S 60th anniversary season with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. This features a talented cast including Leah Hawkins, J’Nai Bridges, Issachah Savage, and Ryan Speedo Green, alongside Albany Pro Musica. The program opens with Wood Notes, by William Grant Still, a piece that appreciates the beauty of nature.
As a further part of the residency, David Kim will serve as leader and soloist in The Four Seasons by Vivaldi and The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires by Astor Piazzolla.
Brian Stokes Mitchell will return to SPAC on August 7th. He will lead an “American Dreams” program, which is highlighted by his narration of Lincoln Portrait by Aaron Copland. Conductor Gemma New will also make her SPAC debut on August 30th, as she leads Gershwin’s An American in Paris paired with Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G and Florence Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement, which Michelle Cann will perform.
In addition, Emmanuel Ax, the legendary pianist, will perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.5 on August 13th. This will be performed under the Principal Guest Conductor of the Met Opera, Daniele Rustioni. Rustioni will also lead Musorgosky’s Pictures of an Exhibition, and Kornogol’d Violin Concerto, which will feature debuts of Bomsori Kim, a celebrated violinist.
The popular film nights will also be returning with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 in Concert on August 8th, and Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert on August 12th. The films will be projected while the Orchestra performs the score live.
Tickets for events within the residency are available on March 16th at 10 am for members and on March 25th at 10 am for the general public. More information can be found on SPAC’s website. A full list of the events performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra as a part of their residency with SPAC can be found below.
The Philadelphia Orchestra: August 5 – August 22
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5 @ 7:30PM: Tchaikovsky Spectacular
Marin Alsop, conductor
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5
Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet
Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 @ 7:30PM: Mozart & Mahler
Marin Alsop, conductor
Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, piano
Copland Fanfare for the Common Man
Tower Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman*
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 23*
Mahler Symphony No. 1
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 @ 7:30PM: American Dreams with Brian Stokes Mitchell
Marin Alsop, conductor
Brian Stokes Mitchell, vocalist and narrator
Aleksiychuk Go where the wind takes you …*
Flaherty “Wheels of a Dream,” from Ragtime
Copland Lincoln Portrait
Leigh “The Impossible Dream,” from Man of La Mancha
Dvořák Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”)
Saturday, August 8th at 7:30pm : Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 in Concert
Justin Freer, conductor
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12 @ 7:30PM: Pictures from an Exhibition with Daniele Rustioni
Daniele Rustioni*, conductor
Bomsori Kim*, violin
Rossini Overture to Semiramide
Korngold Violin Concerto
Musorgsky (orch. Ravel) Pictures from an Exhibition
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 @ 7:30PM: Emanuel Ax Plays Beethoven
Daniele Rustioni, conductor
Emanuel Ax, piano
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 (“Emperor”)
Brahms Symphony No. 1
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