Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is a premier cultural venue nestled within the picturesque Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs. Opened on July 9, 1966, with a performance of George Balanchine's A Midsummer Night's Dream by the New York City Ballet, SPAC has since become a beloved destination for a diverse range of artistic and entertainment events.

As the official summer home of the New York City Ballet, which performs for one week in July, and the Philadelphia Orchestra, in residence for three weeks in August, SPAC is a major hub for classical music and dance. The venue regularly hosts celebrated soloists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Gil Shaham, Yuja Wang, and Sarah Chang. One of the Philadelphia Orchestra's most anticipated performances each year is the Festive Fireworks concert, featuring the 1812 Overture and other iconic pieces.

Beyond classical music, SPAC embraces a wide variety of genres, including jazz, pop, rock, country, and comedy. The annual Jazz Festival brings together major and emerging artists on two stages, while the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center curates performances in the Spa Little Theatre. Additionally, SPAC serves as a venue for high school and college graduations, including those of Skidmore College and several local high schools.

SPAC also nurtures the next generation of musicians through its partnership with the New York State Summer School of the Arts. For over two decades, the venue has hosted the School of Orchestral Studies (SOS), offering approximately 115 high school students an immersive experience that includes mentorship by members of the Philadelphia Orchestra and a culminating performance in the amphitheater.

With its rich history, commitment to the arts, and breathtaking natural setting, SPAC continues to be a cultural cornerstone, drawing audiences from near and far to experience world-class performances each summer.