SPAC unveils holiday concert series
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> Saratoga Performing Arts Center is launching a new vision for yearround programming with its upcoming first-ever holiday series.
Scheduled for the month of December, the series is set to feature internationally acclaimed artists and ensembles including the Vienna Boys Choir, the Salzburg Marionette Theatre, and British vocal ensemble VOCES8 for their Spa City debuts.
Additionally, Orchestra of St. Luke’s will return to Saratoga Springs to perform Bach’s beloved Brandenburg Concertos.
“Over the past three years, we have been expanding SPAC’s programming beyond the traditional summer season both on our campus and in venues throughout the region. This December that vision is realized with four diverse, holiday programs by world-class companies that will delight families, classical lovers and curious newcomers alike. We anticipate that this new holiday series will mark the start of many new traditions, bringing together our community to revel in the magic of the season,” said Elizabeth Sobol, president and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center, in a press release.
Vienna Boys Choir, VOCES8 and Orchestra of St. Luke’s will all take place at Bethesda Episcopal Church, while the Salzburg Marionette Theatre is slated for two programs at the Saratoga Springs High School.
Tickets range from $15 to $45 each and are available online at spac.org.
Vienna Boys Choir
7 p.m. on Dec. 4 at Bethesda Episcopal Church
Making its Saratoga Springs debut is the world’s foremost children’s choral group, the Vienna Boys Choir. For six centuries, these young cultural ambassadors have been adored the world over for their wide range of repertoire, purity of tone, and generosity of musical spirit. The choir will bring a special holiday program to Bethesda Episcopal Church of Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, Christmas hymns, and holiday carols.
Tickets are $45 and are all general admission.
“The Nutcracker” by Salzburg Marionette Theatre
7 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 7 at Saratoga Springs High School
Hailing from Austria, the Salzburg Marionette Theatre is known for its famed artistic perfection, precision and meticulous costumes and stage design, delighting families worldwide since 1913. With humorous and imaginative staging and ballet scenes acted out in great detail, the Salzburg Marionettes will bring the story of Clara and The Nutcracker to the Saratoga Springs High School. This original production features live actors with their marionette “friends,” bringing the beloved holiday tale to sparkling life while set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved music.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 15 and younger.
Orchestra St. Luke’s Brandenburg Concertos
7 p.m. on Dec. 14 at Bethesda Episcopal Church
Orchestra of St. Luke’s will return to Saratoga for the third time to play all six of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, among the most beloved and exuberant pieces of classical repertoire of all time. Called “[New York’s] hometown band” by The New York Times, the Orchestra of St Luke’s performs at venues throughout the city including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, New York City Center, Merkin Hall, The Morgan Library and Museum, Brooklyn Museum, and many more. The group has participated in 118 recordings, four of which have won Grammy Awards; has commissioned more than 50 new works; and has given more than 179 world, U.S., and New York City premieres.
Tickets are $25 and are all general admission.
VOCES8
7 p.m. on Dec. 19 at Bethesda Episcopal Church
The British ensemble VOCES8 is internally renowned with an extensive repertory both in it’s a cappella concerts and in collaborations with leading orchestras. Called “the slickest of the lot... fans of a cappella ought to hear this,” by BBC Radio, VOCES8 is famous in the UK, touring extensively in Europe and Asia. The ensemble’s most recent album on Decca, Enchanted Isle, features old and new folk songs from different parts of the UK mixed with pop and modern music and pieces from film and television such as Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones. VOCES8 will perform a festive program that spans from traditional holiday music to contemporary pieces.
Tickets are $25 and are all general admission.