Press Release: Saratoga Performing Arts Center Announces 2025 “Sounds of the Season” Series
October 9, 2025
Saratoga Performing Arts Center Announces
2025 “Sounds of the Season” Series Featuring
Danú: An Emerald Isle Christmas
Stella Cole: SNOW!
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: The Complete Brandenburg Concertos
December 12-14 at Arthur Zankel Music Center
Saratoga Springs, NY (October 9, 2025) — Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) announces the return of its popular “Sounds of the Season” holiday series from December 12–14, featuring the acclaimed Irish ensemble Danú (DEC 12), rising jazz sensation Stella Cole (DEC 14), and, as previously announced, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center performing Bach’s Complete Brandenburg Concertos (DEC 13).
“Each December, ‘Sounds of the Season’ brings together extraordinary artists and our Saratoga community in celebration. From Irish holiday traditions to Bach’s masterworks and the Great American Songbook, the series highlights music’s timeless power to connect us. This year, we are especially thrilled to extend that celebration into Zankel Music Center at Skidmore while our Spa Little Theater undergoes renovation,” says Elizabeth Sobol, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Kicking off the series on December 12 is Danú with An Emerald Isle Christmas, following their sold-out “Sounds of the Season” appearance in 2022. Music, song, and dance are a vital part of joyous community celebrations across Ireland throughout the holiday season, and this program offers a taste of those extraordinary and centuries-old traditions. Hailing from historic County Waterford, Danú delivers a vibrant mix of ancient Irish music and fresh original repertoire. For over two decades, their virtuoso musicians — praised by The New York Times for performances ranging “from fierce fiddle reels to pensive ballads” — have toured globally, performing on flute, tin whistle, fiddle, button accordion, bouzouki, and vocals in both Gaelic and English. Featuring celebrated vocalist Nell Ní Chróinín and the vibrant flair of Irish step-dancers, Danú will bring the rich traditions of Ireland to the festive season.
Highlighting the series on December 14 is the SPAC debut of rising jazz sensation and viral star Stella Cole. With a voice that bridges generations, Stella Cole has cultivated over 1.7 million social media followers through her fresh interpretations of timeless songs by iconic artists, including Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Nat “King” Cole. Often described as a Laufey-meets-Bublé sensation, Cole brings a fresh interpretation of classic repertoire to a new generation. Her performance will feature her upcoming single “Merry Christmas, Darling,” a timeless reimagining of Carpenter’s classic alongside her interpretation of beloved holiday selections from her EP Snow!, highlighted by a duet with Tony Award-winner and Glee TV star Darren Criss.
Previously announced, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will present Johann Sebastian Bach’s six Brandenburg Concertos in their entirety on December 13. A cherished holiday tradition at Lincoln Center, the Brandenburgs are described by The New Yorker as “joyous, effervescent, and yes, festive.”
The announcement marks the continuation of SPAC’s expansion into year-round programming. These events will all be held in the Helen Filene Ladd Concert Hall in Arthur Zankel Music Center at Skidmore College while the Spa Little Theater undergoes renovation.
The programming is as follows:
Danú: An Emerald Isle Christmas
Friday, December 12 | 7 PM | Arthur Zankel Music Center
Following their sold-out “Sounds of the Season” performance in 2022, Danú returns with An Emerald Isle Christmas, bringing the extraordinary music, song, and dance of Irish holiday traditions to Saratoga. Recognized worldwide as one of the leading traditional Irish ensembles, the group blends ancient Irish music with fresh repertoire, delivering a mix of virtuosity and energy. For over two decades, their musicians — on flute, tin whistle, fiddle, button accordion, bouzouki, and vocals in both Gaelic and English — have toured globally, winning multiple BBC and Irish Music Magazine awards. Featuring celebrated vocalist Nell Ní Chróinín and the vibrant flair of Irish step-dancers, Danú embodies the rich traditions of Ireland in a joyous holiday celebration.
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: The Complete Brandenburg Concertos
Saturday, December 13 | 5 PM | Arthur Zankel Music Center
LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE (previously announced)
For the first time in their 12-year partnership with SPAC, CMS will bring Johann Sebastian Bach’s beloved Brandenburg Concertos to Saratoga. Heralded by The New Yorker as “joyous, effervescent, and yes, festive,” the concert brings together 20 CMS musicians in one of the Baroque era’s most iconic holiday traditions.
Stella Cole: SNOW!
Sunday, December 14 | 3 PM | Arthur Zankel Music Center
Part of the McCormack Jazz Series
Rising jazz sensation and viral star Stella Cole will bring her signature voice and holiday spirit to Saratoga as part of her 2025 holiday tour. With over 1.7 million social media followers and millions of views on her viral performances, Cole has been hailed by People as a “powerhouse rivaling Judy Garland and Rosemary Clooney.” She recently released her sophomore album It’s Magic on Decca Records US, produced by Grammy-winner Matt Pierson and arranged by Alan Broadbent, following the success of her holiday EP Snow! which features classics like “White Christmas” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” Cole will perform holiday favorites from Snow!, selections from her growing repertoire, and beloved seasonal standards in a performance that promises to be both nostalgic and fresh.
Tickets will be available for purchase on October 10 for members (tiered by level), and on October 20 for the general public. Visit spac.org for additional details.
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Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), located in the historic resort town of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York, is one of America’s most prestigious outdoor amphitheaters. Its tranquil setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers, and natural mineral springs draws lovers of arts, culture and nature for performances by resident companies New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Saratoga Jazz Festival, and concerts by Live Nation. SPAC also hosts imaginative programming such as Caffè Lena @ SPAC and initiatives in culinary, literary, healing and visual arts.
SPAC is a 501c3 charitable organization. Donations and proceeds from fundraising events benefit the Center’s thriving education program, community outreach efforts, and the vibrancy of its programming. For more information visit spac.org.
Skidmore College’s Zankel Music Center
The Arthur Zankel Music Center is Skidmore College’s state-of-the-art performance venue, dedicated to fostering musical excellence and creativity through innovative collaborations with students, faculty, guest artists, and community organizations. Named in honor of Arthur Zankel, a devoted Skidmore trustee and visionary philanthropist, the Center is a testament to his legacy of support and commitment to the arts, providing a vibrant and inclusive space for musical education, exploration and performance.