Press Release: Saratoga Performing Arts Center Reflects on a “SPAC Transformed” Celebrates Health & Harmony throughout 2024 Summer Season

Saratoga Performing Arts Center Reflects on a “SPAC Transformed”

Celebrates Health & Harmony throughout 2024 Summer Season

Evolution of SPAC marked by expanded year-round programming, growth of education initiatives, and new national campaigns to promote cultural tourism

New Board Members Announced 

Saratoga Springs, NY (May 16, 2024) – At its Annual Meeting on May 16, 2024, leadership and staff of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) reflected upon the successful 2023 season and looked ahead to the upcoming 2024 summer season. In addition to welcoming back resident companies New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, SPAC will also continue to grow its year-round programming and educational outreach.

“SPAC has been transformed, while staying true to its identity as the long-time summer home of New York City Ballet and the great Philadelphia Orchestra,” said Elizabeth Sobol, president & CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center at the Annual Meeting. Sobol, who completed her seventh year at SPAC in October 2023 added,“Over the course of these seven years, we have expanded our season into all 12 months of the year, exponentially grown our education program, and enlarged and deepened our sense of purpose to serve art, artists, our community, and to be agents of change for a more harmonious world.”

Year-Round Programming:

This transformation is evident in programming initiatives at SPAC. “Many people think of the arts as entertainment – a luxury of some kind.  And yet it is without a doubt one of the most important facets of healthy lives, stronger communities, a more harmonious society,” said Sobol.

The 2024 summer season, described at the meeting by Christopher Shiley, Vice President of Artistic Planning will “span three months, with 28 performances, 21 artists and groups making their SPAC debut, and nine SPAC premieres, continuing our commitment to evolving and expanding our programming.”

Closing the summer season on August 25 is Beethoven for Three with Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos, and Yo-Yo Ma with special guest Antoine Tamestit. Proceeds from this performance will go toward establishing a programming fund for the Spa Little Theater, SPAC’s year-round performance home.

Since taking over the operations of Spa Little Theater in 2022, SPAC has presented more than 50 public and private events in the theater and welcomed more than 17,000 guests. Shiley reported that “34% of the audiences attending Spa Little Theater events are new to SPAC, making this expansion into year-round programming one of our most successful audience development initiatives.”

Cultural Tourism:

SPAC also reported on the 2023 release of an economic impact analysis, commissioned by Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency and performed by Camoin Associate, which found that SPAC annually contributes $105 million in economic impact to the region. “The economic health of our region is vitally important and we are committed to growing our already significant impact year over year. One of the ways we plan to expand this reach is through cultural tourism,” added Sobol.

In 2023, SPAC was awarded a two-year Market NY Grant by Empire State Development/I Love NY with additional funding provided by Saratoga County to launch a national marketing and publicity campaign promoting Saratoga as an incomparable destination for arts and culture.

As part of the campaign, Kristy Ventre, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications shared plans to install a new in-terminal exhibit in the Albany International Airport, showcasing SPAC as a world-class attraction. She also reported on new and expanded promotional partnerships including a sweepstakes with Freihofer’s and Market 32 that will be featured in 86 stores throughout New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Vermont.

Educational Programming:

Recent years have also seen a significant transformation in SPAC’s educational programming.  Led by Dennis

Moench, Vice President of Education, SPAC’s educational programming reaches an estimated 50,000 students annually throughout the Capital Region in partnership with more than 120 local school and nonprofit organizations.

Kicking off the summer season on June 2 is the seventh annual Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists, a free community event in support of SPAC’s mission to provide access to enriching arts programs for local youth. The festival will celebrate the collaborative creativity of more than 700 of the Capital Region’s brightest young dancers, musicians, singers, poets, and visual artists.

In addition to its flagship educational programming, SPAC launched its “Access the Arts” initiative in 2023, which provides weekly dance, music and improvisational theater classes to individuals enrolled in day habilitation programs. The program culminated with a final performance share on May 1 with 100  participants from AIM Services, Saratoga Bridges, and The Arc NY including Schenectady ARC, Liberty ARC, and Warren-Washington-Albany ARC.

“By providing access to art forms like dance, theatre, and music, we create avenues for emotional expression, self-discovery, social connection, cognitive development, stress reduction, and empowerment.  This in turn fosters healthier, more fulfilling lives as well as greater inclusivity and harmony within our communities,” said Moench.

SPAC Vice President of Education, Dennis Moench closed his remarks by introducing a performance by 35 students from Malta Ave Elementary School, who performed a choral number from the SPAC Dance Project.

2023 Operating Surplus

SPAC announced that it ended the year with approximately $100,000 in operating reserves. This was attributed to fundraising efforts supported by members, the Board of Directors and the general public. The reserves will be used to help SPAC navigate the challenging 2024 season ahead.

SPAC Board Member News:

SPAC administration and the board of directors thanked Susan L. Dake who completed her term as the board chair. The board welcomed Charlie Wait, Jr. as the new chairman of the board and Will Aldrich and Lisa Vollendorf, Ph.D. as new board members.

2024 Summer Residency Dates

Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival

June 29 & 30

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

June 16 – August 18

At Spa Little Theater

New York City Ballet

July 9-13

The Philadelphia Orchestra

July 31-August 17

Beethoven for Three:

Emanuel Ax, Leonidas Kavakos, Yo-Yo Ma with special guest Antoine Tamestit

A Benefit Concert for Spa Little Theater

August 25

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