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Press Release: SPAC Hosts Annual Philadelphia Orchestra “PlayIN” on Amphitheater Stage for Local Musicians

July 22, 2026

Calling Brass Players of All Ages!

SPAC Hosts Annual Philadelphia Orchestra “PlayIN”

on Amphitheater Stage for Local Musicians

 

Thursday, August 20 @ 12:45 P.M.

 

Saratoga Springs, NY— Back by popular demand is The Philadelphia Orchestra “PlayIN” on SPAC’s iconic stage Thursday, August 20 at 12:45 p.m. Trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba players of all ages, levels, and abilities are invited onstage to join Philadelphia Orchestra musicians for a shared music making event. Participant check in begins at 12:45 PM at the Route 50 Gate entrance to SPAC before the program starts at 1:30 PM in the amphitheater.

PlayINs are signature events for The Philadelphia Orchestra and part of the ensemble’s HEAR initiative, a portfolio of programs promoting the role of music in Health, Education, Access and Research. The PlayINs have taken place regularly in Philadelphia since 2012 and are part of a full array of programs designed to promote access for people of all ages to experience orchestral music either as listeners or performers. The August 20 PlayIN is designed specifically for brass players and is the ninth annual event at SPAC.

Registration for the PlayIN is open to all musicians who register at spac.org. Once the list is full, interested individuals will have the opportunity to add their name to a wait list in the event of cancellations. Music is available to download through the event listing online at spac.org. Participants are not required to play all pieces and may listen in their seats while more difficult pieces are being played. Participants should remember to bring their own copy of the printed music, along with their instrument. The event is free and open to the public, with audiences encouraged to attend.

 

Full PlayIN Program:

  • Mendelssohn – War March of the Priests from Athalia
  • Handel – Water Music
  • Bach – Cantata 118
  • Mozart – Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
  • Sibelius – Andante Festivo
  • Susato – Suite of Dances
  • Thompson – Alleluia
  • Grainger – Irish Tune
  • Ward – America the Beautiful

 

 The afternoon PlayIN on August 20 precedes The Philadelphia Orchestra’s 7:30PM performance: Gershwin’s An American in Paris, conducted by New Zealand conductor Gemma New. The program opens with Montgomery’s Strum for string orchestra, followed by GRAMMY Award-winning pianist Michelle Cann’s SPAC debut with Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major and Florence Price’s Piano Concerto in One Movement. The program concludes with Gershwin’s iconic and beloved An American in Paris.

For additional information on the PlayIN, as well as the schedule for The Philadelphia Orchestra’s SPAC season residency from August 5 – August 22, visit spac.org.

 

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