SPAC in Time History

In February, Harold Wilm announces the project to build Saratoga Performing Arts Center is underway with the support of Governor Nelson Rockefeller and an initial financial pledge by the State of New York. A large-scale, local capital campaign launches in Saratoga Springs.

Ground is officially broken for the amphitheater by Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller. The parking areas will accommodate 5,000 cars. Construction on the amphitheater begins in October.

New York City Ballet dancer Violette Verdy poses next to a sign for SPAC during construction.

New York City Ballet’s George Balanchine spends months wrangling with the architects over the design of the floor so it will have just the right combination of spring and solidity. He finally gets his way with a basket-weave structure of yellow pine.

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s longtime maestro Eugene Ormandy is instrumental in designing SPAC’s stage and perfecting the acoustics.

Ormandy complains after the first few concerts that the sound of a waterfall on Geyser Creek behind the amphitheater is an annoyance. SPAC builds a dam to hold back the water; however, cutting out the waterfall makes a pond that’s a perfect home for frogs, and their nocturnal croaking bothers Ormandy. The SPAC grounds crew catches all the frogs and moves them to another part of the park.

Founders pose next to a new road sign for SPAC.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center is born, dedicated by New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller.

New York City Ballet (NYCB) premieres at SPAC, the first time in history a ballet company has a permanent summer home. George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is the first public performance in the SPAC amphitheater.

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s first performance at Saratoga Performing Arts Center is the Overture from Beethoven’s The Consecration of the House, conducted by Eugene Ormandy. The program also includes Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

Harry Belafonte headlines SPAC’s first Special Event concert.

SPAC becomes the first theater operation to computerize all performance tickets, programmed on the Ticket Reservation System (TRS).

The first joint performance of NYCB and the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Andre Kostelanetz.

World premiere of New York City Ballet’s Coppèlia, choreographed by George Balanchine and commissioned by SPAC.

World premiere of George Balanchine’s The Steadfast Tin Soldier.

The Philadelphia Orchestra with Victor Borge as guest conductor and pianist sets the SPAC record for the largest attendance at a single matinee with 11,000 people.

The first Saratoga Jazz Festival takes place, billed as Newport Jazz Festival at Saratoga.

Dance superstar Mikhail Baryshnikov makes his New York City Ballet debut at SPAC.

The Abbey Theater makes their SPAC debut in Spa Little Theater.

Seven attendance records set, including the largest season to date with 537,754 total attendees.

Grateful Dead sets SPAC attendance record of 40,231.

Philip Glass is featured as SPAC’s first-ever Composer in Residence.

At the inauguration of the Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Hall of Fame, 13 dance greats are inducted, including Bill “Bojangles” Robinson.

Peter Martin’s The Sleeping Beauty sets the record for the largest New York City Ballet matinee, evening performance, and week of performances.

The amphitheater’s interior is completely refurbished.

World premiere of In Creases, choreographer Justin Peck’s first work for New York City Ballet.

A new amphitheater façade is completed.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center partners with SPAC as a new resident company.

The Charles R. Wood Discovery Stage is completed, becoming SPAC’s second stage.

SPAC’s educational programming reaches a new high of over 49,000 students (up from 5,000 in 2016) with in-school dance residencies, workshops, performances, and family events.

CulinaryArts@SPAC series launches, bringing acclaimed chefs and writers to SPAC for engaging conversations, delicious culinary tastings, and cultural experiences.

SPAC’s campus is transformed and modernized with the completion of The Pines, the Julie Bonacio Family Pavilion, and new amenities buildings. New initiatives in the culinary, literary, visual, and healing arts are launched using the new facilities.

SPAC School of the Arts opens in the Lewis A. Swyer Studios, offering music, theater, and dance classes for all ages and abilities.

SPAC takes over full administration of Spa Little Theater, expanding its programming with a year-round Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center residency, and new fall and holiday programming.

SPAC hosts its inaugural Summer SPACtacular fundraiser.

GE Vernova begins its five-year partnership as the title sponsor of Saratoga Jazz Festival.

SPAC School of the Arts becomes KultureCity Sensory Inclusive certified.

SPAC breaks ground on a $12 million renovation project at Spa Little Theater.

SPAC unveils the transformed Spa Little Theater.