Students at the Saratoga Independent School start to craft the story behind their composition with Saratoga Chamber Players composer and cellist Eliot Bailen as part of the Classroom to Concerts program. Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Chamber Players recently announced that they are sponsoring the Classroom to Concert program, an immersive music experience for the students of the Saratoga Independent School (SIS). The program allows third through fifth-grade students to collaborate with Saratoga Chamber Players composer and cellist Eliot Bailen.
“Classroom to Concert is more than just a musical program; it’s a platform for students to express themselves and work together,” said Saratoga Chamber Players Executive Director Lynne Gelber in a statement. “It instills pride and ownership in the creative process, empowering every child to participate. The program features hands-on activities and interactive lessons that demonstrate how a simple idea can evolve into a full musical composition, providing a truly unique learning experience for students.”
The program will culminate in a final concert in late spring, where professional musicians will join the students on stage to present their compositions in a collaborative performance.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore College will bestow honorary degrees upon poetjournalist and social entrepreneur Aaron P. Dworkin, and advocate and curator of the arts Adam D. Weinberg during the college’s 2025 Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 17 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Both Dworkin and Weinberg will address graduates during the ceremony, which is open to all.
Dworkin is a 2005 MacArthur Fellow, advocate for the arts, best-selling author, poetjournalist, and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker. The longest-serving member of the National Council on the Arts, he has advised five presidential administrations. He is currently a professor of arts leadership and entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan and hosts the nationally broadcast show “Arts Engines.” He’s the author of poetry collections, “The Poetjournalist” and “They Said I Wasn’t Really Black,” as well as two memoirs, a children’s book, a science-fiction novel, and “The Entrepreneurial Artist: Lessons from Highly Successful Creatives.” He is the creator of both the Emmy Award-winning film “An American Prophecy” and the digital art project “Fractured History.”
Weinberg is director emeritus and an honorary trustee of the Whitney Museum of American Art, where he served for 20 years as the Whitney’s Alice Pratt Brown Director. Throughout his career, he has curated exhibitions on dozens of 20th- and 21st-century artists, authored numerous catalogues, and lectured internationally.
Commencement exercises will begin at approximately 10:40 a.m., and a livestream of the event will be available via the Skidmore website.
Knights of Columbus Council #246, 50 Pine St., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. Orders may be placed by calling 518-584-8547 on the day of the event from noon through 3 p.m. The menu will include Fried or Baked Haddock ($15) or Fried Clam Strips ($12), which come with French fries, cold slaw, tartar sauce, and cocktail sauce; New England clam chowder ($13 – quart; $7 – pint); macaroni and cheese ($5); French fries ($3); and dessert ($2) when available. Payment may be made by cash or check made out to “Columbian Association.”
Art Gallery Opening
Main Street Studio, 786 Charlton Road, Charlton | 5 – 8 p.m. Join us for an opening reception celebrating three regional mixed-media fiber artists that hope to inspire others towards positive social change. “Remnants: Stories of Place, Told in Fibers” features work by Karen Schupack, Maggie D’Aversa and Sarah Boink. Exhibit runs Feb 28 – March 30. www.mainstreetcharlton.com
Saturday, March 1
Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show
Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | Get new ideas for your life and home. Featuring 100+ exhibitors at this 2-day event on March 1 and 2. Fine art and crafts show, pet adoption and special events each day. New events were added this year. All are welcome. Thanks to our major sponsor, Adirondack Trust, admission is free. For more information, visit www.saratogaspringsrotary.org.
Lecture at the Military Museum
61 Lake Ave., in Saratoga Springs | 2 p.m. Author and military historian Patrick Chaisson will lead a lecture on “Strange, Unusual, and Innovative Weapons of the U.S. Civil War”. Admission to the presentation as well as the New York State Military Museum is free to the public.
Sunday, March 2
Creating Together
20 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. A celebration of family, community, and connection. Walt and Whitman downstairs lounge. Live music with billboard-charting Cassandra Kubinski – move, grove, sing along. Thank you card writing and card art with Ashley Campbell of Coral and Blue. Brianna’s Brave Dat at School book reading with SoulFilling founder Francine Apy, book readings with Saratoga Springs Publishing’s Vicki Addesso Dodd and Sean Martin, photos with Longshot the Moose. Register at https://found.ee/CreatingTogether
Ladies Nordic Ski Lesson and Lunch
Brookhaven Winter Park, 333 Alpine Meadows Rd., Porters Corners | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. If learning to cross-country ski sounds fun, or if you already ski and are looking to polish your skills, you’ll want to attend the upcoming “lesson and lunch” program for women. Instructors will provide a one-hour lesson to women grouped by experience followed by a lunch at The View Restaurant. The $40 resident/$48 non-resident cost includes equipment rental, lunch and a beverage of your choice. After lunch, ladies are welcome to ski for the afternoon at their leisure. Those not interested in Nordic skiing may choose to snowshoe instead. The park features seven cross-country trails and two snowshoe loops, a total of 20 kilometers of trails. Register on our website www.greenfieldny.org or at
500 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Discover everything you need to make your wedding day unforgettable! Join us and explore a wide range of wedding vendors, services, and ideas. Whether you’re just starting your planning journey or finalizing details, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with top professionals in the industry. Registration for the event is $10 per person and can be made using this link: www.thebrookmereweddingshowcase.com/register. Entry at the door will be $15 per person. Planning to make a weekend out of it? Reserve an overnight stay on 3/1 or 3/2 and enjoy a special discounted rate just for event attendees. To book, call 1-844-276-6563 and use code SHOW.
13th Repair Café
Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 1 – 4 p.m. We will have coaches available to help you fix your lamps, small appliances, computers, leather, jewelry, or sew/hem your favorite item of clothing or beloved stuffed animal. We can’t wait to see you! https://sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/zero-waste/repair-cafe-saratoga-springs/
Concert of Sonatas
Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs | 3 p.m. Saratoga Chamber Players celebrates the return of Artistic Director and violinist Jill Levy. She is joined by pianist Margaret Kampmeier for a concert of Sonatas. The program will include duos for violin and piano by Johann Sebastian Bach, Francis Poulenc and Robert Schumann. Tickets are available at www.saratogachamberplayers.org. Seniors $25, Adults, $30 and Students $20. The concert is supported in part by the NY State Council of the Arts with the support of the NY state Legislature, the office of the Governor and many individual supporters.
Monday, March 3
Galway Preservation Society Program
Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway | Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Charlene DuBuque, Education Director at the Saratoga County History Center, will present “Passing the Time in Victorian Saratoga County,” highlighting the social activities, entertainment, and fashion trends of the era. Discover the vibrant fraternal groups, soirees, fairs, and church socials that shaped the leisure time of Victorian-era locals and influenced how we spend our free time today. Our programs are always open to the public, free of charge. If you choose, annual family or household memberships are available for $10 per year. Please join us for some fun and to learn more about our history.
Tuesday, March 4
Native Perennial Food Plants
Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 6 – 7:30 p.m. When placed in habitats that meet their needs, native plants tend to be well adapted to our climate and have few pest, disease or maintenance problems. This illustrated talk will describe the growth habit, preferred habitat, care required, food value, other users, aesthetic appeal and propagation techniques for over 25 native perennial plants you can include in your edible landscape. The plants range from trees to bushes, groundcovers, roots and even vines. If you want to create an edible hedge, an edible bed, a foundation planting, a you-pick venue, or a forest garden, you will discover there are a variety of native food plants to choose from to fill you space. Please register online to receive the Zoom link. www.sspl.org
Wednesday, March 5
Opera Saratoga Performance
The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 65 S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. Saratoga Opera presents the children’s opera Frida Kahlo and the bravest niña in el mundo, free with museum admission! This interactive children’s opera is about Mariana, a young girl living in Mexico City in the late 1940s, who has her portrait painted by the renowned artist, Frida Kahlo. Though initially frightened, Mariana is emboldened and charmed by Kahlo, the animals in her household, and a visit by the exuberant artist Diego Rivera. Perfect for children ages 5 – 11. For information and additional dates and locations, visit OperaSaratoga.org.
Fried Fish Dinner
Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Take out only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – noon to place an order at 518-584-2585. Menu: fried fish, mac & cheese, tartar sauce, cold slaw, roll. $15 (cash only).
Soup Cooking Class
Cornell Cooperative Extension, 50 W. High St., Ballston Spa | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Build the perfect soup every time. Instant recipes Included. Learn the essentials of building a great tasting soup in layers, the essential basic flavorings, and skills and utensils needed. Participants will not only learn about the essential knowledge of soup making, but will also learn how to make instant soups, ready to enjoy in minutes or less. Call 885-8995 to pre-register two days in advance. Cost: $15.
Ballston Area Seniors Pickin’ Sessions
Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd., Ballston Spa | 6:30 – 9 p.m. Open to the public, free admission & ample free parking. Doors open 6 p.m. All acoustic musicians who enjoy playing country/western, folk, gospel & bluegrass are welcome to participate. If you don’t play, become part of the audience and enjoy the music. Bring a snack to share. Beverages provided. Call 518-885-4229 with questions.
Thursday, March 6
Genealogy Assistance
Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 11 a.m. Lisa Dougherty, a skilled genealogical researcher, will help you with your questions, roadblocks, and other stumpers. Drop in with questions from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., stay for the round table discussion starting at noon. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org
Saratoga Turftalkers
Nemer Chrysler Jeep Conference Room, 617 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs | 5:15 – 6:15 p.m. Toastmasters is a nonprofit organization that helps people develop their communication and leadership skills through practice and feedback. Our local club, Saratoga Turftalkers, meets the first and third Thursday of each month. It is a perfect learning environment for anyone preparing for a career, advancing a career, or just looking to become a better communicator and leader. For more information, visit https://www.toastmasters.org/ or https://saratogaturftalkers.toastmastersclubs.org
A full day of engaging speaker sessions and a hands-on workshop on Saturday, March 8 at the Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library. Ask questions and practice your skills—everything you need to make progress on your family history journey. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org
The schedule: 10 – 11 a.m. How to Get Started Building Your Family Tree with Clifton Park Town Historian, John Scherer. 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Resources at CPH Library and Beyond with staff from CPH Library, Saratoga County Historian, and NY State Archives. Noon – 2 p.m. Hands-On Session with volunteer helpers. 2 – 3 p.m. Adding Y-DNA Testing to Your Genealogy Toolbox with genealogist Skip Duett. 3:15 – 4:15 p.m. Finding American Women’s Voices with genealogist Jane Wilcox. All day: Information tables featuring local history organizations; light refreshments provided by the Friends of the Library.
Let’s Talk Ticks: What Every Livestock Producer Needs to Know
A live webinar event, March 12 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. In person at 50 West High St., Ballston Spa or on Zoom. Joellen Lampman, Community IPM Extension Support Specialist from the NYS Integrated Pest Management Program will discuss what we know about the impacts of ticks and tick-borne diseases on livestock in New York, steps being taken to learn more, and what we might do to mitigate risks for our stock and ourselves. Attendees will receive a Don’t Get Ticked New York kit for their farm. Kits contain tick removal equipment and identification cards. To register for this event:
Sunday, March 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join Bikeatoga on our first Slow Roll of the season, our Pi(e) Ride. We will meet at the Spirit of Life in Congress Park at 10 am, load our pies on Bikeatoga Founder, Ian Klepetar’s Pie Trailer, and ride from house to house to chat and share our pies, sweet and savory! Looking forward to seeing you at the Pie Ride. Contact us at info@bikeatoga.org or text us at 518-290-0746 for more information.
Community Rummage Sale
Charlton Freehold Presbyterian Church is hosting a Community Rummage Sale, Soup and Chowder Sale on Saturday, March 29, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at 768 Charlton Road, Charlton. If you’d like to make space and get rid of some items not being used, come sell them! Rent a table and space for $15.00. for information or to rent a table/space email: office@charltonfreehold.org or call 518-399-2873. Savory soups and chowder prepared in the church’s kitchen will also be available for sale.
Northeastern Woodworkers Showcase
The Northeastern Woodworkers Association will be presenting their 32nd annual Woodworkers Showcase at the Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs on March 29 and 30, 10 am. to 5 pm. Admission is $15, 2 day pass $25, children under 12 free. The show will feature over 500 exhibits of the art of woodworking, including fine furniture, wood sculpture, carvings, musical instruments, toys, turnings, and all things crafted from wood. National and regional vendors will be offering a wide variety of wood, and wood related tools and accessories for sale, along with demonstrations. There will be free lectures and demonstrations on a variety of subjects by talented artisans. Sunday is Family Day with an opportunity for children to build a toy and turn a pen on a lathe. For further information, see www.woodworker.org
Southern Adirondack Beekeepers Association Spring Seminar
Saturday, March 29, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Hudson Valley Community College TEC-SMART, located at 345 Hermes Road, Malta. Guest speakers, raffle, vendors, and more. For information and updates see: Sababees.org
Mixed Media Art Show
Southern Saratoga Art Society will be hosting Art Exhibits throughout the area. The Clifton Park Senior Community Center Gallery, 6 Clifton Common Blvd., Clifton Park, will host the exhibit “Mixed Media Art Show”, featuring students from Shenendehowa Senior High School, during the month of March. Also, during the month of March, the Mechanicville Library, located at 190 N. Main Street, Mechanicville, will host a show of watercolor artwork featuring animals and landscapes of SSAS member and artist, Faith Weldon. Stop in and view these amazing artists. For further information about SSAS, visit: southernsaratogaartist.com
11th Annual Fundraising Gala
Gateway House of Peace is excited to announce The Butterfly Ball, to be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Bright Family’s historic barn at Twin Leaf Farm in Greenfield Center. It will be an evening of dancing, delicious food, a silent auction, and a chance to win $10,000, all in the spirit of supporting our mission of providing free 24-hour care for the terminally ill. GHOP is a 100% donor-driven organization and relies on fundraising and donations. We are looking for local businesses to support our silent auction by donating goods and/or gift cards to highlight their businesses. Contact Dianne Greene at dgreene@gatewayhouseofpeace.org for more information. We are also looking for corporate sponsors.
Art in the Park
Held in Congress Park, Saratoga Springs on May 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Rain date: Saturday, May 31). Artists working in all art genres are encouraged to apply, regardless of membership status at Saratoga Arts. All applicants are required to submit 5 images of their merchandise in this application. Artists will be notified of their booth placement by May 2. Booths are 12 x 12 ft. Please make sure to review all guidelines. Apply by April 11. Member booth fee: $125/Non-member booth fee: $175. For more information or to register, visit https://www.saratoga-arts.org/event-5750875
Looking for Unique Vendors & Artisans
Ballston Area Seniors are gearing up for their Annual Bazaar on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Held at the Town of Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd. Ballston Spa. What is your specialty? Pickles, Relishes, jams & jellies, or any handmade crafts are appreciated and welcome. We are looking for you to join us. Indoor spaces—8’Wx6’D are $ 30.00 indoor only are (first come, first serve basis and electrical outlets indoor are limited.) Outdoor spaces—12’Wx10’D are $ 25. To receive an Exhibit Contract and a Town of Milton agreement contact the Bazaar Vendor Coordinator Sue Heimburg we can e-mail out contracts. Sheim381@aol.com or Call—518-885-8037 / text message
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Phish have announced they will stage a trio of concerts at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in July as part of their summer 2025 tour.
The tour will get underway June 20 in New Hampshire, and conclude at Forest Hills, Queens (July 22-23), and Saratoga Springs (July 25-27).
For more information and tickets, go to: phish.com/tours.
Author Steve Stern will discuss his new novel “A Fool’s Kabbalah,” on March 5 at Northshire Bookstore in Saratoga Springs.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — In the ruins of postwar Europe, the world’s leading expert on the Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism goes on a hair-raising journey to recover sacred books stolen by the Nazis.
Steve Stern, author of the new novel “A Fool’s Kabbalah,” will be traveling to Saratoga Springs to discuss his new historical novel, with Jay Rogoff at Northshire Books, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 5,
The novel features numerous real-life historic figures, reimagines Gershom Scholem’s quest and how it sparked in him the desire to realize the legacy of his dear friend, the brilliant philosopher Walter Benjamin.
At the end of the Second World War Gershom Scholem, the magisterial scholar of Jewish mysticism, is commissioned by the Hebrew University in what was then British-ruled Palestine to retrieve a lost world. He is sent to sift through the rubble of Europe in search of precious Jewish books stolen by the Nazis or hidden by the Jews themselves in secret places throughout the ravaged continent. The search takes him into ruined cities and alien wastelands.
For 30 years, Stern taught at Skidmore College, the majority of those years as Writer-in-Residence. He has also been a Fulbright lecturer at Bar Elan University in Tel Aviv, the Moss Chair of Creative Writing at the University of Memphis, and Lecturer in Jewish Studies for the Prague Summer Seminars. He is the author of 13 previous books, including, most recently, The Village Idiot. He splits his time between Brooklyn and Ballston Spa, New York.
“A Fool’s Kabbalah” was published Feb. 18 by Melville House.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Heavy metal band Pantera have announced their 2025 US Summer amphitheater tour will include a stop at Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 28.
Support will be provided by Swedish heavy metal group Amon Amarth and an additional guest opener to be announced at a later date.!
Featuring classic members, vocalist Philip H. Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, alongside guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante, Pantera’s latest stretch of live dates continues the celebration of the lives of late founding members, drummer Vinnie Paul and guitarist Dimebag Darrell.
The tour follows the band’s Spring run of stadium shows with Metallica and Suicidal Tendencies as well as a very special UK performance as part of Black Sabbath’s and Ozzy Osbourne’s historic final show alongside Metallica, Slayer, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb Of God, Anthrax, Mastodon, and more.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College hosts a vibrant queer comedy showcase on Thursday, March 6, at 7:30 pm. The event is held in conjunction with the exhibition “a field of bloom and hum.”
Hosted by Beck Krefting, a Skidmore Professor and comedian, Queerly Beloved features Calvin Cato, Sheria Mattis, and Bailey Pope in a night of laughter and liberation where bold voices and brilliant punchlines collide with stunning art.
Cato’s on-air and radio appearances include Oxygen, Netflix, Sirius XM, RISK!, WIRED Magazine, and an unaired pilot for Vice Media called Emergency Black Meeting. His comedy has been featured in numerous festivals and events. Mattis is a Brooklyn-born comedian and writer. Her comedy has been featured on OprahDaily, PBS, and NBC. Pope is a New York-based Comedian, writer, and pigeon-holed actress. She’s been featured on Prime Video, Sirius XM, Roku Comedy Network, and at festivals.
The event is free and open to the public.
The monumental exhibition a field of bloom and hum, presented on both of the Tang’s two floors, features works by more than 150 artists made over the last 100 years that celebrate queer identities and communities.
For more information, call the Visitors Services Desk at 518-580-8080 or visit https://tang.skidmore.edu.
Laufey: A Night at the Symphony with The Philadelphia Orchestra, Aug. 9 at SPAC.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced the return of The Philadelphia Orchestra to its summer home in Saratoga for a three-week residency from Aug. 6 – Aug. 23.
The artistically ambitious season will feature a mix of masterworks from the classical canon alongside SPAC premieres and appearances by a diverse and international slate of today’s most exciting artists and conductors.
“Our 2025 Philadelphia Orchestra season is marked by a strong presence of today’s most exciting and acclaimed female artists. From the return of Marin Alsop, one of the great conductors of our time, to the appearance of three world-class vocalists from across the sonic spectrum – Laufey, Cynthia Erivo, and Renée Fleming – we look forward to bringing the unparalleled artistry of these women to our stage,” Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC’s President & CEO said in a statement.
Philadelphia Orchestra Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin will return to the podium Aug. 13 to begin the season and lead programs exclusive to SPAC.
THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA: August 6 – August 23:
Aug. 6: Tchaikovsky Spectacular. Marin Alsop, conductor, Hai-Ye Ni, cello. Selections from The Nutcracker, Variations on a Rococo Theme, for cello and orchestra, Hamlet Overture, 1812 Overture
AUG. 7: The Planets. Marin Alsop, conductor, Randall Goosby, violin, Sopranos and Altos of the Albany Pro Musica. Clyne – Masquerade, Mendelssohn- Violin Concerto, Holst – The Planets.
Aug. 8: Gershwin & Bernstein. Marin Alsop, conductor, Clayton Stephenson, piano. Cuban Overture, Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Piano Concerto in F.
Aug. 9: Laufey: A Night at the Symphony with The Philadelphia Orchestra. Laufey, vocalist. Jazz singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Laufey brings sonic journey performing alongside The Philadelphia Orchestra for her new “Night at the Symphony” program.
Aug. 13: Stravinsky, Rachmaninoff & Still. Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor, Beatrice Rana, piano. Suite from The Firebird, Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, for piano and orchestra, Symphony No. 2 (“Song of a New Race.”)
Aug. 14: Verdi’s Requiem with Yannick. Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor, Ailyn Pérez, soprano, Sasha Cooke, mezzo-soprano, Matthew Polenzani, tenor , Alfred Walker*, bass-baritone , Albany Pro Musica
Aug. 15: Renée Fleming with The Philadelphia Orchestra. Robert Moody, conductor, Renée Fleming, soprano. One of the most beloved and celebrated singers of our time Renée Fleming returns to SPAC with an all-new program alongside The Philadelphia Orchestra. This performance begins with inspiration from the album Voice of Nature: the Anthropocene, in which Fleming explores humankind’s evolving relationship with nature, performing works from ranging from Handel to Björk and The Lord of the Rings, with a projected film created for the program by National Geographic. The second half of the program features beloved arias and songs, from Puccini to Rodgers and Hammerstein.
Aug. 16: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince in Concert. Justin Freer, conductor. Hooper Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (complete with film). The Harry Potter Film Concert Series returns with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert. Displayed on a giant screen and accompanied by The Philadelphia Orchestra. Nicholas Hooper returns to the Harry Potter series with this magical score.
Aug. 20: Beethoven’s Fifth, Naomi Woo, conductor, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, cello. Coleridge-Taylor – Ballade in A minor, Saint-Saëns – Cello Concerto No. 1, Beethoven – Symphony No. 5.
Aug. 21: Copland & Bates with Time for Three and Teddy Abrams. Teddy Abrams, conductor. Time for Three: Ranaan Meyer, double bass, Nick Kendall, violin, Charles Yang, violin. Barber – Adagio for Strings, Copland – Appalachian Spring Suite, Bates – Silicon Hymnal, for string trio and orchestra.
Aug. 22: An Evening with Cynthia Erivo & The Philadelphia Orchestra. Steven Reineke, conductor, Cynthia Erivo, vocalist. Known for her powerhouse performances on both stage and screen, Cynthia Erivo is celebrated for her transformative roles in numerous works, including The Color Purple, Harriet, and most recently, the widely celebrated film adaptation of Wicked. With her appearance, alongside the full Philadelphia Orchestra, she gives voice to music made famous by the greatest singers of all time, including Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Tina Turner, in addition to Broadway hits and her original songs.
Aug. 23: Back to the Future in Concert. Steven Reineke, conductor. Silvestri – Back to the Future in Concert (complete with film). Fans old and new will experience the thrill of Back to the Future on a big high-def screen with The Philadelphia Orchestra performing Alan Silvestri’s dazzling musical score live.
Tickets to “Laufey: A Night at the Symphony” will be available Feb. 28. Tickets to all other Philadelphia Orchestra performances will be available beginning on Feb. 27 for members (tiered by level) and on March 7 at 10 a.m. for the general public.
All performances are at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, go to: spac.org.
Liam Chartrand is a student-athlete at Saratoga Springs High School and has been on the boys varsity tennis team for 6 years, starting in 7th grade. He’s been captain of the team since his junior year. He’s a member of the National Honors Society, a class officer, and president of the school’s Entrepreneurs Club.
Coach Rich Johns, a former Saratoga Springs teacher and tennis coach for nearly four decades, asked Chartrand about his accomplishments and future plans as part of the “Act With Respect Always” spotlight series.
Q:What kind of pressure do you feel being the captain for the tennis team?
A: I feel pressure to make sure I do not let my teammates down, as being captain means I need to work my best to ensure our team’s success. I lead by example through focus, work ethic, and discipline so my teammates know to do the same.
What kind of modeling do you try to do to be a good leader and teammate?
A: I work to balance both hard work and fun. Being a part of a varsity team is a big commitment, but it also should be fun for those on the team. This balance is fundamental to success in all aspects of sports.
Tell us more about your program that gives free tennis lessons.
A: The idea for Rally for Youth was sparked when I started volunteering at a tennis camp through the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center. Working with kids from ages 6-14, I experienced firsthand the positive impact of learning the sport. When my students called me “Coach,” I felt a joy I hadn’t experienced before. Once the summer program ended, I decided to continue working with my eager players, at no cost. The program has continued since, with six volunteer coaches who work with me and twenty active participants who are growing their love of tennis and their self-confidence. Competing in tennis has always been the part of my life I most enjoyed, and sharing my skills to help others has only magnified my love for the game. After spending ten years of my tennis career on personal achievement and goals, I have found new meaning in empowering kids through tennis—especially those who otherwise would not have the opportunity.
What are your future career plans and goals?
A: I plan to pursue a career in medicine, sparked by my grandfather who had a 5-year long battle with cancer. This battle fueled my drive to try to pursue medical school after college.
