Philadelphia Orchestra Returns to SPAC For Three-Week Residency

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Philadelphia Orchestra launched its three-week residency at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) this week, performing the “Tchaikovsky Spectacular” on Wednesday and “The Planets” on Thursday. The residency will continue with twelve unique programs through Aug. 23.

On Friday night, Aug. 8, Guest Conductor Marin Alsop will lead the orchestra in Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. Bernstein mentored and inspired Alsop throughout her career. The program is bookended by the music of another American icon, George Gershwin. The evening begins with his Cuban Overture, inspired by a trip to Havana and combining traditional Cuban rhythms with Gershwin’s original themes. The program closes with Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F Major, featuring American pianist Clayton Stephenson.

On Saturday, Aug. 9, Grammy-winning jazz singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Laufey will perform alongside the orchestra for her new “Night at the Symphony” program. Last summer, Laufey (pronounced lāy-vāy) made her SPAC debut at the Saratoga Jazz Festival. Now, the “Gen Z It Girl” will return to the SPAC stage for her Philadelphia Orchestra debut. Breaking through with her 2023 album “Bewitched,” which earned her a Grammy Award and broke the record for the biggest debut for a jazz album in Spotify history, Laufey writes songs inspired by jazz greats and classical masters while possessing the point of view of a 21st-century twentysomething. Laufey’s brand of jazz has given birth to a global community of “Lauvers,” who have sold out every tour date that she has put on sale.

Next week’s events include “Stravinsky, Rachmaninoff & Still” on Aug. 13 and “Verdi’s Requiem” on Aug. 14. Tickets and more information are available at spac.org.