Orchestra
THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA
August 6 - 23
"The Philadelphia Orchestra is unquestionably one of the world's greats - its sound is incomparably thick and sweet, like a luxurious syrup, with rich string tone, weighty brass and booming timpani."
-Financial Times
A century of acclaimed performances, historic international tours, best-selling recordings and an unprecedented record of innovation have distinguished the Philadelphia Orchestra as one of the world's leading orchestras. Also part of its tradition is its annual summer residency at Saratoga Performing Arts Center - a partnership that spans more than four decades. In 2008, under the baton of Maestro CHARLES DUTOIT, Principal Conductor and Artistic Director of the Saratoga Season, the Orchestra will build on this rich history by presenting another season of creative, compelling classical programming and globally acclaimed soloists.
Among the highlights of '08 include a guest conducting appearance by MARIN ALSOP, Music Director of The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The first woman to be music director of a major American symphony orchestra. Ms. Alsop will conduct the Orchestra in a program that will include works by Barber, Brahms, Mozart and Sarasate. World-renowned violinist GIL SHAHAM will also be part of the evening's program.
Also guest conducting during the season will be one of America's foremost pops conductors and accomplished composer and arranger JEFF TYZIK, who will take SPAC audiences on a musical journey through Hollywood as he presents an evening featuring the scores of classic family films including the The Wizard of Oz, Superman, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean and more.
As in the past, in 2008 SPAC audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy several of the world's most renowned artists including the extraordinary MARTHA ARGERICH -- widely regarded as one of the top classical pianists in the world. Performing twice during the three-week program, Ms. Argerich will perform Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3 and will appearl with the CAPUÇON BROTHERS in a performance of Beethoven's Triple Concerto. Also joining the Orchestra will be masters ANDRÉ WATTS and EMANUEL AX whose brilliant piano performances and recordings have put them at the top of the classical music world. They will highlight a season that will also showcase a new generation of classical talents, including NIKOLAI LUGANSKY who will perform Rachmaninoff's technically demanding Piano Concerto No. 3; former child prodigy and the youngest winner ever of the Queen Elisabeth Music Competition, Siberian-born VADIM REPIN; Armenian violinist SERGEY KHACHATRYAN whose playing was described as "quietly dazzling" by a New York Times reviewer; 20-year old piano sensation YUJA WANG and the dynamic trio TIME FOR THREE who will perform the Saratoga debut of Concerto 4-3, a newly-commissioned work by acclaimed American composer JENNIFER HIGDON.
Also showcased during the Orchestra season will be several epic works, including Gustav Holst's seven-movement symphonic poem and astrological masterwork, THE PLANETS; Leoš Janacek's brilliant, nationalistic SINFONIETTA; Richard Strauss' Nietzsche-inspired ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA, also known as the theme to Stanley Kubrick's science-fiction film, 2001: A Space Odyssey; and AN ALPINE SYMPHONY, Strauss' last tone poem and the last large scale orchestral work which was inspired by a hike through the Bavarian Alps near his home. Also taking inspiration from the surroundings is Ottorino Respighi's THE PINES OF ROME whose four movements each visualize a different scene from the city of Rome.
For more information on The Philadelphia Orchestra and to learn more about their spectacular season outside of their summer residency at SPAC visit www.philorch.org
Courtesy Carts are available for all Philadelphia Orchestra performances. For more information click here.
2008 Schedule
Wednesday, August 6 8:00PM
Opening Night 2008
Thursday, August 7 8:00PM
Emerald City Night
Friday, August 8 8:00PM
The Extraordinary Martha Argerich
Saturday, August 9 8:00PM
Bartók, Beethoven & Brahms
Wednesday, August 13 8:00PM
The Magic of Marin Alsop
Thursday, August 14 8:00PM
Alpine Symphony Night
Friday, August 15 8:00PM
European Extravaganza
Saturday, August 16 8:00PM
Tchaikovsky Spectacular
Wednesday, August 20 8:00PM
Midsummer Night's Dream
Thursday, August 21 8:00PM
Repin Returns
Friday, August 22 8:00PM
The Planets Night
Saturday, August 23 8:00PM
The Grande Finale