Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is bringing back its pre-performance discussion series for the first time since 2019 with a new program called Setting the Stage. The talks will take place before select New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra performances throughout July and August and will be available to ticket holders.
Unlike other past years, the conversations will now be held outdoors on the Charles R. Wood Stage, allowing audiences to hear directly from dancers, conductors, musicians, and other guests before the evening’s performance.
The Setting the Stage series features numerous notable names from both the ballet and classical music worlds. New York City Ballet dancers Tiler Peck, Taylor Stanley, and Daniel Ulbricht are among the scheduled guests, alongside NYCB Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford and Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan.
Philadelphia Orchestra-related events will include appearances by Principal Guest Conductor Marin Alsop, Assistant Conductor Naomi Woo, Principal Bass Joseph Conyers, and Metropolitan Opera Principal Guest Conductor Daniele Rustioni. Music scholar Morten Solvik will also lead a discussion focused on composer Gustav Mahler.
On August 7, conductor Marin Alsop is expected to join singer-songwriter Janis Ian for a conversation to discuss the influence Leonard Bernstein had on both of their careers. The event is being presented in partnership with Caffè Lena.
The discussions are scheduled approximately one hour before performances and are included with admission for ticket holders.
Setting the Stage Schedule
July 8 – 6:30 pm. Jonathan Stafford
July 9 – 6:30 pm Taylor Stanley and Daniel Ulbricht
July 10 – 12:45 pm Tiler Peck
July 11 – 6:30 pm Wendy Whelan
August 6 – 6:30 pm Morten Solvik
August 7 – 6:15 pm Marin Alsop and Janis Ian
August 12 – 6:15 pmDaniele Rustioni
August 13 – 6:30 pm Naomi Woo
August 20 – 6:30 pm Joseph Conyers
For more information, visit SPAC’s website.
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