Earlier today, and for the first time in its 53-year history, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) announced the cancellation of its 2020 classical season due to the continued threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn about the options available for ticketholders and SPAC’s plans for the 2021 classical season below.
SPAC Makes Difficult Decision
SPAC’s 2020 classical season was set to feature seven performances and four distinct programs by New York City Ballet, 12 performances by The Philadelphia Orchestra, six programs by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the return of “SPAC on Stage,” and “Not Our First Goat Rodeo” featuring Yo-Yo Ma. After much discussion, SPAC and its board of directors have decided to cancel all of these summer performances.
In a press release, Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC’s President and CEO, said “So much thought, care, heart and soul go into crafting and preparing for our summer season that we truly think of it as a love letter to our community. To find it necessary to cancel what would have been one of the most ambitious and artistically inspiring seasons to date is just gut-wrenching and inconceivable.”
SPAC is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, and they depend on ticket sales and the generosity of individuals and corporate underwriters for 80% of its budget. Due to the impact of COVID-19, SPAC faces the loss of millions of dollars in ticket, rental, and sponsorship income.
If you’d like to support SPAC, 2020 classical season ticketholders can choose to convert all or a minimum of $25 of their ticket purchase into a tax-deductible donation. For every person who decides to donate, SPAC will donate two 2021 tickets to first responders and local health care workers. Ticketholders can visit SPAC’s website to donate, receive a credit, or request a refund.
Please note that this does not impact Live Nation concerts at SPAC, and that changes to the rock, pop, and country concert schedule will be made directly by Live Nation and Ticketmaster. For info on refunds for cancelled or postponed shows, visit Live Nation.
Plans for the 2021 Classical Season
Looking ahead to summer 2021, SPAC is holding dates for the return of New York City Ballet on July 13-17, 2021, The Philadelphia Orchestra on August 4-21, 2021, and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in August 2021 (exact dates TBD).
