Philadelphia Orchestra Back at Saratoga Arts Center After Exiting Bankcruptcy

The Philadelphia Orchestra kicks off its 47th season tonight at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) after officially emerging from bankruptcy.

A quintet of string musicians from the orchestra will offer free outdoor concerts throughout the month of August, starting August 2 at 1:30 p.m. The 40-minute performance will be at the bandstand on the first floor of the Children's Museum at Saratoga, 69 Caroline St.

Concertmaster David Kim said becoming a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra was the greatest achievement of his professional life.

"It's a lifetime of work for all of us. We've all attended the best conservatories in the world and we're from all over the world and we come together to create the Philadelphia Orchestra sound," said Kim.

The orchestra debuted the pop-up concerts in Saratoga last season with a purpose of fostering greater awareness and appreciation of the orchestra and classical music. During its three-week residency until August 18th, the orchestra will offer "family nights" on Fridays, "date nights" on Thursdays, and "girls nights" on Wednesdays.

Pianist Lang Lang will play Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1 on Aug. 8 with Yannick Nezet-Seguin, Philadelphia Orchestra's music director designate. On Aug. 15, conductor Rafael Frubeck De Burgos will lead violinist Joshua Bell in Brahms' Concerto. On Aug. 18, a fireworks will close the program with an all-Tchaikovsky program.

For more information about the Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC, visit spac.org.