Saratoga Performing Arts Center Announces 2011 Classical Season Presented by HSBC Bank USA, N.A. (HSBC Bank)

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., Feb. 24, 2011-- Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), the Northeast's premier performing arts center, announced the 2011 programs for its summer resident companies, the New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra. Pre-season online ticket sales for all programs begin today for SPAC members; online sales to the public begin March 24. Tickets and information are available at www.spac.org.

2011 HIGHLIGHTS

NEW YORK CITY BALLET, presented by HSBC Bank USA, N.A., July 5 - 16

• A major revival of Peter Martins' "THE MAGIC FLUTE," a charming story ballet featuring elaborate costumes and scenery and lively dance sequences.
• Saratoga Gala premieres of Susan Stroman's "FOR THE LOVE OF DUKE" and Benjamin Millepied's "PLAINSPOKEN," as well as a performance of Peter Martins' elegant "THOU SWELL."
• Christopher Wheeldon's breakthrough work, "POLYPHONIA".  
• "GLEE NIGHT" Pre-Shows featuring Ivy League a cappella groups, Princeton University's "Tigertones" (7/7) and Columbia University's "Nonsequitur" (7/16).  
• "AMERICAN GIRL® NIGHT" (7/12) hosted by SPAC and American Girl® Place in NYC.

THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA, presented by HSBC Bank USA, N.A., July 27 – August 13

• Superstar conductor MARIN ALSOP leads Opening Night of the Orchestra.
• Award-winning actor DAVID HYDE PIERCE narrates Britten's classic "Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra."
• Northeast premiere of John Goberman's full-length film screening of CASABLANCA with soundtrack performed live by the Orchestra.
• An evening of classical and jazz with three-time, Grammy®-winner BRANFORD MARSALIS.
• Stellar lineup of guest conductors including recent Grammy®-winner GIANCARLO GUERRERO, Chief Conductor Designate of the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra STEPHANE DENEVE, Principal Guest Conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, BRAMWELL TOVEY and Conductor Emeritus CHARLES DUTOIT.

World-renowned soloists include YO-YO MA, SARAH CHANG, GIL SHAHAM and EMANUEL AX. Making their first SPAC appearances will be violinist JAMES EHNES, and Venezuelan pianistGABRIELA MONTERO.

About Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Located in scenic Saratoga Springs, New York, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) enjoys a reputation as one of America's most prestigious summer festivals. The stunning 2,400-acre Spa State Park is the backdrop for the world-class programming of SPAC's resident companies, New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra. SPAC also presents acclaimed programs in jazz, chamber music, modern dance, cabaret and Live Nation rock and pop concerts. Detailed information on all SPAC programs is available at www.spac.org