Assembly Resolution No. 1463

BY: M. of A. Woerner

COMMEMORATING the 60th Anniversary of Saratoga
Performing Arts Center

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pride in recognizing and
celebrating institutions of historical and cultural significance that
have played an essential role in shaping our communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Saratoga Performing Arts Center on
Thursday, July 9, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in Saratoga Springs,
New York is a renowned outdoor amphitheater performance venue where the
arts, nature, and community converge; and

WHEREAS, Nestled within the 2,400-acre Saratoga Spa State Park, SPAC
is surrounded by hiking trails, geysers, and mineral springs, and has
welcomed generations of artists and audiences to experience the magic of
performance in harmony with the natural world; and

WHEREAS, In recent years, SPAC has blossomed into a year-round
cultural home, expanding beyond the summer season with signature
programming in dance, jazz, classical, and world music at the intimate
Spa Little Theater, just steps from the iconic amphitheater; and

WHEREAS, With a main stage seating capacity of 25,000 people, the
iconic amphitheater offers 5,200 sheltered seats and a sloping lawn to
accommodate an additional 20,000 individuals who travel great distances
to enjoy the world-renowned performances SPAC is known for hosting; and

WHEREAS, From the timeless artistry of its resident companies - New
York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and Chamber Music Society
of Lincoln Center - to the electrifying Saratoga Jazz Festival and
concerts by Live Nation, SPAC has been a destination for lovers of art,
culture, and beauty for six inspiring decades; and

WHEREAS, On June 16, 1966, Saratoga Performing Arts Center was
dedicated by Governor Nelson Rockefeller, and on July 9, 1966, the New
York City Ballet opened the amphitheater with a performance of "A
Midsummer Night's Dream"; and

WHEREAS, In meaningful tribute to that first show 60 years ago, New
York City Ballet will perform "A Midsummer Night's Dream" from July
8-11, 2026; and

WHEREAS, In further celebration of this incredible milestone,
Philadelphia Orchestra Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nezet-Seguin
will return to SPAC from August 5-22, 2026, to anchor the 60th
Anniversary season with the return of the piece that opened the
Orchestra's first season at SPAC in 1966, Beethoven's iconic "Symphony
No. 9"; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Orchestra's first performance at Saratoga
Performing Arts Center on August 4, 1966, was conducted by Eugene
Ormandy, who was instrumental in helping design SPAC's stage and in
perfecting the acoustics of the venue; and

WHEREAS, Looking proudly toward its future, Saratoga Performing Arts
Center has launched The Four Seasons Campaign - a $17.5 million
initiative supporting the renovation of Spa Little Theater, artistic
programming, education and community engagement, and the care of its
campus - ensuring SPAC continues to inspire and connect for generations
to come, through all four seasons of each exciting year; and

WHEREAS, The dedicated leadership, staff, and volunteers of Saratoga
Performing Arts Center have worked unwaveringly to uphold its
longstanding and glowing reputation, and together they have faithfully
committed to ensuring the success and longevity of the venue, its
renowned programming, and natural beauty; and

WHEREAS, For 60 years, Saratoga Performing Arts Center has served as
a testament to the important connection between the arts and community,
and this noble organization has proven the undeniable impact that that
relationship offers residents and visitors of Saratoga Springs, New York
and beyond; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Saratoga Performing Arts Center; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Saratoga Performing Arts Center.