Community Calendar

Opera Saratoga presents FREE performances of this family-friendly event!

Adapted from the short story by Oscar Wilde, this family opera addresses themes of empathy, compassion, and togetherness as the selfish giant learns to share his bountiful garden with neighboring children. Performed at Universal Preservation Hall and throughout the Capital Region as part of Opera Saratoga’s Opera-to-Go education program.

This production is suitable for all ages and performed in English.

PERFORMANCE DATES
Saturday, June 3 at 11 am - Saratoga Library, Saratoga Springs, NY
Sunday, June 11 at 1 pm - Schenectady Civic Players, Schenectady, NY
Wednesday, June 21 at 3 pm - Saratoga Farmers Market, High Point Park, Saratoga Springs, NY
Saturday, July 1 at 11am - Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs, NY
Wednesday, July 5 at 11 am - Pitney Meadows, Saratoga Springs, NY
Saturday, July 8 at 11am - Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs, NY

Come hear Opera Saratoga’s brilliant Festival Artists shine at the annual Stars of Tomorrow concert. These 21 artists were chosen out of 1,000 applicants to be members of Opera Saratoga's prestigious Festival Artist training program. One of the most popular concerts of the season, the program will include blockbuster arias and spectacular vocal effects from these bright young stars.

Known for their dynamic and eclectic musical style, ETHEL has performed across the world and collaborated with jazz legends, rock stars, and composer-performers. With nine albums and numerous collaborations to their credit, ETHEL continues to forge human connections through sound and style. These performances are not to be missed by anyone looking to experience the best in contemporary classical.

GRAMMY-nominated violinist and composer Curtis J. Stewart will bring his musical authenticity to the stage with a performance of works from his recently released album "Of Love." Exploring themes of self-determination, love, and loss, Stewart's music transcends the traditional boundaries of classical violin and serves as a source of inspiration for realizing one's own citizenship. As the Artistic Director of the American Composer's Orchestra and recipient of the Eastman "Centennial Award" for artistry and leadership, Stewart is dedicated to bridging the gap between classical music and contemporary life.

Joining Stewart on stage is the renowned string quartet ETHEL. Known for their dynamic and eclectic musical style, ETHEL has performed across the world and collaborated with jazz legends, rock stars, and composer-performers. With nine albums and numerous collaborations to their credit, ETHEL continues to forge human connections through sound and style. These performances are not to be missed by anyone looking to experience the best in contemporary classical music.

Seagle Festival's traditional opening concert will feature all 32 2023 Seagle Festival emerging artists performing solos, duets and ensemble, and is followed by a welcoming reception.

Nigunim Trio, made up of Lorin Sklamberg, Frank London, and Rob Schwimmer, will perform nigunim and zmiros, spiritual Hasidic-Jewish chants of devotion and praise. They will be joined by special guest clarinetist Merlin Shepherd.

Mazel Tov Cocktail Party, conceived and created by David Krakauer and Kathleen Tagg, is a musical celebration rooted in Krakauer’s signature Yiddish style but expanded into a cross-cultural dance fusion. The project showcases an international crew, including Iranian percussionist Martin Shamoonpour, jazz bassist Jerome Harris, Montreal rapper Sarah MK, and electric guitarist Yoshie Fruchter.

Led by violinist Jake Shulman-Ment, Midwood is a contemporary klezmer/rock celebration of freedom and the Jewish tradition of wandering and migration. The band features some of the most exciting young performers on the international world music stage, including vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Eleonore Weill, guitarist Yoshie Fruchter, and drummer Richie Barshay.

Founded in 2003 in Riga, Latvia, and led by vocalist Sasha Lurje and keyboardist/arranger Ilya Shneyveys, Forshpil represents Yiddishland, a legendary country where shtetl musicians play electric guitars, and traditional Yiddish ballads are as popular as rock anthems. If Pink Floyd and The Doors had ever jammed together at a Jewish wedding, it would have sounded something like this.