Beethoven’s Ninth with Yannick

Philadelphia Orchestra Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin returns to SPAC 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 Ninth Symphony, featuring soloists soprano Leah Hawkins, mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges, tenor Issachah Savage, and bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green, joined by Albany Pro Musica.

The evening opens with the SPAC premiere of William Grant Still’s rarely performed Wood Notes, a pastoral suite inspired by the American South and the poetry of Joseph Mitchell Pilcher. This performance continues SPAC’s and the Orchestra’s ongoing commitment to restoring and presenting works by underrepresented composers.

Tickets and box office
- All e-tickets for The Philadelphia Orchestra will be sent one week prior to the performance date. Contact the Box Office with any questions at 518-584-9330.
- Web & phone ticket purchases will incur a $7 service fee; no fees are applied for in-person ticket purchases at the Box Office.

Parking
- Premier parking is available as an optional upgrade. Limited spaces are available. Purchase at checkout for $20 to enjoy easy access to the Route 50 entry gate.
- General admission parking is free.

About the artists
- Yannick Nézet-Séguin: Canadian-born conductor and pianist, currently in his 14th season with The Philadelphia Orchestra as music and artistic director. He is known for a collaborative style and a commitment to expanding the repertoire, including performances and recordings of underappreciated composers. Under his leadership The Philadelphia Orchestra has returned to recording with releases on Deutsche Grammophon, including Florence Price Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3, which won a GRAMMY® Award for Best Orchestral Performance in 2022.

• Leah Hawkins (soprano): Recipient of The Metropolitan Opera’s 2024 Beverly Sills Artist Award and a graduate of the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. Other honors include the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Women in Classical Music Career Advancement Award, Richard Tucker Foundation Career Grant, and the Marian Anderson Award. Education: Master of Music in Voice from Yale University; Bachelor of Arts in Music from Morgan State University.

• Issachah Savage (tenor): Dramatic tenor with a wide-ranging symphonic and operatic repertoire. He has appeared with leading orchestras and opera companies and has received awards including the Seattle International Wagner Competition main prize and audience favorite prize. Education: bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from Morgan State University and a master’s degree in Opera Voice Performance from The Catholic University of America.

• Ryan Speedo Green (bass-baritone): Three-time Grammy Award-winning artist with major house and orchestra appearances. His story is told in Sing for Your Life by Daniel Bergner. Education: Master of Music degree from Florida State University and Bachelor of Music degree from the Hartt School of Music.

• Albany Pro Musica (APM): The preeminent choral ensemble in New York’s Capital Region, known for technical competency, artistry, and purposeful programming. APM offers concert series, special performances, educational programs, and choral festivals for young musicians. Led by Opalka Family Artistic Director Dr. José Daniel Flores-Caraballo. Website: albanypromusica.org

Permitted items
- Food, beverages, and disposable utensils (compostable, plastic, reusable, etc.)
- Blankets and breathable ground coverings
- Umbrellas (personal-sized umbrellas only will be permitted on the amphitheater lawn)
- Lawn chairs (must not exceed 43" in height when opened; lawn chairs on the center amphitheater lawn must not exceed 26" in height when opened)
- Tents
- Please note: Tents of any size will NOT be permitted on the Amphitheater lawn or immediately in front of the Charles R. Wood Discovery Stage

Items listed are subject to change or vary on show day

Items not permitted
- Metal utensils
- Plastic tarps
- Lawn chairs over 43" in height when opened
- Tents on the Amphitheater lawn or immediately in front of the Charles R. Wood Discovery Stage
- Grills, cooking equipment, or any flame that uses a liquid, gas, or gel accelerant
- Laser pointers
- Drones
- Professional audio or video recording equipment
- Cameras with detachable lenses
- Bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, etc.
- Pets (except ADA approved service animals)
- Illegal drugs or substances
- Weapons of any kind

Items listed are subject to change or vary on show day

Ground rules
- Security procedure: All bags will be inspected, and all personnel will be searched via metal detectors. Bags include but are not limited to coolers, baskets, tote bags, purses, diaper bags, strollers, and other containers. Any item not permitted on SPAC grounds should be disposed of or returned to your vehicle.
- Smoking is permitted on the SPAC grounds in designated areas only. Please dispose of cigarette butts properly.
- Guests may bring blankets and umbrellas but should consider others; disruptive items may need to be removed.
- Reentry is permitted for SPAC-produced events with a reentry wristband obtained from staff at the gates prior to exiting.
- SPAC has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of any kind. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, report concerns immediately to SPAC staff or security.

Amphitheater house rules for classical performances
- "House" refers to seating inside the amphitheater; these rules apply inside the amphitheater for SPAC-produced events.
- Beverages are permitted in the amphitheater, but food is not.
- Guests arriving after the performance begins will not be seated until the earliest appropriate opportunity at the discretion of House Staff.
- Please turn off or silence all mobile devices prior to the start of the program. If an emergency requires using a mobile device, step outside the theater to avoid disturbing others.
- Video, photography, audio, or cell phone recording during performances is prohibited.